Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn Recipe
If you’re searching for a snack that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn Recipe. It transforms simple popcorn into a beautifully crunchy, sweet, and fragrant treat with buttery caramel and a comforting hint of cinnamon. This recipe is perfect whether you’re hosting a movie night, preparing festive snacks, or just craving something delightfully cozy and irresistible. The blend of cinnamon with caramel creates that perfect balance of spice and sweetness that keeps you reaching back for more with every crunchy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn Recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a snack bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the buttery richness to the spicy warmth and the delightful crunch.
- 10 cups plain popped popcorn: Use fresh popped popcorn without any added salt or butter to ensure the caramel sticks well.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Provides a creamy, rich base for the caramel sauce.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor for complexity.
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup (or honey): Keeps the caramel smooth and glossy while preventing crystallization.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, spicy note that defines the character of the popcorn.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, mellow dimension to the caramel coating.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Makes the caramel lighter and less sticky by creating bubbles when added.
How to Make Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Popcorn and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easy. Pop about 10 cups of plain popcorn, either on the stovetop or using an air popper, and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Be sure to pick out any unpopped kernels at this stage—they’re no fun to crunch on later!
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter fully. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, and salt, stirring constantly to combine everything smoothly. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes without stirring, enough time for the sugars to meld and thicken slightly.
Step 3: Finish the Caramel
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up and foam—that’s the baking soda doing its magic by aerating the caramel for a lighter texture. Work quickly to get the sauce ready to coat the popcorn.
Step 4: Coat the Popcorn
Pour the warm cinnamon caramel sauce evenly over the popcorn in the large bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss and coat every kernel gently but thoroughly. Once coated, spread the popcorn in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure it bakes evenly.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your coated popcorn in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to distribute the caramel and avoid clumps. When done, take it out and let it cool completely—this sets the caramel and makes the popcorn perfectly crunchy. Once cool, break into clusters and get ready to indulge!
How to Serve Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, consider a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cooled popcorn just before serving. A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also brighten the caramel’s sweetness and add a lovely contrast.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn pairs beautifully with hot beverages like chai tea, pumpkin spice lattes, or even a warm cup of mulled cider. Its sweet crunch also complements a soft cheese plate or can be served alongside seasonal fruit for a well-rounded snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this popcorn in festive mason jars sealed with ribbon for holiday gifts, or fill decorative paper cones for a fun movie night treat. Another idea is layering it in a clear bowl with layers of nuts and dried fruit for a tasty snack parfait that invites people to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and crunchy for up to a week, perfect for snacking over several days.
Freezing
If you want to keep your popcorn for longer, freezing it works well. Seal it tightly in a freezer bag or airtight container, and it will maintain freshness for up to a month. Just thaw briefly at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-baked taste and crunch, spread the popcorn on a baking sheet and warm it in a 250°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This refreshes the caramel coating without melting it down again.
FAQs
Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Absolutely! Honey is a natural alternative that works well in this Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn Recipe. It offers a slightly different flavor but maintains the glossy, smooth texture of the caramel.
How do I prevent the caramel from becoming too hard?
Be sure not to overcook the caramel sauce; a gentle boil for 3 to 4 minutes is enough. The baking soda also helps keep the caramel light. Avoid baking it at a temperature higher than 250°F to preserve the right texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make it vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using maple syrup instead of corn syrup or honey. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Is it necessary to bake the caramel-coated popcorn?
Baking helps the caramel set evenly and crisps up the popcorn for that perfect crunch. While you could skip baking, the texture and coating won’t be quite the same.
How spicy is the cinnamon flavor?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, which provides a warm but not overwhelming spice. You can adjust this amount slightly if you prefer a milder or stronger cinnamon kick.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn Recipe is one of those magical snacks that turns ordinary popcorn into an extraordinary treat. Its cozy cinnamon warmth, buttery caramel goodness, and satisfying crunch make it the perfect snack for so many moments. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every joyful bite as much as I do!
Print
Cinnamon Caramel Popcorn Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the sweet and crunchy goodness of Cinnamon Popcorn, a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. This recipe features lightly caramelized popcorn infused with warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, baked to a crisp for an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients
Popcorn
- 10 cups plain popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup kernels)
Cinnamon Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl, carefully removing any unpopped kernels to avoid unwanted bites.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam a bit, which helps create a lighter coating for the popcorn.
- Coat the Popcorn: Immediately pour the warm cinnamon caramel over the popcorn. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss and coat all the popcorn evenly with the caramel sauce.
- Bake the Popcorn: Spread the coated popcorn in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure an even coating and to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break the popcorn into clusters and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
- For extra flair, drizzle with white chocolate or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet-heat twist.
- Store the popcorn in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
