My Family Recipe for Carmel Corn

Homemade Caramel Corn: Sweet, Buttery, and Perfectly Crunchy

There’s something extra special about a recipe that’s been passed down in your family. This caramel corn is one of those recipes for me—straight from my mom’s kitchen. It’s a treat we make together every year, and it’s filled with memories of laughter, taste-testing, and the irresistible smell of caramel bubbling on the stove.

With its golden, buttery caramel coating and perfect crunch, this caramel corn is the ultimate snack for movie nights, parties, or just a cozy evening at home. Every bite brings me back to those moments with my mom, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Family Favorite: Passed down from my mom, it’s tried, true, and delicious.

• Buttery and Sweet: The perfect balance of flavors in every crunchy bite.

• Simple to Make: Easy, pantry-friendly ingredients and a straightforward method.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 9 oz popped popcorn (dry)

• 2 cups brown sugar

• ½ pound unsalted butter

• ½ cup white corn syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Prepare the popcorn: Fill a large roasting pan with 9 ounces of popped popcorn. Set aside.

2. Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once it reaches a boil, let it cook for 5 minutes without stirring.

3. Add the flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up slightly—this is normal. Stir until everything is well blended.

4. Coat the popcorn: Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn in the roasting pan. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel.

5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 250°F. Place the roasting pan in the oven and bake the caramel corn for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.

6. Cool and enjoy: Once done, remove the pan from the oven and spread the caramel corn onto a sheet of waxed paper to cool completely. The caramel will harden as it cools, creating that perfect crunch.

A Tradition Worth Sharing

Making this caramel corn is one of my favorite traditions with my mom. From the sweet smell of caramel filling the kitchen to sneaking a bite before it cools, every step is a memory. It’s not just a snack—it’s a part of our family story, and I hope it becomes a part of yours, too.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Corn

• Work quickly: Once the caramel is ready, pour it over the popcorn and stir immediately to ensure even coating before it cools.

• Double the recipe: This caramel corn is so good, you’ll want to make extra! Doubling the recipe works beautifully.

• Store for freshness: Keep your caramel corn in an airtight container to maintain its crunch for up to a week.

Why It’s a Favorite

This caramel corn isn’t just a snack—it’s a connection to family, tradition, and the joy of making something together. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging on your own, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!

If you try it, tag me on Instagram @WeeknightHomemaker—I’d love to see your caramel corn creations and hear your stories!

Happy snacking,

Lauren

The Weeknight Homemaker