Caramel Popcorn Recipe – Easy Homemade Indian-Style Sweet & Salty Snack

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Caramel Popcorn Recipe – Easy Homemade Indian-Style Sweet & Salty Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for movie nights. This caramel popcorn recipe is the perfect combo of both! It’s seriously addictive – sweet, salty, crunchy, and oh-so-good. I first made this for a Diwali get-together and it disappeared within minutes! It’s become a family favourite ever since. Let’s get popping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average caramel popcorn. We’re giving it a little Indian twist with the use of coconut oil, which adds a subtle, lovely flavour. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, way better than anything you can buy in the store, and completely customizable. Plus, who doesn’t love a homemade snack? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a little self-care treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious caramel popcorn:

• 1/2 cup (approximately 80g) corn kernels (dried popping corn)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) coconut oil
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15g) butter

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips to make sure your popcorn turns out perfectly.

• Corn Kernels: You can find different types of popping corn in India – mushroom corn gives you those big, fluffy popcorn pieces, while butterfly corn is a bit more delicate. Either works great!
• Coconut Oil: I love using coconut oil for this. It’s a South Indian staple and adds a beautiful aroma and subtle flavour. You can substitute with vegetable oil if you prefer, but coconut oil really elevates it.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best for the caramel. Don’t use icing sugar or brown sugar.
• Butter: Using good quality butter makes a difference in the flavour of the caramel.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and give it a quick stir – just once!
2. Now, partially cover the pot with a lid. This lets steam escape, which is important for crispy popcorn. As the popping starts, shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning. Keep going until the popping slows down to a few seconds between pops (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Once the popping stops, carefully transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Set it aside for now.
4. In the same pot (wipe it out if needed!), melt the sugar over medium heat. Don’t stir it! Just let it melt and turn into a golden amber liquid. This takes patience, but it’s worth it.
5. Once the sugar is amber, remove the pot from the heat and quickly add the butter and salt. Stir gently to combine everything. Be careful, it’s hot!
6. Immediately pour the caramel over the popcorn and mix thoroughly using a spatula. Make sure every piece is coated!
7. Spread the coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined tray and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the caramel set.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make the best caramel popcorn:

• Don’t overcrowd the pot: When popping the corn, make sure there’s enough space for the kernels to expand.
• Watch the caramel closely: Burnt caramel is no fun! Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns amber.
• Work quickly: Once the caramel is ready, you need to pour it over the popcorn immediately. It sets quickly!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: Mild to Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder to the caramel for a sweet and spicy kick. My friend, Priya, swears by this!
• Festival Adaptations: This is amazing for Diwali or Holi! It’s a sweet treat everyone loves.
• Vegan Adaptation: Simply swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative. It works beautifully!
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

This caramel popcorn is delicious on its own, but you can also get creative with serving it!

• Movie Night: The classic pairing!
• Party Snack: Serve it in individual bags or a large bowl at your next gathering.
• Gift: Package it up in a cute jar for a homemade gift.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover caramel popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It tends to get a little sticky after a while, but it will still taste delicious!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• What type of corn kernels work best for popcorn? Both mushroom and butterfly corn work well. Mushroom corn gives you bigger, fluffier pieces, while butterfly corn is more delicate.
• Can I make this caramel popcorn ahead of time? Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you make it ahead, store it in an airtight container and be aware it might lose some of its crispness.
• How do I prevent the caramel from getting too hard? Don’t overcook the sugar! Remove it from the heat as soon as it turns amber.
• What is the best way to clean the caramel off the pot? Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil. The caramel should dissolve easily.
• Can I add nuts or other toppings to this caramel popcorn? Absolutely! Add chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even chocolate chips after you’ve coated the popcorn in caramel.

Enjoy making (and eating!) this delicious caramel popcorn. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!