This recipe shows you how to make delicious homemade caramel popcorn with nuts using simple, easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward step-by-step instructions.
If you’ve never made caramel popcorn before, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how quick and satisfying it is — and why it will become a staple for movie nights and snack time. For a classic salty-sweet combo, this version uses roasted, salted peanuts, but you can swap in your favorite nuts.
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Table of Contents
Why you will love this recipe
I’ve been making this caramel popcorn for my family for years. The recipe is simple, fast and doesn’t require a candy thermometer. From start to finish you can have a warm batch ready to eat in about 15 minutes. The combination of caramel, crunchy popcorn and salty nuts is irresistible.
Ingredient notes
You’ll need just a few pantry staples:
- Popped corn — have this ready before you start
- Dark brown sugar
- Unsalted butter (chopped)
- Light corn syrup
- Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- Roasted, salted peanuts (or your preferred nuts)
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different nuts — almonds, cashews or pecans all work well. For extra flavor add a pinch of sea salt on top after baking, or stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract with the bicarbonate of soda for a subtle aroma. If you prefer a milder sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly.
Instructions
Overview of the method:
- Melt the butter, brown sugar and corn syrup over low heat until dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and boil, uncovered, for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the bicarbonate of soda — the caramel will foam and lighten.
- Pour the hot caramel over the popped corn and peanuts, stirring quickly to coat.
- Spread on a lined baking tray and bake briefly to crisp, then cool and break into pieces.
Tips for success
- Line your baking tray with non-stick paper for easy cleanup.
- Don’t bring the mixture to a full boil until the butter is melted and the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Remove from the heat before adding the bicarbonate of soda to prevent burning; the mixture will foam and become lighter in color.
- Work quickly when coating the popcorn—the caramel sets fast and is very hot.
- Store cooled popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days; do not refrigerate, as that can make it sticky.
Be warned: this caramel popcorn with nuts is addictive. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights or a quick sweet treat.
Caramel Popcorn Recipe
This caramel popcorn with nuts uses easy-to-find ingredients and is quick to prepare. It’s crunchy, buttery and perfectly balanced between sweet and salty.
Ingredients
- 10 cups popped corn
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chopped
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- 1 cup peanuts, roasted and salted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large, deep baking tray with non-stick paper.
- Place the popped corn into a large bowl.
- Put the brown sugar, chopped butter and corn syrup into a medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until the butter has melted and the sugar is dissolved. Do not boil yet.
- Increase the heat, bring the mixture to a boil, then boil uncovered for 2 minutes without stirring.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the bicarbonate of soda; the caramel will foam and lighten in color.
- Pour the hot caramel over the popped corn, and sprinkle the roasted, salted peanuts on top.
- Using a spatula, gently stir until the popcorn and peanuts are evenly coated. Work quickly—caramel sets fast and is very hot.
- Spread the coated popcorn and peanuts evenly on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the popcorn turns crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature. Once cooled, break into pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Nutritional Estimate Per Serving
Calories: 394 kcal | Carbohydrates: 49 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 21 g | Sugar: 35 g (estimated)
Nutritional Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate provided by an online calculator. For accurate results, calculate nutrition based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.