Buttery Caramel Popcorn with Sea Salt

Buttery Caramel Popcorn with Sea Salt is the ultimate indulgent snack that combines the rich, golden sweetness of caramel with the satisfying crunch of freshly popped popcorn.

The touch of sea salt balances the sweetness perfectly, giving you a sweet-salty flavor explosion in every bite. This treat is perfect for movie nights, parties, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want a gourmet snack at home.

Why I love this recipe

Perfect Sweet-Salty Balance:
The combination of rich, buttery caramel and a touch of sea salt creates a flavor harmony that is simply irresistible. Every bite is a delightful mix of sweetness and a subtle savory note that keeps you coming back for more.

Irresistible Crunch:
The popcorn stays perfectly crisp thanks to the caramel coating and baking process. Unlike store-bought caramel popcorn, which can be soggy or overly sticky, this homemade version has a satisfying crunch in every bite.

This is a must-try dish

This Buttery Caramel Popcorn with Sea Salt is a must-try because it transforms a simple, everyday snack into an unforgettable treat. The golden, buttery caramel coats each fluffy popcorn piece perfectly, while the hint of sea salt elevates the flavor, creating that irresistible sweet-and-savory balance. It’s crunchy, rich, and utterly satisfying—exactly the kind of snack that disappears before you know it. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or gifting, it’s not just popcorn—it’s a homemade gourmet experience that’s fun to make and impossible to resist. Once you try it, you’ll never settle for plain popcorn again!

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8 (approximately 4 cups each)
• Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
• Course: Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Popcorn:

• 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 2 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark, depending on preference)
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• Additional flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Special Equipment Needed:

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Large roasting pan or baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Large mixing bowl

Cooking Directions (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Popcorn:
   • Pop your kernels using your preferred method (stovetop or popcorn maker). Remove any unpopped kernels and place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Make the Caramel Sauce:
   • In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 1 cup butter over medium heat.
   • Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
   • Once boiling, let it boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
4. Finish the Caramel:
   • Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up slightly—this is normal and gives the caramel a lighter, airy texture.
5. Coat the Popcorn:
   • Immediately pour the hot caramel over the prepared popcorn. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently fold and coat the popcorn evenly.
6. Bake for Crispiness:
   • Spread the coated popcorn evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
7. Cool & Add Sea Salt:
   • Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Break into clusters and sprinkle with additional flaky sea salt if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve in a large bowl for sharing at parties or movie nights.
• For a fun presentation, place in individual popcorn boxes or small paper bags for gifting.

Recipe Tips

1. Even Coating: Fold the caramel gently but thoroughly to coat each popcorn piece.
2. Prevent Burning: Stir the caramel constantly when boiling and bake at low temperature to avoid burning.
3. Texture: For extra crunch, bake the caramel popcorn longer, watching closely.
4. Sweetness Balance: Flaky sea salt sprinkled after baking enhances the flavor and prevents it from being overly sweet.

Variations

1. Chocolate Drizzle Caramel Popcorn: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over cooled caramel popcorn for a decadent twist.
2. Nutty Caramel Popcorn: Add roasted pecans, almonds, or cashews to the popcorn before coating with caramel.
3. Spiced Caramel Popcorn: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel for a warm, spicy flavor.
4. Coconut Caramel Popcorn: Sprinkle toasted coconut over the popcorn after caramel coating.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Buttery Caramel Popcorn with Sea Salt is a classic treat elevated to perfection. The balance of sweet, buttery caramel and a hint of sea salt makes it irresistible. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy movie night, or gifting homemade treats, this caramel popcorn will impress every time. Once you try it, it will become a staple in your snack repertoire!

Print Recipe

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Buttery Caramel Popcorn with Sea Salt

Author: Anna Williams Cuisine: American Courses: Appetizer & Snacks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 250 kcal per serving

Description

Buttery Caramel Popcorn with Sea Salt is the ultimate indulgent snack that combines the rich, golden sweetness of caramel with the satisfying crunch of freshly popped popcorn.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Popcorn:

• 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 2 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark, depending on preference)
• ¹⁄₂ cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• Additional flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Popcorn: Pop your kernels using your preferred method (stovetop or popcorn maker). Remove any unpopped kernels and place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 1 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Once boiling, let it boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
4. Finish the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up slightly—this is normal and gives the caramel a lighter, airy texture.
5. Coat the Popcorn: Immediately pour the hot caramel over the prepared popcorn. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently fold and coat the popcorn evenly.
6. Bake for Crispiness: Spread the coated popcorn evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
7. Cool & Add Sea Salt: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Break into clusters and sprinkle with additional flaky sea salt if desired.

Keywords: Buttery Caramel Popcorn with Sea Salt