Description
Experience the nostalgic taste of Werther’s Original candy perfectly coating crisp popcorn in this sweet and easy homemade recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup mushroom popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or other high smoke point oil
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp oil with 3 kernels on medium-high. Once popped, remove. Add 1/4 cup mushroom kernels, remove from heat 30 secs, then return to heat. Shake until popping slows. Transfer popped popcorn (approx. 6-7 cups) to an extra-large bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sea salt.
- In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Cook on medium heat, stirring until melted and sugar dissolves, then bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk. Bring back to a gentle boil on medium-low, stirring continuously. Cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened and golden (235-240°F/113-116°C soft-ball stage).
- Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, then quickly add 1/2 tsp baking soda. Stir vigorously until foamy and aerated. Immediately pour caramel over popcorn in the extra-large bowl.
- Gently fold caramel into popcorn using two large spatulas until evenly coated. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Spread coated popcorn evenly on prepared baking sheets, avoiding large clumps. Bake for 1 hour, stirring gently every 15 minutes, until the caramel is wonderfully crisp and golden.
- Remove from oven. Let cool completely at room temperature (1 to 2 hours) until firm and crunchy. Break into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Serve alongside plain buttered popcorn, roasted nuts, or pretzel sticks for a sweet-and-salty combo. Hot chocolate or cold milk pairs wonderfully for drinks.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Pairs well with hot chocolate or cold milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Werthers Caramel Popcorn, homemade caramel popcorn, sweet popcorn recipe