Old-fashioned caramel corn is extra buttery and deliciousand great for holiday gift giving.

Each bite is filled with buttery flavor, salty popcorn, and a sweet crunch.

For an extra-special presentation, drizzle with a combination of melted dark and white chocolate for a candy-bar flavor.

Southern Living Classic Caramel Corn ready to serve

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Baking soda makes the caramel mixture more brittle so it won’t be as sticky on the popcorn.

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature.

Refrigerating the popped kernels can cause it to become soft or soggy.

Southern Living Classic Caramel Corn ingredients

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How To Make Caramel Popcorn

Here, read the key points of this caramel popcorn recipe.

You really should use a candy thermometer.

It’s hard to guess the temperature of the caramel mixture.

Southern Living Classic Caramel Corn lining pans with parchment paper

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The lower you take it, the softer and more chewy your caramel corn will be.

The higher the temp, the more crunchy.

Store in airtight containers at room temperature.

Southern Living Caramel Corn boiling the sugar mixture

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Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside.

Cook caramel mixture:

Place popped popcorn in a large heatproof bowl.

Boil, stirring often, until mixture reaches 260F, about 6 minutes.

Southern Living Classic Caramel Corn stirring in the baking soda and vanilla

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Pour over popcorn in bowl, and stir well to coat.

Spread popcorn in an even layer on prepared rimmed baking sheets.

Let cool completely on baking sheets, about 30 minutes.

Southern Living Classic Caramel Corn stirring the caramel into the popcorn

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Break into pieces before serving or packaging.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

Southern Living Classic Caramel Corn spreading the caramel corn on the baking sheets

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

Southern Living Classic Caramel Corn baking the caramel corn

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

Southern Living Classic Caramel Corn cooled and ready to serve

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell