Name: Honey Caramel Corn
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 (Makes 8 cups)
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup un-popped popping corn (or about 8 cups popped popcorn); 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); Coarse salt (optional)

ThisHoney Caramel Corn recipeis a sweet and slightly salty snack that you will LOVE munching on any day of the week. And it’s so easy to make!

Anyone else in love withsalty-sweet flavored snacks?It’s why peanut butter and chocolate go so well together. This honey caramel corn is no different. The caramelized honey sauce is rich without being TOO sweet, and you have the option to add salt on top of the popcorn, which you already know I highly recommend.

As someone who is used to feeding five little ones,anytime I can create a simple snack that everyone loves is a majorly enormous win. And this accomplishes all that and then some (because mama is over here happy snacking on it, too).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thishealthy caramel corn recipeis so fun and agreat recipe to make with the kids.
It’s dreamy and beyond easy to throw together when you want afun snackthat’s a little outside the box (or the store-bought popcorn bag).
Simple to make for a movie nightsnack when friends come over or for the kids to take to school to share with their class on a holiday or birthday!

Recipe Ingredients

Popcorn –unpopped (about 8 cups popped popcorn)
Honey
Butter
Vanilla
Baking soda
Cinnamon –optional

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

crispy baked caramel corn with healthy honey.

How to Make Homemade Honey Caramel Corn

side view of soft caramel popcorn on a big white and blue bowl.

Step 1:Pop the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels.

Step 2:Melt butter and honey. Then add vanilla, cinnamon, & baking soda.

honey caramel being poured over a glass bowl of popcorn.

honey caramel corn, browned and looking like its full of flavor spread out on a parchment lined baking dish.

Step 3:Pour over the popcorn and stir until all kernels are coated.

Step 4:Spread onto a baking sheet & bake until golden, 5-10 min.

Recipe FAQs

What happens if you forget the baking soda in caramel corn?

Baking soda creates small carbon dioxide air bubbles in the caramel by reacting with the acid. It’s what makes the caramel sauce appear foamy, and then when you caramel corn cools, the air bubbles help it maintain a soft texture.

What is the difference between caramel corn and kettle corn?

Caramel corn was historically sweetened with molasses (although this recipe uses honey), and nowadays it’s made by pouring hot caramel over popcorn. Kettle corn is tossed with some salt and sugar for a different sweet-savory flavor profile!

Can caramel corn be frozen?

You can certainly freeze caramel corn—just bag it and store it in the freezer for several months! You can also store it in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. Just be careful when thawing. If there’s condensation (moisture) in the bag, it’ll make it soggy. Just open the bag a bit so it can air out if needed.

Expert Tips

Pop fresh popcorn kernelsjust before you make the caramel sauceto ensure they are crispy. Stale popcorn can become chewy.
If popping on the stove, use a large pot with a lid to make sure there’s enough room for the kernels to pop without overflowing.
Once the caramel is ready, work quickly to pour it over the popcorn and toss it to coat evenly.Caramel hardens quickly, so you need to mix it fast.
If you really love popcorn-themed snacks, be sure to check out myGooey Caramel PopcornandCinnamon Caramel Corn with White Chocolate & Pecans!