Best 14 Caramel Cracked Corn Recipes

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Caramel cracked corn, a delightful treat made from corn kernels coated in a sweet, crunchy caramel glaze, is a classic carnival and fairground snack enjoyed by people of all ages. This simple yet addictive snack is not only delicious but also quite easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create your own batch of caramel cracked corn that will satisfy your sweet cravings and transport you back to those carefree days of summer fairs and festivals.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLASSIC CARAMEL CORN



Classic Caramel Corn image

Sweet and crunchy, this caramel corn is easy to make and tastes better than the county fair's.

Provided by Karo Corn Syrup

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     ARGO®, KARO®, FLEISCHMANN'S®

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

Mazola Pure® Cooking Spray
4 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup Karo® Light OR Dark Corn Syrup
½ cup butter OR margarine
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract

Steps:

  • Spray large shallow roasting pan with cooking spray. Add popcorn and place in preheated 250 degrees F oven while preparing caramel.
  • Mix brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Boil 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla; mix well.
  • Pour syrup over warm popcorn, stirring to coat evenly.
  • Bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and spread on foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Cool; break apart. Store in tightly covered container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 395 calories, Carbohydrate 52.4 g, Cholesterol 30.5 mg, Fat 21 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 16.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 567.3 mg, Sugar 32.3 g

CARAMEL CORN



Caramel Corn image

A sweet crunchier version of an all-time favorite snack that's perfect for picnics, family movie nights or gifting.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Gifts & Decor

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds, if desired
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 250°F. Spread popcorn in ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Sprinkle almonds over popcorn.
  • In large saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, water, corn syrup and salt; mix well. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in baking soda until well mixed. Immediately pour mixture over popcorn and almonds; toss until coated.
  • Bake at 250°F. for 15 minutes. Stir; bake an additional 15 minutes. Stir; bake 5 minutes. Immediately spread on foil or waxed paper. Cool 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380, Carbohydrate 40 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Fat 4 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Cup, Sodium 530 mg, Sugar 30 g

ALMOST-FAMOUS CARAMEL CORN



Almost-Famous Caramel Corn image

Baseball and Cracker Jack (yes, it's Jack, not Jacks!) go way back: The caramel popcorn and peanut mix, introduced in 1893, hit the big time in the early 1900s when "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" became baseball's unofficial anthem. Today, baseball fans still sing the song (chanting "buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack") during the seventh inning stretch, and the snack is still sold at stadiums around the country. Frito-Lay keeps the original recipe a secret, but Food Network Kitchens created this great copy.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield About 8 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for the baking sheet
1/3 cup popcorn kernels (preferably mushroom kernels)
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons molasses
2 teaspoons roasted peanut oil
Kosher salt
1/2 cup raw peanuts

Steps:

  • Put the vegetable oil and a few test popcorn kernels in a large pot. Heat over medium-high heat until the kernels pop, then carefully add the remaining kernels in a single layer. Cover and cook, shaking the pot, until there are several seconds between pops. Transfer the popcorn to a bowl. Lightly oil a baking sheet.
  • Wipe out the pot, then add the sugar, corn syrup, molasses, peanut oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and the peanuts. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until a candy thermometer registers 290 degrees F, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the popcorn until coated. Transfer the caramel corn to the prepared baking sheet and let cool, then break into small pieces.

PUFFED CARAMEL CORN



Puffed Caramel Corn image

Puffed corn can be found in the potato chip aisle of your grocery store. This is a great caramel corn without hulls or unpopped kernels. Warning: you need to make a double batch of this because it doesn't last long, at least not in my house. Very addicting. Love it!

