Viral Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe

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This viral homemade caramel popcorn recipe will have your friends and family asking for the recipe.

Although this recipe is super simple, it is also extremely good. Its salty, chewy and sweet. I first saw it on my childhood friend Cortney’s social media. I then made it for a mom’s night and we’ve all been hooked since! After making it several times now, I needed it to forever live here on the blog for easy sharing with friends. Because they will ask for the recipe!

Caramel popcorn is traditionally associated with county fairs, fall and harvest time events as well as Christmas time but we enjoy it all year long. We have made it so many times for events, get togethers and even holiday gifts.

If holiday gifts are what is on your mind, or just more caramel in general, check out my post Quick and Easy Caramel Sauce Recipe as it makes a great hostess gift.

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What Makes This Recipe The Best Viral Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe?

When I think about caramel, the words that come to mind are; rich, decadent, buttery, soft, sweet and chewy. This homemade caramel popcorn is all of those things with a touch of saltiness. I don’t like eating caramel popcorn that is super crunchy or stabs me in the mouth. So if you’re looking for ooey gooey deliciousness, I’ve got you. I truly believe this is the best caramel corn recipe.

P.S. You may also want to check out my Gluten Free Gooey Butter Cookies recipe. It is another fan favorite that gets rave reviews whenever I take it somewhere.

Ingredients for Soft Homemade Caramel Corn Recipe

We just need 4 simple ingredients to make the best homemade caramel popcorn.

• Popped Popcorn: For ease, microwave popcorn is great.
  • If you’d like to pop your own popcorn on the stove Whirlypop Popcorn Maker makes it easy to not burn popcorn kernels.
  • Have you ever seen an Air Popper? They just use steam and air to pop the popcorn. I pretended it was a volcano as a kid.
  • There are also Microwave Silicone Popcorn Makers! So many options.
  • And if all else fails, you can try this Brown Paper Bag Hack for Microwaving Popcorn.
• Butter: I prefer salted but if you use unsalted butter you may need to add more salt in the cooking process.
• Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works, but light brown sugar is my preference.
• Marshmallows: this is the surprise ingredient here.
  • The addition of marshmallows to the caramel popcorn gives it chew and softness. This is the hack that makes this viral homemade caramel popcorn stand out.

What isn’t necessary to make this the Best Caramel Popcorn

You will not see any light corn syrup (or dark corn syrup) nor baking soda called for in this recipe. We also won’t be needing any vanilla extract, a candy thermometer or parchment paper. When I say this is a simple and easy recipe, I mean it! 

Equipment Needed to Make Delicious Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Large Mixing Bowl: I personally like using a Tupperware 32 cup Thatsa Bowl Mixing Bowl. It is large enough to carry a double batch of the viral homemade caramel popcorn. It also has a lid which makes it easy to take to girls nights or potlucks, or for storage. But any large mixing bowl will do.

Medium Saucepan: A medium size saucepan is just the right size and depth.

Silicon Spatula: I like to use a high heat resistant spatula since the spatula is in contact with the high heat of the caramel sauce for the entire cooking process. Wooden spoons get sticky and cheap plastic can melt into the finished caramel sauce.

How to Make Viral Homemade Caramel Popcorn

This easy caramel popcorn recipe will give you delicious results, but, make sure you stick around till it is complete. Don’t walk away during the cooking process, and stir often as the caramel can burn easily.

1. Pop microwave popcorn according to manufacturers instructions, then set aside in a large bowl.
   • One bag of microwave popcorn or the equivalent amount popped in any other method.
   • Which is 2 Tbsp un-popped popcorn= 4 cups of popcorn, popped.
   • If you don’t use microwave popcorn, I suggest also buttering ( with 1/4-1/2 cup of butter) and salting your home popped popcorn for added flavor. You can adjust the amount of salt to your personal preference. 
2. Buttery Homemade Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, completely melt butter 1/2 cup (1 stick) of salted butter, over low to medium heat.
   • (Do not use high heat as you make toffee instead of caramel.)
3. Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar to the melted butter, continue to stir until fully combined and slightly bubbling.
4. Add 10-12 marshmallows into the caramel mixture, stir vigorously until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Mix it up: Carefully pour warm caramel sauce over popped popcorn in the large bowl, stir to combine for the perfect texture and coating of smooth, soft caramel.
   • Alternatively, you can spread the popped popcorn onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet/ cookie sheet and pour the caramel sauce over the spread out popcorn.  

Storage of Easy Homemade Caramel Popcorn

For storage or keeping any leftover homemade caramel corn, place it into an airtight container or food safe storage bag. Remove as much air as possible before closing.

Caramel Popcorn Balls as Christmas Gifts for the Holiday Season

You can easily turn this best caramel popcorn recipe into holiday gifts or popcorn balls! We have even sold these at a craft fair.

To do so, form the popcorn into balls quickly after combining the recipe. The caramel sauce is the softest and easiest to work with while still warm, but it can be hot so take caution. Then package into small food safe storage bags, add a festive ribbon and gift tag.

There are some really cute option on Amazon for festive holiday bags! These “It’s Fall Yall” Food safe bags are adorable for autumn. And this variety pack of Christmas food safe bags are fun for kids.

Trouble Shooting for Viral Homemade Caramel Popcorn

More Desserts to Try

If you have a sweet tooth, and I mean, you’re here right? You will want to check out my Gooey Butter Cookies Recipe too!

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