Oven Caramel Popcorn

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this irresistible Oven Caramel Popcorn recipe, a delightful homemade snack perfect for movie nights, parties, or gift-giving! Featuring fluffy air-popped popcorn coated in a rich, buttery caramel sauce made from brown sugar, light corn syrup, and a hint of vanilla, this recipe combines classic flavors with a crisp, golden finish thanks to slow baking in the oven. The prep is as simple as it is rewarding—just 10 minutes to create the perfect balance of salty and sweet with a satisfying crunch. Plus, each batch serves eight, making it ideal for sharing (or savoring solo!). Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleaser or a fun DIY treat, this caramel popcorn is sure to become your go-to indulgence.

Nutriscore Rating: 27/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup popcorn kernels
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2

Pop the popcorn kernels using an air popper or stovetop method. Once popped, measure about 10-12 cups of popcorn, and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid biting into them later.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.

Step 4

Allow the mixture to boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring. This will allow the caramel to thicken and develop flavor. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam up slightly.

Step 5

Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn in the large mixing bowl. Working quickly, use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss the popcorn until it's evenly coated with the caramel.

Step 6

Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to break up any large clumps of popcorn for even cooking.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring the popcorn every 15 minutes to ensure an even coating and prevent sticking.

Step 8

Once done, remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The caramel will harden as it cools, creating a crisp texture.

Step 9

Once cooled, break up any remaining large clumps and store the caramel popcorn in an airtight container for up to a week. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	319.3 grams (319.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1330

Total Fat 50.30g	64%
Saturated Fat 28.30g	142%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 124mg	41%
Sodium 1556mg	68%
Total Carbohydrate 224.00g	81%
Dietary Fiber 7.50g	27%
Total Sugars 186.00g
Protein 6.40g	13%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 138mg	11%
Iron 2mg	13%
Potassium 378mg	8%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.9%

Protein: 1.9%

Carbs: 65.2%