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Paula Deen’s Caramel Corn

Filed Under: Christmas, Desserts

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Hands down the BEST caramel popcorn recipe you will ever come across. After the buttery caramel is poured over the popcorn it is baked in the oven for an hour. The fact that it is Paula Deen’s recipe certainly helps. After all, it starts out with a stick of butter.

Hands down the BEST caramel popcorn recipe you will ever come across. After the buttery caramel is poured over the popcorn it is baked in the oven for an hour. The fact that it is Paula Deen's recipe certainly helps. After all, it starts out with a stick of butter.
This has been our go to gift at Christmas time for years. Forget making cookies, a bag of caramel popcorn is where it’s at! I’ve tried microwaved versions, sticky caramel corn, etc. but nothing has been as good as this recipe.

Hands down the BEST caramel popcorn recipe you will ever come across. After the buttery caramel is poured over the popcorn it is baked in the oven for an hour. The fact that it is Paula Deen's recipe certainly helps. After all, it starts out with a stick of butter.
It’s great for gifts and get-togethers. I’m getting ready to make a big batch to have on Christmas Eve this year.
Scroll to the bottom for some frequently asked questions about making homemade caramel popcorn.
Hands down the BEST caramel popcorn recipe you will ever come across. After the buttery caramel is poured over the popcorn it is baked in the oven for an hour. The fact that it is Paula Deen's recipe certainly helps. After all, it starts out with a stick of butter.

Oven Baked Caramel Popcorn

Source: Paula Dean
Scroll down for printable version
6-8 quarts of popped popcorn (2 batches)
1 c. butter
2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. light karo syrup
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
 Place popcorn into a roasting pan or large baking pan. Set aside.
Hands down the BEST caramel popcorn recipe you will ever come across. After the buttery caramel is poured over the popcorn it is baked in the oven for an hour. The fact that it is Paula Deen's recipe certainly helps. After all, it starts out with a stick of butter.
Combine butter, sugar, salt and karo syrup in a medium sauce pan and heat over med-high heat. When bubbly, set timer for 5 minutes and boil, stirring constantly.
Hands down the BEST caramel popcorn recipe you will ever come across. After the buttery caramel is poured over the popcorn it is baked in the oven for an hour. The fact that it is Paula Deen's recipe certainly helps. After all, it starts out with a stick of butter.
 Remove from heat and add baking soda. Stir.
Hands down the BEST caramel popcorn recipe you will ever come across. After the buttery caramel is poured over the popcorn it is baked in the oven for an hour. The fact that it is Paula Deen's recipe certainly helps. After all, it starts out with a stick of butter.
 Pour over popped corn and stir to coat evenly.
Hands down the BEST caramel popcorn recipe you will ever come across. After the buttery caramel is poured over the popcorn it is baked in the oven for an hour. The fact that it is Paula Deen's recipe certainly helps. After all, it starts out with a stick of butter.
Bake at 200 degrees, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour. Pour out onto waxed paper and cool.
Hands down the BEST caramel popcorn recipe you will ever come across. After the buttery caramel is poured over the popcorn it is baked in the oven for an hour. The fact that it is Paula Deen's recipe certainly helps. After all, it starts out with a stick of butter.

Why do you need to use baking soda in this recipe?

The baking soda reacts with the caramel to create a softer texture, even after baking. Making it easier to bite into!

How long will caramel popcorn last?

If kept in a air tight container it will last at least a month.

Can you make caramel popcorn with margarine?

No. For any caramel recipe you must use butter. For flavor and texture.

Why is my caramel mixture grainy?

A grainy texture could indicate that the sugar hasn’t been dissolved completely. Stir constantly and scrape the sides while cooking to make sure everything gets mixed.
Print

Oven Baked Caramel Popcorn

The BEST baked caramel popcorn recipe ever. Crunchy, sweet, buttery and perfectly baked.

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword caramel, caramel corn
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 316 kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 quarts of popped popcorn about 2 batches, air popped
  • 1 c. butter
  • 2 c. brown sugar
  • 1/2 c. light karo syrup
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking soda

Instructions

  1. Place popcorn into a roasting pan or large baking pan. Set aside.
  2. Combine butter, sugar, salt and karo syrup in a medium sauce pan and heat over med-high heat. When bubbly, set timer for 5 minutes and boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Remove from heat and add baking soda. Stir.
  4. Pour over popped corn and stir to coat evenly.
  5. Bake at 200 degrees, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour. Pour out onto waxed paper and cool.

Recipe Notes

Why do you need to use baking soda in this caramel popcorn recipe?

The baking soda reacts with the caramel to create a softer texture, even after baking. Making it easier to bite into!

How long will caramel popcorn last?

If kept in a air tight container it will last at least a month.

Can you make caramel popcorn with margarine?

No. For any caramel recipe you must use butter. For flavor and texture.

Why is my caramel mixture grainy?

A grainy texture could indicate that the sugar hasn't been dissolved completely. Stir constantly and scrape the sides while cooking to make sure everything gets mixed.

If you liked this caramel popcorn recipe you may also like…

Marshmallow Popcorn

Ooey gooey microwave marshmallow popcorn. Sweet, salty, and the perfect movie night treat! You can make this with air popped or microwave popcorn. Both are equally as delicious.

Black and White Caramel Popcorn

Homemade caramel corn drizzled in white and dark chocolate. Easy to make and incredibly addicting! This recipe rivals any that you will find in the store because it is made FRESH!

Cookies and Cream Popcorn

Cookies and Cream Hershey bars are melted and drizzled over popcorn for this sweet treat! Such a quick and easy recipe!

 

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About Brandy

My name is Brandy and I'm mom of 5 darling kiddos, and one cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. dkzody says

    I make a similar version but w/o baking soda or salt. Nor do I bake it after mixing in the caramel which I have cooked in the microwave. Easier and quicker to the good stuff.

    Reply

  4. Nicole says

    How many days before the event can I make the popcorn? Will it still be fresh if I make it a week before the event?

    Reply

    • Brandy says

      Hi Nicole! I’ve kept it in a storage container for up to 5 days and it was fine. I haven’t tried it longer than that. Good luck! 🙂

      Reply

  5. Naomi says

    My grandfather passed down a very similar recipe. I agree this is the best! It also keeps very well in the freezer – I often put it in a ziplock and just take out handfuls when we want them.

    Reply

  6. Carolyn Clarke says

    Delious. Made caramel for Halloween and put corn in Halloween bags. Everyone loved it. Thanks for posting recipe

    Reply

  8. Heather M. Whipple says

    This looks really good and I will definitely be trying this out. Will be pinning this on my Pinterest autumn board.

    Reply

  10. Brandy Gerace says

    Used this recipe for my daughter’s wedding last fall. Made enough for 100 people, everyone raved about it. I just dumped the popcorn after it cooled and dried into large clear Rubbermaid storage bins and placed large 16oz red solo cups for people to scoop up a cupful. I’ve never baked caramel corn before but it was the right thing to do, it turned out to be 93° and crazy humid. The caramel melted off the apples we made but the popcorn stayed perfect. In fact right now I’m making some for my son’s wedding this weekend. It’s the only thing he insisted on. Plus he wants a little bin for himself after the wedding. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Reply

  11. Debbie says

    5 stars
    I LOVE this recipe! It’s easy enough for me to be able to make it! I think I’ll give this Popcorn as neighbor gifts. Thanks for sharing! Will definitely use this recipe again!

    Reply

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