Homemade Vegan Caramel Popcorn

Name: Homemade Vegan Caramel Popcorn
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 8 cups popcorn (, salted gives best end result); ¾ cup stovetop vegan caramel (, see note); ½ teaspoon baking soda (. to add to caramel (see note)); ½ - ¾ cup chopped nuts (, optional but give a yummy crunch (salted nuts add extra flavor))

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This vegan caramel popcorn will keep you coming back for more. The crunchy sweet flavor is so good and the perfect sweet treat!

Black bowl overflowing with caramel popcorn sitting on a yellow and white checkered towel

We are a popcorn loving family. Ok, maybe it's a little more than loving. Obsessed is closer to the feelings we have. So when I created this caramel version and left it on the counter, let's just say it didn't last more than a few minutes!

Caramel popcorn is one of the best sweet and salty treats! Airy popcorn coated in caramel sauce, what more could you ask for? Oh, you want it plant based? Done!

Ingredients

You'll wonder how so few ingredients can make such an amazing flavor! Here's what you need:

Popcorn
Stovetop vegan caramel
Baking Soda
Nuts - optional but highly recommended!

Popcorn, and containers with nuts, caramel and baking soda next to a yellow checkered towel

How to Make Vegan Caramel Popcorn

The hardest part of this recipe is not eating it all while you're making it! Here are the simple steps to take:

Make the caramel.
Mix popcorn with caramel and nuts if using.
Spread it out on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake.
Let it cool, break apart, and dig in!

Mix In Suggestions

We love adding extra flavor and texture to this recipe. Get creative and try something each time!

Pecans
Walnuts
Peanuts
Chocolate chips
Dried fruit
Pretzels

Tips and Tricks

Your favorite popcorn will work for this recipe, but I do recommend choosing a salted popcorn for the best flavor. And, make sure you pick a vegan one if needed.
Only cook the caramel recipe on the shorter side, for about 5 minutes. Once it is thickened remove from the heat and add in the baking soda with the vanilla and salt. You will see it bubbling but this is what helps spread easily.
Spread it as evenly as possible on the baking sheet so that you don't end up with clumps too big to break apart.
Don't forget the parchment paper! This will help to keep everything from sticking.
Bake the popcorn as soon as the popcorn is mixed with the sauce to avoid it from getting too mushy.
During the baking process carefully mix everything around every 15 minutes.
Let the popcorn cool before breaking up otherwise it will just stick together.
Seal in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to a week. The fresher the better as the popcorn will start to get a little stale over time.

Common Questions

Is it okay to eat caramel popcorn?

It is if you like being happy! In all seriousness, caramel popcorn isn't exactly a health food due to the higher amount of fat and calories. However, eating what makes you happy is an important part of mental health, just make sure your diet consists of more than just caramel popcorn. (As appealing as that may be!)

Why is my caramel popcorn soggy?

If the caramel has not cooked enough it will not harden properly which can result in soggy popcorn. Also, try baking the popcorn as soon as it is mixed with the sauce for the crispiest texture.

What does baking soda do to caramel?

Baking soda reacts with the ingredients in the caramel to create little bubbles (think baking soda and vinegar reaction but with a lower intensity). These bubbles create a more airy consistency that will spread easier over your popcorn.

How do you crisp caramel corn?

Baking the caramel coated popcorn at a low temperature and letting it cool completely will result in perfectly crispy popcorn.

More Vegan Dessert Recipes

Dessert, snack, meal, all of these terms can be used interchangeably if you ask me! Whenever you want a sweet treat, try out these tasty plant based recipes: