Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn Recipe

If you love the irresistible crunch of popcorn wrapped in a luscious, creamy caramel coating, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn Recipe. This delightful treat combines the rich sweetness of sweetened condensed milk with the perfect balance of buttery caramel and a hint of vanilla, transforming simple popcorn into a crave-worthy snack that’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or just whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your snack rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn Recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in creating that perfect texture and mouthwatering flavor.

• 10 cups of popped popcorn: The base to anything great, fresh and fluffy popcorn sets the stage.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds a rich, smooth foundation that helps bind the caramel together.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness and beautiful caramel color.
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Brings irresistibly creamy sweetness that makes this caramel pop with flavor.
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup: Keeps the caramel smooth and sticky without crystallizing.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the caramel perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring your caramel corn bakes evenly without burning on the bottom.

Step 2: Get the Popcorn Ready

Place about 10 cups of perfectly popped popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Do a quick check to pick out any unpopped kernels—they’re the last thing you want biting into unexpectedly. The quality and freshness of the popcorn play a huge role in the final texture and taste, so use your favorite method to pop it fresh or use a trusted bag of pre-popped popcorn.

Step 3: Melt the Butter

Over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan. The butter is going to provide richness and a silky base for your caramel sauce, so watch it carefully to prevent browning or burning.

Step 4: Combine Caramel Ingredients

Once the butter has melted, stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup of light corn syrup. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and glossy. This step integrates the sweetened condensed milk beautifully, giving the caramel an extra creamy, luscious consistency you just can’t beat.

Step 5: Cook the Caramel Mixture

Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Let it boil for 5 full minutes while stirring frequently—this ensures the sugar dissolves completely and the caramel becomes thick yet smooth, perfect for coating every kernel evenly.

Step 6: Add Flavor Enhancers

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. These touches add complexity and balance, elevating the caramel beyond just sweetness to something truly special and memorable.

Step 7: Coat the Popcorn with Caramel

Pour the hot caramel mixture over your bowl of popcorn. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently toss and coat each piece as evenly as possible. This careful coating ensures every bite carries that signature sweetened condensed milk caramel flavor you’re aiming for.

Step 8: Spread and Bake

Transfer the caramel-coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in a single, even layer. This step helps the caramel bake evenly and develop a satisfying crunch throughout.

Step 9: Bake the Caramel Corn

Bake your popcorn at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes, stopping every 15 minutes to give it a good stir. This rotation ensures the caramel bakes evenly, preventing sogginess or burning, and helps you get that ideal crisp texture.

Step 10: Cool and Break Apart

Remove from the oven and let the caramel corn cool completely right on the baking sheet. Once cooled, you can break apart any large clusters to your preferred size, whether you like big clumps for sharing or smaller clusters perfect for solo snacking.

Step 11: Serve or Store

Enjoy your caramel corn immediately or store it in an airtight container for up to a week. It will stay fresh, crunchy, and delicious, perfect for whenever a craving hits.

How to Serve Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn Recipe

Garnishes

To add an extra flair, try sprinkling your caramel corn with flaky sea salt or a dusting of cinnamon before baking. Another fun garnish is to toss in some toasted nuts or mini chocolate chips after baking—they add a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

While this Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn Recipe shines on its own, it’s also delightful alongside a cozy hot chocolate, coffee, or a creamy vanilla milkshake. Perfect for snack boards too, paired with cheeses and fresh fruit for a mix of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in festive paper cones or fill clear mason jars for easy gifting. You can also layer caramel corn with layers of nuts and candies in clear containers for a pretty party treat or movie night centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crispy and fresh for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration, which can make the caramel sticky or chewy.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freezing caramel corn is an option. Place it in a freezer-safe airtight bag or container, and it will last for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring back the crunch after storage or freezing, you can warm your caramel corn in a low oven (around 250 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. This revives that freshly baked texture and flavor beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

Regular milk won’t work quite the same because it lacks the thickness and sweetness needed to create that classic caramel texture. Sweetened condensed milk is key for the creamy caramel flavor and sticky coating.

Is it possible to make this recipe without corn syrup?

While corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps the caramel smooth, you can substitute with golden syrup or honey. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as the texture might vary slightly.

How do I store the caramel corn to keep it fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid moisture or heat exposure, which can cause the caramel to soften or become sticky.

What can I add to the recipe for extra flavor?

Try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne for a little kick. You can also mix in toasted nuts, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of chocolate after baking for a decadent twist.

Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?

Yes! Microwave popcorn works well as long as it’s plain or lightly salted, without added butter or flavorings that could affect the caramel coating.

Final Thoughts

This Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn Recipe is a game-changer that turns ordinary popcorn into an extraordinary treat. Its buttery, creamy caramel coat is simply addictive and perfectly balanced with just a hint of vanilla and salt. Whether you’re making a snack for family movie night or looking for a homemade gift idea, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. So grab your ingredients, get popping, and enjoy every sweet, crunchy bite!

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