Satisfy your biggest cravings with a bowl of delicious homemade Salted Caramel Popcorn (you won't even need to turn the oven on!)
I love food full of creamy, sweet caramel, especially when it's combined with salt, like in my Salted Caramel Chocolate Ripple Tarts and Healthy Salted Caramel Protein Balls.
The combination of sweet and salty in the caramel makes this popcorn taste gourmet, even if you're using the kind made from a bag!
This easy caramel popcorn recipe is so fast, too! It only takes about 10 minutes to make, and although you'll be tempted to munch on it right away, have patience! It's even more delicious when cooled.
This sweet and salty caramel popcorn recipe makes the perfect snack when sitting in front of the TV or when entertaining, and it's great for making a big batch of to give as gifts for the holidays. (What could be easier?)
Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
- No Oven – While many caramel popcorn recipes use the oven, there's no baking needed with this one!
- Easy – All you need is some popped popcorn and a few fridge and pantry staples. That's it! Even better, this salted caramel popcorn without corn syrup has no added sugar.
- Only Takes 10 Minutes To Make – Making and mixing the popcorn takes so little time. The longest part is waiting to eat it while it cools!
- Thermomix Option – This salted caramel popcorn can be made in the Thermomix too!
What You Need
- popcorn – cooked. Make the popcorn according to the directions. Find out how to make your own popcorn on the stovetop here.
- brown sugar - you can use either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar.
- butter - I recommend using unsalted butter. If you choose to use salted butter, you may like to omit the extra pinch of salt in the ingredients list.
- honey or rice malt syrup – if you don't have either, you can use maple syrup, agave syrup or light corn syrup.
- salt - omit if using salted butter.
- chopped nuts – totally optional, but they add a little extra layer of flavour and texture.
How To Make Salted Caramel Popcorn without Turning on the Oven
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the full detailed method!
Step 1 – Make The Popcorn and The Caramel
Cook the popcorn according to the packet instructions (or my simple stove-top popcorn recipe that you can find here) and then place into a large bowl.
Melt the caramel ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Then let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2 – Combine The Ingredients
Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and use a spoon to cover the popcorn completely. If you're using chopped nuts, add them in before stirring.
Step 4 – Let It Cool
Spoon the mixture into an even layer onto a baking sheet, then set it to the side to cool. Once the salted caramel popcorn is completely cooled, break the popcorn into pieces and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & FAQ
How do I store my salted caramel popcorn?
After letting the popcorn cool, you can store it in an airtight container for about 5 days.
What kind of nuts should I add to my salted caramel popcorn?
I like chopped pecans or peanuts, but you can add any nut you like! Cashews or pistachios would also be delicious.
Can I add other things to my popcorn?
Absolutely! Small chocolate or peanut butter candies are delicious, although you may want to add them after the caramel has cooled so they don't melt!
Can I make salted caramel popcorn in my Thermomix?
Absolutely! I've included methods for making this recipe using either stove-top or a Thermomix in the recipe card below.
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Salted Caramel Popcorn
Ingredients
- 4 cups popcorn cooked
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 125 g butter
- 2 tbs honey or rice malt syrup
- pinch of salt
- ½ cup chopped nuts pecans, peanuts - optional
Instructions
Conventional Method
- Cook popcorn according to the packet instructions and place into a large bowl.
- Melt the brown sugar, butter, honey and salt in a saucepan over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and use a spoon to stir it through until all of the popcorn is completely covered (if using chopped nuts, add them in before stirring).
- Spoon the mixture into one even layer onto a baking paper lined tray.
- Set aside to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, break the popcorn into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Thermomix Method
- Cook popcorn according to the packet instructions and place into a large bowl.
- Place the brown sugar, butter, honey and salt into the TM bowl. Mix for 4 minutes, 70 degrees, Speed 2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Mix for 8 minutes, Varoma, Speed 2.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and use a spoon to stir it through until all of the popcorn is completely covered (if using chopped nuts, add them in before stirring).
- Spoon the mixture into one even layer onto a baking paper lined tray. Set aside to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, break the popcorn into pieces and store in an airtight container.
- * Note: you can mix the popcorn with the caramel sauce in the Thermomix on Reverse Speed 1, however I find it easier to stir it in a separate bowl - and the pieces stay together better too!
Taco says
I love it. The recipe is great and tasty. The amount of popcorn needed is a bit much.
Zali says
Such a fantastic caramelised flavour, I made this for a fundraiser and it is great.
Lucy says
Fantastic!
Isaac says
I love it so much!!!
Lucy says
Thank you!