Golden Oven-Baked Caramel Corn

Golden oven-baked caramel corn is the kind of nostalgic treat that brings joy with every crunchy, sweet bite. This buttery, golden snack is coated in a rich caramel glaze and baked to perfection for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re prepping snacks for movie night, a party, or holiday gifts, this recipe is foolproof, fun to make, and completely addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this caramel corn for its unbeatable balance of sweetness and crunch. Unlike store-bought versions that can be overly sugary or sticky, this homemade version is crispy, deeply flavorful, and stays fresh for days. It’s simple enough for first-timers and impressive enough to gift. Plus, your house will smell like a candy dream while it bakes.

Pure Comfort

There’s something deeply comforting about caramel corn. Maybe it’s the memory of popcorn at the fair or the warmth of a freshly baked snack. This recipe is all about recreating that cozy feeling. It’s a warm hug in snack form—familiar, sweet, and totally satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Popcorn:

• 10 cups of plain popped popcorn (air-popped or stove-popped preferred)

For the Caramel:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

What You Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Rimmed baking sheet (or two)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Airtight containers for storage

Time to Cook

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Cool Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Steps to Make It

Step 1: Prep the Popcorn

Pop the popcorn and place it in a large bowl. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels to avoid unpleasant surprises later.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a boil, stop stirring and let it cook for 4–5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda and Vanilla

Remove from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The caramel will bubble up—this is normal and creates the light texture in the final coating.

Step 4: Coat the Popcorn

Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn and stir well to coat each piece as evenly as possible. Be gentle but thorough.

Step 5: Bake the Popcorn

Spread the coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent clumping.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Let the caramel corn cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into clusters. Store in airtight containers to keep it crispy.

Make It Perfect

Use fresh popcorn with minimal oil or salt for the best flavor. Keep an eye on your caramel while it cooks—it shouldn’t burn or darken too much. Stirring during baking is key to ensuring crisp, non-sticky results.

Mix It Up

Want to experiment? Add:

• A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for spice
• Chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds)
• A drizzle of melted chocolate after baking
• Mini marshmallows or candy pieces for fun texture

Perfect Partners

Serve alongside:

• Hot apple cider
• Spiced tea
• Vanilla ice cream (yes, as a topping!)
• A cheese platter for sweet-salty contrast

Busy Day Hero

This recipe can be made in advance and stored for up to a week. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy snackable happiness all week long.

Work Ahead

Make the popcorn and caramel separately and store them until you’re ready to combine and bake. Or fully bake and store in sealed containers—it stays fresh and crispy.

Save Some For Later

Once cooled, store your caramel corn in airtight containers or resealable bags. Keep it at room temperature away from humidity, and it will last 5–7 days without losing crunch.

Everyone’s Happy

Kids adore the sweetness, adults love the nostalgia, and it’s allergy-friendly (gluten-free, nut-free unless you add nuts). It’s also a fun recipe to make as a family activity.

Good For You Too

While it’s definitely an indulgence, it’s homemade—so you’re skipping preservatives and artificial ingredients. Use organic popcorn and real vanilla for an even cleaner treat.

Easy Clean Up

Line your pans with parchment or use silicone mats to make clean-up a breeze. Soak your caramel pot right after use to avoid hardened sugar sticking around.

Switch It Up

Try different sugars like coconut sugar for a richer flavor or swap the butter with vegan alternatives. Add sea salt on top for that gourmet touch.

Simply Perfect

This golden oven-baked caramel corn is sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s a treat that hits all the right notes—simple to make, easy to store, and endlessly shareable. Whether for snacking, gifting, or movie marathons, it never disappoints.

FAQs

1. Can I make this without corn syrup?
Yes! You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, though the texture may be slightly softer.

2. Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely. Use plant-based butter and skip the dairy—just ensure your sugar and vanilla are vegan-friendly.

3. Why is my caramel corn sticky?
It may not have baked long enough. Proper baking ensures the caramel dries and crisps.

4. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Add 1 cup of roasted nuts like peanuts, pecans, or almonds when you mix in the caramel.

5. What kind of popcorn is best?
Air-popped or stove-popped plain popcorn works best. Avoid microwave popcorn with flavoring or butter.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled caramel corn in airtight containers or resealable bags at room temperature.

7. Can I make this as a gift?
Yes! Package in clear bags or tins with a ribbon. It’s a perfect homemade edible gift.

Conclusion

Golden oven-baked caramel corn is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for family movie night or gifting it to loved ones, this recipe brings warmth, sweetness, and joy. Once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your snack rotation.

More Fun, Festive & Sweet Snack Ideas

If this Golden Oven-Baked Caramel Corn had you snacking straight from the pan, you’re going to love these other irresistible treats! For another retro-style candy fix, try the melt-in-your-mouth Old Fashion Pecan Candy—a Southern classic. Keep the caramel love going with the silky-sweet Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bliss, perfect for caramel fans. Craving a colorful holiday-friendly option? Don’t miss these playful Easter Jello Cookies or the festive Rice Krispie Easter Eggs—ideal for seasonal snacking. And if you’re looking to add some fruity fun to the mix, the Cotton Candy Swirl Candy Apples are a sweet explosion of color and crunch.

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