Provided by rookie

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes

Time 1h7m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (8 ounce) bag corn puffs (such as O-Ke-Doke®)
1 cup salted peanuts
1 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
  • Combine corn puffs and peanuts in a large roasting pan.
  • Bring butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup to a boil in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda until mixture foams up. Pour over corn-peanut mixture and toss well using rubber spatulas.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes, until a cooled piece of corn is crunchy, about 45 minutes.
  • Spread on waxed paper to cool. Break apart and transfer to an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 631.3 calories, Carbohydrate 62 g, Cholesterol 62.1 mg, Fat 42.2 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 17.6 g, Sodium 787.5 mg, Sugar 33.7 g

CARAMEL CORN I



Caramel Corn I image

This caramel corn is great for Monday night football. The assortment of nuts makes it deluxe caramel corn. It takes a bit of time, but is more than worth it.

Provided by Terri McCarrell

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes

Yield 25

Number Of Ingredients 11

5 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 ½ cups unpopped popcorn
1 cup butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup peanuts
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup almonds

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
  • Add 1 tablespoon of the oil to a 4 quart saucepan, and heat over high heat. When oil is hot, add 1/2 cup of popping corn. Keep pan moving constantly. When corn stops popping, remove from heat. Place popped corn in oven to keep warm. Repeat until all corn has been popped. Set aside.
  • Melt margarine or butter in a medium saucepan, and then stir in brown sugar, syrup, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly; boil without stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Stir baking soda, vanilla, peanuts, pecans, and almonds into brown sugar mixture. Quickly pour nut mixture over warm popcorn, and toss until well coated. Spread on greased cookie sheets.
  • Bake for 45 minutes, stirring well every 15 minutes. Cool on aluminum foil, and store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 346.7 calories, Carbohydrate 40.1 g, Cholesterol 19.5 mg, Fat 20 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 180.5 mg, Sugar 19.8 g

OVEN CARAMEL CORN



Oven Caramel Corn image

This classic caramel corn is perfect as an everyday snack or packaged as a homemade gift for your favorite foodie.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Gifts & Decor

Time 1h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

12 cups popped popcorn
1 1/2 cups walnut or pecan halves or 1 1/2 cups unblanched whole almonds
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 200°F. Divide popcorn and pecans between 2 ungreased rectangular pans, 13x9x2 inches.
  • Heat brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbly around edges. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally; remove from heat. Stir in baking soda.
  • Pour mixture over popcorn and walnuts; stir until well coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 310, Carbohydrate 32 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 4, Fiber 2 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 220 mg

SOFT CARAMEL CORN



Soft Caramel Corn image

Soft, yummy caramel corn that will disappear before your eyes! Great for the holidays, parties, or gifts. I promise, this easy recipe won't let you down!

Provided by Aubry Canales

Categories     Desserts     Candy Recipes     Popcorn Candy Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 40

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 (3.5 ounce) packages microwave popcorn, popped
2 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup butter
1 (5 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Steps:

  • Place the popcorn in a large bowl. Shake and toss the bowl to make the unpopped kernels go to the bottom; discard.
  • In a sauce pan over medium-high heat, cook the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter, stirring constantly. Heat to 270 to 290 degrees F (132 to 143 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard but pliable threads. Remove from the heat, and carefully pour in the can of condensed milk; stir until smooth.
  • Pour 1/4 of the caramel at a time over the popcorn, stirring until all of the popcorn is covered. Cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 159.4 calories, Carbohydrate 24.6 g, Cholesterol 13.4 mg, Fat 7 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 111.4 mg, Sugar 16.2 g

THE EASIEST AND BEST CARAMEL CORN I'VE EVER MADE



The Easiest and Best Caramel Corn I've Ever Made image

Oh LORD, have mercy! LOL! This stuff is the kind-of snack you sit down in front of the tv with and you look down and it's all gone! The best part about this recipe is (other than the end product) the fact no candy thermometer is necessary.

