Best Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

Introduction

This Best Caramel Corn recipe combines the sweet richness of caramel made with sweetened condensed milk and the satisfying crunch of popcorn. It’s a perfect homemade treat for movie nights, parties, or anytime you crave a delicious snack.

Ingredients

• 3 standard bags of white microwave popcorn or 1 cup of popped popcorn kernels
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the popcorn by popping it and removing any unpopped kernels. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl. Line a cookie sheet with a baking mat or non-stick foil and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium pot, combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium, stirring regularly until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Step 3: Once boiling, add the sweetened condensed milk. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, about 235°F.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn and stir well to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated popcorn evenly onto the prepared cookie sheet. Let cool completely before handling or eating.
6. Step 6: Once cooled, your caramel corn is ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use a candy thermometer to ensure the caramel reaches the perfect soft ball stage for the right texture.
• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds before spreading the popcorn on the cookie sheet.
• Try substituting the vanilla extract with a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for a unique flavor twist.

Storage

Store caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep it crisp, avoid refrigerating, which can introduce moisture. If needed, gently reheat in a low oven (250°F) for 5–10 minutes to refresh the crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of popcorn?

Yes, you can use air-popped or store-bought popped popcorn. Just make sure it’s plain and not buttered or salted to best absorb the caramel coating.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

Without a thermometer, cook the caramel sauce until it thickens and when a small drop in cold water forms a soft, pliable ball. However, a thermometer gives the most accurate result for perfect caramel texture.

Best Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

This recipe for Best Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk offers a rich, buttery caramel coating with a smooth sweetness from condensed milk. The popcorn is evenly coated with a luscious caramel sauce cooked to the soft ball stage, providing a perfect balance of crispy and chewy texture. It’s a delicious homemade treat that’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients and microwave popcorn or popped kernels.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 cups of caramel corn 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Popcorn and Cookie Sheet: Pop your popcorn using microwave bags or kernels and remove any unpopped seeds. Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Line a cookie sheet with a baking mat or non-stick foil to prepare for the caramel popcorn.
2. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium pot over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir regularly as the mixture heats and begins to boil to prevent burning. Once boiling, add the sweetened condensed milk to the pot.
3. Cook to Soft Ball Stage: Continue cooking the caramel mixture while stirring frequently. Use a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches the soft ball stage, about 235°F, ensuring the caramel thickens to the right consistency.
4. Add Flavor and Combine with Popcorn: Remove the pot from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn in the bowl, then stir thoroughly to coat all the popcorn evenly with the caramel sauce.
5. Cool the Caramel Popcorn: Spread the coated popcorn out evenly on the prepared cookie sheet. Let it cool completely before eating, as the caramel will be very hot initially and will harden slightly upon cooling.
6. Enjoy: Once cooled, the caramel corn is ready to serve and enjoy as a sweet, crunchy snack.

Notes

• Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid biting into hard pieces.
• Stir the caramel mixture continuously to prevent burning and ensure smooth texture.
• Monitoring temperature with a candy thermometer is essential for perfect caramel consistency.
• Use non-stick foil or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking when cooling the popcorn.
• This caramel corn can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Keywords: caramel corn, caramel popcorn, sweetened condensed milk caramel, homemade caramel corn, popcorn snack