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    Home » Snack

    Caramel Popcorn Recipe Without Corn Syrup

    Published: March 19, 2021 - Last updated: July 9, 2023 by Erika

    Thumbnail of caramel popcorn without corn syrup.
    Jump to Recipe
    caramel popcorn without corn syrup pin.

    This easy Caramel Popcorn Recipe without Corn Syrup recipe is baked in the oven! This sweet and salty low calorie snack is the perfect way to enjoy a treat while watching your calories.

    Bowl of caramel popcorn.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Recipe FAQ‘s
    • More Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Caramel Popcorn Recipe Without Corn Syrup

    Check out these other healthy snack options: Rainbow Skewers With Cloud Dip and Homemade Chocolate Pudding Without Cornstarch.

    There’s nothing like munching on a bag of caramel popcorn. The sweet and salty taste is so comforting that it's hard to realize you’ve finished a whole bag! Not only is it way too easy to consume a lot of calories, but the popcorn is likely made with corn syrup when you buy it from the store.

    This low calorie recipe of caramel popcorn is made without corn syrup and is sweetened with a simple blend of coconut sugar and honey. The best part is that it's made right in the oven which makes it easy and convenient.

    Enjoy this healthy snack during movie night or when you need a quick pick me up during the day!

    Caramel popcorn in a white bowl.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • It's made with natural sugars and without any corn syrup.
    • You can bake it in the oven instead of on the stovetop.
    • It's much healthier for you than any store bought version.
    • Makes a great snack for both kids and adults.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Labeled ingredients for the caramel popcorn.
    • Unsalted Butter: Butter will help the caramel mix become nice and smooth.
    • Pure Honey: Adds a thick naturally sweet flavor.
    • Coconut Sugar: Gives the caramel sauce sweetness and helps the sauce to caramelize.
    • Salt: Balances out the natural sweetness in honey and sugar.
    • Baking Soda: Helps give texture to the caramel sauce while baking.
    • Vanilla Extract: Infuses the caramel with a light vanilla flavor.
    • Plain Popped Popcorn: Plain popcorn is the vessel for sweet natural caramel.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    Steps to make the caramel popcorn.

    Step 1: Prepare for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 250 °F.

    Step 2: Make the homemade caramel sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Then add the coconut sugar, salt, and honey and stir until combined. Once combined, bring to a boil to create a caramel while constantly stirring. This will take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda.

    Step 3: Prepare the caramel popcorn. Lay plain popped popcorn on the lined baking sheet, then drizzle the caramel mixture over the popcorn.

    Step 4: Bake the popcorn. Bake the popcorn in the oven for 45 minutes making sure to stir occasionally. Once the caramel has hardened, remove it from the oven and let it cool.

    Step 5: Break up and serve. Once the popcorn is cooled, break up any large clusters and store them in a zip-top bag.

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    Caramel popcorn spilling out of a bowl.

    Expert Tips

    • When boiling the caramel, make sure you are stirring constantly or it will burn easily. Remove from heat immediately to keep it from cooking further.
    • Make sure the plain popped popcorn you use is fresh before drizzling with caramel sauce.
    • Try to add the popcorn in a single layer on the baking sheet to make sure the caramel cooks evenly.

    Variations

    • Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the caramel for a fall-flavored treat.
    • Once out of the oven, sprinkle the popcorn with mini chocolate or white chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
    • Chocolate or rainbow sprinkles on top make a great addition when added to the popcorn right out of the oven.
    • Instead of vanilla extract, try adding maple, almond or your favorite fruit extract to the caramel sauce for different types of flavor.

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: Popcorn will stay fresh for 2-3 days in an airtight container or zip top bag. Do not store in the refrigerator.

    Freezing: Despite what it may seem, popcorn can hold up well in the freezer when placed in an airtight container or zip top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw on the countertop before serving.

    Recipe FAQ‘s

    What if I can't find coconut sugar?

    You can use light or dark brown sugar to replace the coconut sugar in this recipe.

    Can I use agave instead of honey?

    Agave is a great substitute for honey in the caramel sauce.

    What does baking soda do in caramel?

    Baking soda creates tiny bubbles that help aerate the sauce and give it more texture.

    How do I get my popcorn crunchy and not soggy?

    The longer you cook the syrup the crunchier the popcorn will be.

    What if I like my popcorn salty?

    Increase the amount of salt to one teaspoon and sprinkle the baked popcorn with sea salt while it’s still warm from the oven.

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    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter.

    Thumbnail of caramel popcorn without corn syrup.

    Caramel Popcorn Recipe Without Corn Syrup

    Erika
    This easy caramel popcorn recipe is made without corn syrup and baked in the oven! This sweet and salty low calorie snack is the perfect way to enjoy a treat while watching your calories.
    4.80 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 Servings
    Calories 180 kcal

    Equipment

    • Utensil Set
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups
    • Ceramic Covered Saucepan
    • Non-Stick Cookie Sheets

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 6 cups plain popcorn
    • ½ cup unsalted butter
    • ¼ cup pure honey
    • 1 cup coconut sugar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out popcorn, set aside.
    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the coconut sugar, honey and salt.
    • Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 5 minutes on medium-low heat.
    • Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla. Drizzle mixture over popcorn.
    • Bake for 45 minutes. Stir popcorn every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
    • Once cool, break up clumps and store in a zip top bag.

    Notes

    • When boiling the caramel, make sure you are stirring constantly or it will burn easily. Remove from heat immediately to keep it from cooking further.
    • Make sure the plain popped popcorn you use is fresh before drizzling with caramel sauce.
    • Try to add the popcorn in a single layer on the baking sheet to make sure the caramel cooks evenly.
    • Storing: Popcorn will stay fresh for 2-3 days in an airtight container or zip top bag. Do not store in the refrigerator.
    • Freezing: Despite what it may seem, popcorn can hold up well in the freezer when placed in an airtight container or zip top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw on the countertop before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 27gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 135mgSugar: 25g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Keyword Caramel Popcorn Recipe Without Corn Syrup
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea Metlika

      March 19, 2021 at 5:03 pm

      Wow! This caramel corn looks awesome! I've never cooked with coconut sugar but I am ready to try it!

      Reply
    2. Megan Lehr

      March 19, 2021 at 4:47 pm

      This homemade caramel popcorn was so simple and so delicious. Doesn't need to be a christmas treat any more!

      Reply
    3. Claudia Lamascolo

      March 19, 2021 at 4:39 pm

      I can tell just by looking at this caramel corn it will be totally addicting for me! YUM!

      Reply
    4. Aimee Mars

      March 19, 2021 at 4:23 pm

      Every Friday night in our house is known as "family fun night," which just means it's movie night with pizza and dessert. This would be a great addition to our night and I know my kids would enjoy making it too.

      Reply

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