Provided by Redneck Epicurean

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h10m

Yield 1 1/2 gallon bag

Number Of Ingredients 7

2/3 cup unpopped popcorn
2 tablespoons oil (for popping)
1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 200°.
  • Spray your largest cookie sheets.
  • Pop the popcorn in the oil and set aside. I do this in two batches. Place in a very large bowl. (Plastic bowls work really well because the caramel won't stick; you could also spray the bowl with a bit of Pam).
  • Over medium heat in a heavy saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, salt and syrup. Bring to a rolling boil.
  • When it starts to boil, boil a full 5 minutes stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. (I used a plastic spatula and ended up sacrificing it)
  • Remove from the heat and add the soda. Pour caramel directly on the popcorn and stir to coat completely.
  • Pour popcorn onto the sheets and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool and break into pieces. Store in zip-top bags.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 2664.2, Fat 141, SaturatedFat 80.1, Cholesterol 325.4, Sodium 3554.4, Carbohydrate 369.1, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 311.9, Protein 2.1

SUPER FAST, DELICIOUS, EASY, AND OOEY GOOEY CARAMEL CORN



Super Fast, Delicious, Easy, and Ooey Gooey Caramel Corn image

This caramel corn whips up really fast and is the perfect consistency and taste. I received it from some good friends of my parents. It always goes over well when a bunch of friends or family get together. Even though its easy, my husband requests it often. We like light corn syrup, but if you prefer a stronger flavor, use dark.

Provided by Delish

Categories     Dessert

Time 5m

Yield 12 cups, 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
12 cups popped popcorn, old maids removed

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, bring to a boil butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
  • Place popped popcorn in large bowl and drizzle caramel mixture gradually over popcorn, while tossing and stirring to coat evenly.
  • Make sure to scrape the bottom as the mixture settles.
  • We love to serve it warm in all its ooey gooey goodness! Once you start, you can't stop.

CLASSIC CARAMEL CORN



Classic Caramel Corn image

This recipe I really liked, but I found it a little sweet for my taste. However, I liked how much corn it covered. Reminded me a little of popcorn balls.

Provided by AmyZoe

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 16 cups, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

cooking spray, to taste (I used my butter wrapper insides instead)
4 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup or 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Spray large shallow roasting pan with cooking spray. I used my butter wrappers instead of spraying. Add popcorn and place in preheated 250 degree oven while preparing caramel.
  • Mix brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, butter, and salt in a 2-quart saucepan. I skipped the salt because I was using salted popcorn, but your personal preference here. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Boil 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla and mix well.
  • Pour syrup over warm popcorn and stir evenly to coat.
  • Bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and spread on foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray. (I skipped the cooking spray here too).
  • Cool and break apart. Store in tightly covered container. (I think the purpose of the tightly covered container is so you can't open and eat it as quickly).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165, Fat 6.1, SaturatedFat 3.7, Cholesterol 15.2, Sodium 173.8, Carbohydrate 27.9, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 16.3, Protein 1.1

OVEN CARAMEL CORN



Oven Caramel Corn image

This is my mom's caramel corn recipe. This caramel corn melts in your month. Our family enjoys it every Christmas, but it never lasts long!

Provided by Rmprivatt

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks

Time 1h20m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup butter
¼ cup light corn syrup
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
  • Pour popcorn into a very large bowl.
  • Combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring continuously, until mixture begins to bubble, but not boil, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda carefully. Pour over popcorn; mix until evenly coated.
  • Spread coated popcorn on 2 jelly roll pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, until a cooled piece of popcorn is crunchy, about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 181.5 calories, Carbohydrate 22.4 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fat 10.5 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 275.5 mg, Sugar 14.8 g

CARAMEL CORN



Caramel Corn image

Homemade Caramel Corn has never been easier! It's an incredibly addictive snack that is sweet, crunchy, and so easy to make!

