Best Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe
This Best Caramel Corn recipe combines the classic crunch of popcorn with a rich, creamy caramel coating made with sweetened condensed milk. It’s a delightful homemade treat that’s perfect for snacking, movie nights, or gifting. Easy to prepare and bursting with buttery, sweet flavors.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 cups caramel corn 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Popcorn
- 3 standard bags of white microwave popcorn or 1 cup of popped popcorn kernels
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Popcorn and Cookie Sheet: Start by popping your popcorn using 3 standard bags of microwave popcorn or equivalent kernels. Remove any unpopped kernels to prevent choking hazards. Transfer the fully popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Line a cookie sheet with a baking mat or non-stick foil to prepare it for holding the coated popcorn later.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium-sized pot, combine 1/2 cup butter, 2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar, and 1 cup corn syrup. Place over medium heat and stir regularly to help dissolve the sugar and prevent burning. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Once boiling, add the 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk to the pot. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 235°F (soft ball stage). Maintaining this temperature ensures the caramel has the perfect chewy yet sticky consistency.
- Add Flavor and Combine with Popcorn: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the prepared popcorn in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of popcorn is evenly coated with the caramel.
- Cool the Caramel Popcorn: Transfer the caramel-coated popcorn onto the lined cookie sheet. Spread it out evenly to allow for uniform cooling. Let it cool completely at room temperature before handling or serving, as the caramel will be very hot initially.
- Enjoy: Once cooled and set, break apart any large clusters and enjoy this sweet, crunchy caramel corn as a delicious snack or treat.
Notes
- For best results, avoid microwave popcorn with added flavors or seasoning.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure accurate cooking to the soft ball stage.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake the coated popcorn on the cookie sheet at 250°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Store caramel corn in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- Be cautious when handling the hot caramel mixture to prevent burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (35g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: caramel corn, caramel popcorn, sweetened condensed milk caramel, homemade snack, sweet popcorn