This easy Karo Syrup Caramel Popcorn recipe came from a fellow viewer that had almost given up hope on finding this recipe. Thanks to Jennifer we all can make easy Caramel corn.
Easy Recipe for Caramelized Popcorn
Caramel popcorn can be tricky to make, but you can use this super easy method. Corn syrup makes this recipe easier because you don’t have to make the caramel sauce which involves a lot of time and a candy thermometer. So you can enjoy caramel popcorn with ease. This is one of those great recipes you can use during the holidays.
Do you want an extra crunch in your caramel corn? It’s simple to do. Just add in mixed nuts. I know you are going to love this easy caramel popcorn recipe.
Why this is the best recipe for Caramel Popcorn with Karo Syrup
Are you looking for a recipe that is tried and true? This recipe has been in my family for over 45 years. This is the exact recipe we would make every holiday season to stuff in our boxes of goodies. This recipe is easy to make, and you will soon enjoy the best ever homemade caramel popcorn.
Recipe Ingredients
This is what you need to make Karo Syrup Caramel Popcorn:
- Popcorn
- Mixed Nuts (optional)
- Brown Sugar
- Karo Syrup
- Margarine (or butter)
- Salt
- Vanilla
- Baking Soda
How to Make Caramel Popcorn
All you have to do is make a simple caramel coating on the stovetop, toss coating over popcorn, bake, and then enjoy it!
Here are the recipe steps:
- Combine popcorn and nuts in a large shallow roasting pan.
- Place popcorn in the oven to warm at 250 degrees.
- Place brown sugar, corn syrup, margarine, and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan.
- Stirring constantly, cook until the syrup reaches the soft-ball stage (234–240°F).
- Stop stirring syrup, boil for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda.
- Pour caramel over popcorn mixture, stirring to coat.
- Bake at 250 degrees in a large roasting pan for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Cool and break apart with a wooden spoon.
- Store tightly covered.
Frequently asked quesitons
It is a brand of corn syrup. There are two varieties of Karo syrup, one is light corn syrup and it has a light color. Karo brand has a darker one that contains refiners sugar, which adds some lovely notes of molasses to the syrup.
If you have made your caramel corn, and it is not crunchy it means the caramel mixture did not cook to the right temperature. Be sure to buy a candy thermometer and use it when cooking. Your caramel mixture should reach 285 degrees F, at this point you will want to boil the mixture for about five minutes.
Yes, this helps to caramelize the sugar, it also deepens the flavor. Upon baking the caramel popcorn you will get delicious notes of butterscotch, caramel, and it helps to crispen the popcorn.
How to store caramel corn
Moisture is the enemy of homemade caramel corn. After you remove it from the oven, make sure that you let it cool to room temperature. Then store it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a plastic bag be sure to squeeze out as much air as you can out of the bag.
If air and humidity get into the caramel corn it will become sticky and it will lose its crispiness.
How long will this Easy Caramel Popcorn last?
This caramel popcorn will last for up to 90 days. It may last a little longer, but it will depend mostly on how well you can keep air from getting to the caramel corn.
I hope you give this classic caramel popcorn recipe a try! I know you are going to love this nostalgic treat, it is perfect for when you have a sweet tooth.
Love popcorn? Try these recipes:
Favorite Snack Recipes
- Avocado Fries
- Cracker Mix
- Garlic Ranch Pretzels
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Recipe
- Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Chocolate
- Reese’s Snack Mix
- Taco Bell Cinnamon Bites
- White Trash Candy
Check out more of my easy snack recipes and the best game day food here on CopyKat!
Easy Karo Syrup Caramel Popcorn
Ingredients
- 3 quarts popcorn popped
- 3 cup unsalted mixed nuts (optional)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Karo light or dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup margarine or butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- In a large shallow roasting pan combine popcorn and nuts. Place in a 250 degree oven while preparing glaze.
- In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, add sugar, corn syrup, margarine, and salt.
- Stirring constantly, cook until the syrup reaches the soft-ball stage (234–240°F).
- Stop stirring syrup, boil for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda.
- Pour caramel over popcorn mixture, stirring to coat.
- Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Cool, break apart, and store tightly covered.
Katrina
Wow!!! So good and easy! I added 1/2 tsp green apple flavoring and it turned out perfect!
cookie clicker
Loved this, reminded me of what my grandmother used to make.
Melody Lee
Sounds very similar to how Mamaw made popcorn balls for us granddaughters at Halloween. Super delicious.
Christine
Thank you for this recipe, Stephanie! The only thing I did differently was, I put the Popcorn in a very large bowl and poured the glaze in, mixed together until coated, then put it in the baking pan. It came out perfectly!!
Cayote1998
Sounds like a great project for yound and old. I hope it works
Stephanie Manley
I hope you enjoyed this one.