Provided by Janelle

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 bags Pop Secret homestyle butter microwave popcorn
1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup Karo light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Pop popcorn according to package directions.
  • Have two bowls ready.
  • Pour popcorn in one bowl.
  • Gently Shake the bowl to get the seeds to the bottom of the bowl.
  • Remove popcorn slowly into the second bowl leaving seeds in the 1st bowl.
  • Toss seeds. Repeat with the second and third bag.
  • Prepare 2 baking sheets with a baking mat or parchment paper.
  • Preheat oven to 250*F
  • In a pot, add butter and cook over medium heat until melted.
  • Add brown sugar, corn syrup and salt.
  • Bring to a boil and cook for an additional 4 minutes, stirring regularly so caramel doesn't burn on the bottom of the pan.
  • After 4 minutes, turn off the heat and remove the pan from heat.
  • Add vanilla extract and be prepared for the mixture to spit at you. Stir to incorporate.
  • Add baking soda and stir. Mixture will become fluffy and increase in volume.
  • Pour caramel mixture over your prepared popcorn.
  • Stir well, careful not to touch the caramel mixture to your skin or it will burn you.
  • Spread caramel corn on baking sheets, dividing mixture between the two sheets.
  • Evenly space the racks in your oven so you can get both in there at the same time, one on top and one on bottom.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove caramel corn, and stir. Place back in oven on the opposite oven shelf.
  • Repeat 15 minute baking and stirring intervals until caramel corn has been baked 2 times total.
  • Remove from the oven, stir and let cool.
  • I like to stir again after caramel corn has been out of the oven for 5 minutes to prevent clumping.
  • Serve once cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 462 calories, Carbohydrate 57 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 43 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 26 grams fat, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 2 grams protein, SaturatedFat 13 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 509 milligrams sodium, Sugar 41 grams sugar, TransFat 3 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams unsaturated fat

COURTSIDE CARAMEL CORN



Courtside Caramel Corn image

My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. -Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Snacks

Time 1h

Yield about 5-1/2 quarts.

Number Of Ingredients 7

6 quarts popped popcorn
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • Place popcorn in a large bowl and set aside. In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. , Remove from the heat. Stir in vanilla and baking soda; mix well. Pour over popcorn and stir until well-coated. Pour into two greased 13x9-in. baking pans. , Bake, uncovered, at 250° for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely. Store in airtight containers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 230 calories, Fat 12g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 343mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

CRUNCHY CARAMEL CORN



Crunchy Caramel Corn image

Skip the movie theater and still indulge your kids' popcorn cravings -- this extra-crunchy version (with some sweetness) will make them applaud right at home.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 tablespoons butter, plus more for baking sheet
10 cups plain unsalted popped (from 1/2 cup kernels or a 3.3-ounce bag microwave popcorn) popcorn
1 cup cashews, coarsely chopped (optional)
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
Coarse salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Butter a large rimmed baking sheet; set aside. Place popcorn in a large bowl; if using cashews, add to bowl and toss to combine. Set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, bring butter, sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons water to a boil, stirring constantly. Working quickly, drizzle popcorn with sugar syrup, and toss.
  • Spread popcorn evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake, tossing occasionally, until golden and shiny, about 40 minutes. Transfer hot popcorn to parchment-paper-lined baking sheet; let cool.

Tips:

  • Use fresh popcorn kernels: Fresh popcorn kernels will pop better and result in a crispier caramel corn.
  • Don't overcrowd the pot: When popping the popcorn, don't overcrowd the pot. This will prevent the kernels from popping evenly.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot: A heavy-bottomed pot will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the caramel from burning.
  • Cook the caramel to the right temperature: The caramel should be cooked to a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that it is thick and glossy.
  • Add the popcorn to the caramel immediately: Once the caramel is cooked, add the popcorn immediately. This will help to prevent the caramel from hardening.
  • Stir the popcorn and caramel constantly: Stir the popcorn and caramel constantly to ensure that the popcorn is evenly coated.
  • Spread the popcorn out on a baking sheet: Once the popcorn is coated in caramel, spread it out on a baking sheet. This will help to prevent the popcorn from clumping together.
  • Let the popcorn cool completely: Allow the popcorn to cool completely before breaking it into pieces. This will help to prevent the popcorn from becoming sticky.

Conclusion:

Caramel cracked corn is a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a sweet treat. By following these tips, you can make perfect caramel cracked corn every time.

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