Can I add nuts to this caramel corn recipe?

Yes, you can add nuts such as almonds, pecans, or peanuts to boost the flavor and crunch. However, to maintain the balance of flavors and textures, reduce the amount of popped kernels by the same volume of nuts added.

How should I store caramel corn to keep it fresh?

Store caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as the humidity can make it soft.

Can I make homemade caramel corn without corn syrup?

While you can use alternatives like honey or maple syrup, they won't prevent crystallization like corn syrup, which will affect the texture of the caramel corn. For the best texture and consistency, I recommend sticking with corn syrup.

Homemade Caramel Corn - Once Upon a Chef

Homemade Caramel Corn

By Jenn Segal

Skip the line at the candy shop and whip up your own batch of irresistibly sweet and crunchy caramel corn right in your kitchen. This old-fashioned treat is surprisingly simple to make—no fancy gadgets or candy thermometers required.

Servings: 16 cups

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

Total Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes, plus plus cooling time

Ingredients

¼ cup vegetable oil
⅔ cup popcorn kernels (see note)
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar

¼ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup pure maple syrup
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°F and line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a very large pot over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn and shake the pan to coat the kernels with oil. Cover with a tight fitting lid (alternatively, cover tightly with foil). Wait for the popcorn to start popping, then shake the pan gently every now and again to keep the kernels moving. When the popping slows to about 2 seconds apart, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl, making sure to leave any unpopped kernels behind.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup and salt and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Stirring occasionally, boil the syrup over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the baking soda. Stir well as the mixture turns foamy.
Immediately and carefully (it's very hot!) pour the syrup over the popped corn in three separate additions, stirring gently as you go, until the popcorn is evenly coated. (If at any point the caramel stiffens and becomes difficult to pour, you can rewarm it gently on the stove.)
Spread the caramel corn into even layers on prepared pans. Bake at 200°F for one hour. The caramel will be a little soft at this point; let it cool completely to crisp up. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Note: If you want to use microwave (be sure it's plain) or air-popped popcorn, note that ⅔ cup popcorn kernels makes 16 cups.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (8 servings)
Serving size: 2 cups
Calories: 326
Fat: 19 g
Saturated fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Sugar: 32 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Sodium: 163 mg
Cholesterol: 31 mg

Gluten-Free Adaptable Note

To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.