Easy Soft Caramel Corn (Mary’s Sticky Popcorn)

A treasured family recipe, Mary’s “Sticky Popcorn“ is the best soft caramel corn recipe ever! It is everything wonderful about homemade caramel popcorn; and despite its nickname, it’s not sticky at all!

Course Snack, Treats

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 377kcal

Author Renee

Equipment

Large, heavy saucepan

Ingredients

1 cup unpopped popcorn about 8 quarts popped
1 cup butter
½ cup corn syrup
1 ⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Pop the popcorn and place in a large bowl or roasting pan.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
Bring mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly, and boil for 1 minute.
Optional: Check temperature; it should reach 200°F (95°C)
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Immediately pour over popcorn.
Quickly stir until all popcorn is evenly coated.
Allow caramel corn to cool slightly before enjoying.Optional: form into popcorn balls.

Notes

Stir and pour quickly to prevent caramel from stiffening before coating th popcorn.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
For festive variations, sprinkle with sea salt, cinnamon,or drizzle melted chocolate.
Candy thermometer is optional but helps ensure perfect caramel.

Nutrition