Quick Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season with this easy Quick Caramel Corn recipe. Made with crunchy popcorn and a rich, buttery caramel sauce, this treat is a delightful addition to any Christmas celebration. Perfect for gift-giving or as a festive snack, this caramel corn combines the creamy goodness of sweetened condensed milk for an irresistible twist that everyone will love.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-10-23T08:09:55.002Z

This caramel corn recipe is perfect for the holiday season, bringing joy and sweetness to any gathering.

The Perfect Holiday Snack

Caramel corn has always been a delightful treat, especially during the holiday season. Its combination of crunchy popcorn and sweet, buttery caramel makes it a favorite among both kids and adults. This Quick Caramel Corn recipe is not only simple to make, but it also delivers a mouthwatering flavor that is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a cozy movie night, this snack is perfect for any festive occasion.

What makes this caramel corn even more special is the addition of sweetened condensed milk. This ingredient enhances the depth of flavor, creating a rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, the mix of textures—the crunch of the popcorn and the smooth caramel—offers a satisfying eating experience. It's no wonder that this treat has become a staple at holiday gatherings!

Make it Your Own

One of the great things about caramel corn is its versatility. While this recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or to impress your guests. Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty treat, or mix in some nuts or chocolate candies for an extra decadent touch. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a new twist to this classic snack.

Additionally, caramel corn makes for a wonderful gift. Package it in festive bags or jars and tie them with colorful ribbons for a homemade holiday gift that friends and family will cherish. Everyone loves a thoughtful, tasty treat, and this caramel corn is sure to brighten anyone's day!

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this Quick Caramel Corn recipe, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Cooking the caramel sauce requires attention to detail, and stirring continuously will help prevent burning. Once the mixture is boiling, work quickly but carefully to coat your popcorn, as the caramel can become sticky and difficult to manage as it cools.

Baking the caramel corn is another crucial step. Spreading the mixture evenly on the baking sheet helps ensure that every piece is lightly toasted and perfectly crunchy. Don’t forget to stir it every 10 minutes to promote even baking. The final result is not just a snack; it's a festive experience that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Caramel Corn

  • 10 cups popped popcorn
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Mix the ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Popcorn

Pop the popcorn using your preferred method and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat until it reaches a boil, stirring constantly.

Add Vanilla and Baking Soda

Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda until smooth.

Combine Caramel and Popcorn

Pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn and mix well until all popcorn is evenly coated.

Bake the Caramel Corn

Spread the popcorn mixture onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Let the caramel corn cool before breaking it into clusters.

Storing Your Caramel Corn

After you’ve made your delicious caramel corn, storing it correctly is key to maintaining its freshest taste and texture. Store your caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This will help prevent moisture from making the popcorn soggy and will keep it crunchy.

If you’d like to enjoy your caramel corn for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled caramel corn in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply let it come to room temperature before indulging.

Serving Suggestions

This Quick Caramel Corn is not just a standalone snack; it can be served in various creative ways. Consider presenting it in festive bowls during holiday gatherings or movie nights. You can even mix it with other treats, like chocolate-covered pretzels or nuts, to create a personalized trail mix.

For an elegant touch, serve your caramel corn as a topping for ice cream. The combination of creamy ice cream and crunchy, sweet caramel corn will elevate your dessert to a whole new level of indulgence. No matter how you serve it, this treat is sure to delight everyone!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use microwave popcorn?

Yes, microwave popcorn works well for this recipe.

→ How should I store the caramel corn?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.

Quick Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season with this easy Quick Caramel Corn recipe. Made with crunchy popcorn and a rich, buttery caramel sauce, this treat is a delightful addition to any Christmas celebration. Perfect for gift-giving or as a festive snack, this caramel corn combines the creamy goodness of sweetened condensed milk for an irresistible twist that everyone will love.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Caramel Corn

  1. 10 cups popped popcorn
  2. 1 cup brown sugar
  3. 1/2 cup butter
  4. 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  5. 1/4 cup corn syrup
  6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

How-To Steps

Step 01

Pop the popcorn using your preferred method and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 02

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat until it reaches a boil, stirring constantly.

Step 03

Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda until smooth.

Step 04

Pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn and mix well until all popcorn is evenly coated.

Step 05

Spread the popcorn mixture onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 1g