Quick Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This Quick Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk is a delightful treat that combines the crunch of popcorn with a rich, buttery caramel coating. Perfect for snacking or as a festive dessert!

Aubrey Whitman

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-19T14:07:57.543Z

This Quick Caramel Corn is not just a treat; it's a nostalgic snack that brings back memories of movie nights and festive gatherings. Made with sweetened condensed milk, the caramel is both quick to prepare and deliciously sticky, perfect for coating your popcorn.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistibly crunchy and sweet
  • Quick and easy to make at home
  • Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a homemade gift

The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

Caramel corn is a timeless treat that brings joy to any gathering. Whether it's a cozy movie night at home or a festive party, this Quick Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk is sure to impress your guests. Its sweet and crunchy texture makes it a versatile snack that pairs wonderfully with a variety of settings. You can easily double or triple the recipe to accommodate larger crowds, making it the ideal choice for celebrations or events.

This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides a delightful crunch that keeps you coming back for more. It's a great way to elevate your snack game without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients means that you likely have everything you need on hand. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of this irresistible caramel corn in no time!

Customizing Your Caramel Corn

One of the best aspects of this caramel corn recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences. For a nutty twist, try adding a cup of your favorite nuts, such as pecans or almonds, into the mix before coating it with caramel. You can also incorporate fun mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&M's, or dried fruit for a burst of flavor and color.

If you prefer a more sophisticated touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled caramel corn or sprinkling it with sea salt for a sweet and salty combination. These variations not only enhance the flavor but also make your caramel corn visually appealing, perfect for gifting or serving at a party.

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your caramel corn fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent moisture from softening the caramel coating. If properly stored, your caramel corn can last for up to two weeks, making it a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks or upcoming events. Just be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can affect the texture and taste.

If you find that your caramel corn has lost its crunch, a quick fix is to reheat it in the oven. Simply spread it out on a baking sheet and warm it at 250°F (120°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help revive the crispy texture, allowing you to enjoy this delightful snack just as it was intended.

Ingredients

For the Caramel Corn

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

Make sure to use freshly popped popcorn for the best results!

Directions

Prepare the Popcorn

Pop the popcorn according to package instructions and place it in a large bowl. Ensure there are no unpopped kernels.

Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, let it cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring.

Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine and Coat

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

Cool and Serve

Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow it to cool before serving.

Once cooled, break into pieces and enjoy your delicious caramel corn!

Caramel Corn Variations

While this recipe features the classic caramel corn flavor, there are countless variations to explore. For instance, you can experiment with different types of sugar, such as coconut sugar or maple sugar, to add a unique taste to the caramel. You might also try infusing the caramel with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist, perfect for autumn gatherings.

If you're looking to make a healthier version, consider using air-popped popcorn and reducing the amount of sugar in the caramel. You can also substitute some of the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative. These modifications allow you to enjoy a delicious treat while accommodating various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Caramel corn is not only a fantastic snack on its own but also makes for an excellent topping! Consider using it as a crunchy addition to ice cream sundaes or as a fun garnish for hot chocolate. It can elevate your desserts and impress guests with its delightful texture and flavor combination.

For a fun twist, package the caramel corn in decorative bags or jars as party favors or gifts. Add a personalized label or a festive ribbon to make your homemade treat even more special. Your friends and family will appreciate the thoughtfulness of a delicious, homemade gift!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use microwave popcorn?

Yes, microwave popcorn works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to remove any unpopped kernels.

→ How should I store leftover caramel corn?

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

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can make it a few days ahead. Just keep it stored properly to maintain its crunch.

→ What can I add to this recipe?

Feel free to mix in nuts, pretzels, or even chocolate for added flavor and texture.

Quick Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk

This Quick Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk is a delightful treat that combines the crunch of popcorn with a rich, buttery caramel coating. Perfect for snacking or as a festive dessert!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Aubrey Whitman

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Caramel Corn

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

Pop the popcorn according to package instructions and place it in a large bowl. Ensure there are no unpopped kernels.

Step 02

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, let it cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring.

Step 03

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow it to cool before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 2g