Go Back
Grandma's Caramel Corn is a perfect homemade snack that will feed a crowd. The homemade, buttery caramel sauce makes this caramel corn recipe the best.
Print Recipe

Grandma's Caramel Corn

Grandma's Caramel Corn is a perfect homemade snack that will feed a crowd. The homemade, buttery caramel sauce makes this caramel corn recipe the best.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: classic caramel corn, Grandma's Caramel Corn, homemade caramel corn
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 2147kcal
Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup light or dark will work
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 6 quarts popped popcorn

Instructions

  • In a medium-size saucepan, melt butter and then add brown sugar, corn syrup and salt.
    Grandma's Caramel Corn is a perfect homemade snack that will feed a crowd. The homemade, buttery caramel sauce makes this caramel corn recipe the best.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to boil for 5 minutes, without stirring.
    Grandma's Caramel Corn is a perfect homemade snack that will feed a crowd. The homemade, buttery caramel sauce makes this caramel corn recipe the best.
  • Remove from heat; add baking soda and vanilla.
    Grandma's Caramel Corn is a perfect homemade snack that will feed a crowd. The homemade, buttery caramel sauce makes this caramel corn recipe the best.
  • Spray 2 large bowls with nonstick cooking spray, and divide the popcorn in half. Pour hot caramel mixture over popcorn and mix well.
    Grandma's Caramel Corn is a perfect homemade snack that will feed a crowd. The homemade, buttery caramel sauce makes this caramel corn recipe the best.
  • Pour onto 2 sheet pans with sides that have been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray (cookie sheet pan works great).
  • Bake at 250 degrees F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Scrap any caramel from the bottom of the pan, and reincorporate it back through the popcorn.
    Grandma's Caramel Corn is a perfect homemade snack that will feed a crowd. The homemade, buttery caramel sauce makes this caramel corn recipe the best.
  • Remove from the oven, and stir one last time. Let cool before eating.
    Grandma's Caramel Corn is a perfect homemade snack that will feed a crowd. The homemade, buttery caramel sauce makes this caramel corn recipe the best.
  • Enjoy now, or pack it up in airtight containers or ziplock bags for later.
    Grandma's Caramel Corn is a perfect homemade snack that will feed a crowd. The homemade, buttery caramel sauce makes this caramel corn recipe the best.

Notes

  • Light corn syrup or dark corn syrup works in this recipe.
  • I spray two large bowls with nonstick cooking spray and pour the half the popcorn in each. This makes it easier to stir and the spray keeps the caramel from sticking to the bowl.
  • Use large sheet pans or cookie sheets with a side. Be sure to spray your sheet pans, or clean up will be a lot harder.
  • The boiling sauce should be at a full boil.
  • Remove the pans from the oven when stirring; it's so much easier. 
  • Use regular popcorn not bagged, buttered and salted.
  • Try our Caramel Puff Corn recipe if you are a fan of the store-bought puffed corn in the chip aisle!

Nutrition

Calories: 2147kcal | Carbohydrates: 416g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 431mg | Potassium: 1610mg | Fiber: 69g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 1400IU | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 15mg