Popcorn-Spiced Caramel Corn with Sea Salt and Cinnamon
Sweet and crunchy popcorn coated in a buttery caramel glaze with hints of cinnamon and sea salt, perfect for a popular snack time treat. This american-inspired snacks ready in about 20 minutes turns unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, light corn syrup into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (makes approx 12 cups popped) popcorn kernels
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp for finishing sea salt flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pop 1/2 cup popcorn kernels using your preferred method to yield about 12 cups popped popcorn. Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly, then let boil without stirring for 4 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a deep amber.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp ground cinnamon until foamy and combined.
- Step 4: Quickly pour the caramel over the popcorn and toss gently with a heat-safe spatula or wooden spoon until all popcorn is evenly coated. Spread the popcorn out evenly on the baking sheet and sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes on top.
- Step 5: Let cool completely at room temperature for 1 hour until the caramel hardens and popcorn is crunchy. Break into clusters and serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Popcorn-Spiced Caramel Corn with Sea Salt and Cinnamon take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Popcorn-Spiced Caramel Corn with Sea Salt and Cinnamon?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Popcorn-Spiced Caramel Corn with Sea Salt and Cinnamon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Popcorn-Spiced Caramel Corn with Sea Salt and Cinnamon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Popcorn-Spiced Caramel Corn with Sea Salt and Cinnamon?
American snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
