The BEST Chewy Caramel Popcorn
The yummiest Chewy Caramel Popcorn. Ever. Super easy to make, gooey, buttery and absolutely divine. You won’t want to stop eating it!
Chewy Caramel Popcorn
Popcorn is like another food group at our house, and there aren’t many nights that go by where someone isn’t asking if we can make some. We love it the traditional way, but adding caramel is just another yummy and delicious way to enjoy it. And at our house, the chewier and gooey-er the better! It’s definitely one of our very favorite family recipes, and always a hit whenever we serve it at parties or give it as gifts.
For this recipe, you really need a candy thermometer. If you don’t have one, you can get one pretty inexpensively just about anywhere—but make sure it’s for candy, and not meat. You can try the cold water method instead (put a little bit of the mixture into a cup of cold water to see how firm it is), but I think it’s a lot trickier to get right if you haven’t done it a lot.
It only takes about 10 minutes to make, but it’s easy–just add the ingredients and stir! I prefer to use air popped popcorn, but if you don’t have a popcorn popper, you can use microwave popcorn instead. It will have a slightly different taste, but it’s still good. My mouth is seriously watering as I’m writing this–YUM!
Ingredients
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 3/4 c. granulated sugar
- 1/2 c. butter
- 1-14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 c. corn syrup
- 16 c. popped popcorn
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except popcorn) in large, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, making sure to STIR constantly. If not, it will burn, so keep stirring! Keep stirring as it boils until it reaches the soft ball stage, 234 degrees on your candy thermometer. Remove from heat, and immediately pour over the popcorn. Stir until coated. Let cool, then enjoy!!!
Movie nights will never be the same! I also like to package it up in the holidays–plastic treat bags with holiday ribbon–and give to friends, teachers, and neighbors. It’s perfect for gift-giving, parties, and at home with your family. ENJOY!!
Other recipes you might like…
- Easy Bundt Cake Recipe
- Cozy Taco Soup (Stovetop or Crockpot)
- Homemade Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Cream
- Jumbo Monster Cookies
I am about to give this recipe a try, it looks so delish!! Can you package it up as gifts? I am just wondering how long it will stay fresh.
You can give it as gifts! I would give it within a day of making it–maybe two–but I wouldn’t go past that. Popcorn balls are also a fun way to give it! If you’re packaging it up, I would add even more popcorn, so it’s not quite as gooey. Yummy!! Now I want to go make some!!!
I made this; best Carmel corn!! I made it again and added marshmallows!! Was very good
Ooooh, marshmallows sound YUM!! So glad you loved it too!!! xoxo
Do you white or golden corn syrup?
I use white corn syrup!
Is there anyway to make this recipe without using corn syrup at all? Can possibly honey be substituted?
Honestly, I have no idea. I’m so sorry! I’ve never boiled honey that long to see what the consistency would be. You could try it in a very small batch to see if it works–and if you do, let me know!