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Caramel Popcorn – Ready in 15 Minutes!

This caramel popcorn is so quick and easy, you can whip it up from start to finish in 15 minutes! It’s the easiest and best crunchy caramel popcorn recipe, ever! Make it your own personalized recipe by adding your own choice of  nuts, coconut or ? 

caramel popcorn spilling out of a bag

Originally published February 3, 2013

Do you love sweet and crunchy, addictively delicious caramel popcorn?

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photo of caramel crunch popcorn in a paper cup with brown footballs on it with a beer behind

It’s perfect for movie night, sleepovers, camping, and of course sporting events like Super Bowl parties!

close up of sweet

Crunchy Garlic Baked Pita Chips

Crunchy Garlic Baked Pita Chips from Christina's Cucina

So, I’m sharing a super simple recipe for my go-to caramel popcorn. There’s no thermometer needed, and only bakes for 10 minutes!

caramel popcorn spilling out of a bag

This is a recipe my brother used to make, so unfortunately, I don’t know who to credit for the original recipe.

overhead photo of caramel crunch popcorn in a cup with tv remote nearby

NOTE: As you can see from the photos, this is a lightly covered caramel popcorn, so it’s less sweet and has less calories than popcorn coated in a heavy caramel.

pouring caramel over popcorn

If you prefer the latter, then double the amount of butter, sugar and Golden Syrup, or pop half as much (or less) popcorn. Add some toasted nuts or coconut, if you like, too!

caramel popcorn spilling out of a bag
Batch with double caramel.
paper bag with pop corn on it

You can order these similar popcorn bags for your next movie night or event.

caramel popcorn spilling out of a bag

Caramel Popcorn Recipe

This is such an old recipe I’ve been making, I don’t know where it originated                Serves 4

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW

Ingredients

  • popping corn, popped
  • sugar
  • butter
  • salt
  • Golden Syrup

Note: Lyle’s Golden Syrup is a flavorful British corn syrup alternative which is less processed than corn syrup.

Lyle's Golden Syrup in a spoon
Tip: rub a little oil in the spoon before measuring the syrup. The syrup will pour out quickly without sticking.

Directions

Preheat oven to 300ºF (150ºC)

Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. Melt the butter with the remaining ingredients in a small pot over low heat. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 or 2 minutes.

making caramel in a pot

Next, remove the syrup from the heat and immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn (and other add ins, if using) in the bowl.

pouring caramel over popcorn

Mix gently, then place onto a non-stick baking sheet. Using two forks, gently continue to stir the caramel popcorn.

making caramel corn

Now, place tray in preheated oven for 5 minutes. Remove and mix the sugar syrup and popcorn gently, then place in oven for another 5 minutes or so.

caramel popcorn spilling out of a bag

Remove from oven and allow to cool; break into pieces and enjoy this awesome caramel crunch corn!

close up of caramel corn

And have you tried my “no fry” Buffalo Hot Wings? You seriously need these ASAP!

No fry hot wings (Buffalo Wings)

My friend Serena has a lovely recipe for pretzel bites which would also be a great addition to the caramel popcorn for a Superbowl party! 

pretzel bites

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caramel popcorn spilling out of a bag

Caramel Crunch Popcorn

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
A super fast caramel popcorn recipe that tastes great!
4.8 from 18 votes

Ingredients

  • ½ c popping corn popped (makes a large bowlful)
  • ½ c sugar
  • ½ c butter
  • 1 pinch salt omit if using salted butter
  • 2 Tbsp Lyle's Golden Syrup see Notes

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300ºF (150ºC)
  • Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. Melt the butter with the remaining ingredients in a small pot over low heat. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 or 2 minutes.
  • Remove the syrup from the heat and immediately pour over the popcorn in the bowl.
  • Mix gently with two forks, then place onto a non-stick baking sheet.
  • Place tray in preheated oven for 5 minutes, remove and turn gently, then place in oven for another 5 minutes or so.
  • Remove from oven and let cool; break into pieces and enjoy!

Notes

  • Golden Syrup is a British corn syrup alternative which is incredibly delicious and less processed than corn syrup.
  • You may want to make a double batch because it goes quickly!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 342kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 203mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 712IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.04mg

Christina’s Cucina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

4.78 from 18 votes (18 ratings without comment)

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38 Comments

  1. Hi Christina I bought Lyles syrup especially for your recipe. Can you tell me if I use granulated white sugar or brown sugar ?

    1. Hi Catherine, yay for the Lyle’s! It’s always white sugar unless brown sugar is specified (not just my recipe, but all recipes.) Let me know how it turns out! CC

  2. Hi Christina,
    We are going to my son’s Super Bowl party in an hour, so I thought this would be a perfect treat for all the children attending!
    Just waiting for the popcorn in the oven to be done! It smells yummy, as my grandson, James always says!
    Have a wonderful trip in Australia and enjoy!
    Safe travels!
    Luisa from Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada

    1. That’s great, Luisa! I’m sure they will love it! Thanks so much for your well wishes and will be reporting back when I return! Happy game-watching today! Christina