As the school year comes to a close parents search for the perfect end of year gift to show how much we appreciate someone else spending 8 hours a day with our kids. Caramel Popcorn is one of the best gifts! You can easily make it in big batches, it lasts for a long time and it’s a decadent gift most people wouldn’t give because it can be pricey or they feel it’s too difficult to make. The reality is that caramel popcorn is SUPER easy to make. You can make it a few days before and put it in cute bags with a tag and it’s ready to go.
To be honest caramel popcorn is my go-to gift for most things, Christmas, being invited for dinners, teacher appreciation, Valentine’s day, sports events and more. You name it and everyone enjoys this treat. Best thing is you can put it in a bowl with a spoon and that way people can take as much or as little as they like.
Caramel Popcorn Recipe
This recipe is easy to use and you really can’t go wrong, unless you burn it… even then it’s still pretty tasty for burnt food.
8-10 cups of popped popcorn (Note: I don’t like it really caramel, so I usually use 12-14 cups and it turns out great)
Note: I always make this for school or sporting events so I keep it nut free, but you can mix in 1 cup pecan halves (broken up) or any kind of nut with your popcorn.
In a saucepan:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup corn syrup
- Bring ingredients in saucepan to a boil then reduce heat and cook without stirring for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add 2 tsp vanilla and 1/2 tsp baking soda. Note: This makes it rise, so make sure your pot is large enough.
- Pour over popcorn and toss until coated.
- Pour popcorn onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 300ºF for 30-45 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes.
- Transfer to a large piece of parchment paper to cool completely. You may want to break into chunks once cool.
This photo is a double batch
PROTIP: It should go without saying but microwave popcorn will not work for it.
PROTIP: I line my baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet and I find this helps in preventing it burning.
PROTIP: DO NOT SKIP THE STIRRING!!! It’s what will make the caramel popcorn being awesome.
Have you made caramel popcorn before? Share your tips in the comments below.
