Homemade Chocolate Caramel Corn: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Holiday Treat
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this incredible big batch of chocolate caramel corn! Featuring perfectly popped corn and crunchy peanuts, generously coated in a rich, buttery caramel, then artfully drizzled with decadent dark chocolate and sprinkled with flaky sea salt – this recipe is an absolute must-have for your holiday gatherings and beyond. It’s the ultimate crowd-plepleasing indulgence that promises a symphony of flavors and textures in every irresistible bite.
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Eagle Brand®.
When the festive season rolls around, or really, any time of year calls for a truly special treat, caramel corn is always at the top of my list. It’s a classic for a reason: incredibly easy to prepare, yields a generous amount, and is utterly impossible to resist. There’s something universally appealing about that sweet, chewy crunch that makes it disappear faster than you can say “happy holidays!”
But why stop at simply delicious when you can achieve extraordinary? This year, I’ve taken my beloved soft and gooey caramel corn recipe and transformed it into something even more spectacular: Chocolate Caramel Corn. By introducing rich dark chocolate, savory roasted peanuts, and a hint of flaky sea salt, we create a truly dynamic snack. It’s the perfect dance between salty and sweet, soft and chewy (or crunchy, if you prefer!), making it an ideal treat not just for the holidays but for year-round enjoyment. Imagine hosting a movie night, a family get-together, or simply craving a satisfying snack – this chocolate caramel corn fits every bill.
The Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Chocolate Caramel Corn
Crafting this delightful chocolate caramel corn requires a few simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this snack so addictive. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather:
- Popped Popcorn: The foundation of our caramel corn! While I swear by my stove-top popper for consistently fluffy results, you have several options. An air popper works wonderfully for a healthier, oil-free base, or even microwave popcorn in plain or lightly salted varieties will do in a pinch. The key is to ensure it’s freshly popped and, most importantly, free of any un-popped kernels that could spoil the eating experience. About 1 cup of un-popped kernels typically yields a large batch, perfect for this recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter is paramount for a rich, flavorful caramel. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the final product, especially since we’re adding salt to the caramel and flaky salt at the end. It creates that undeniably luxurious, creamy base for our caramel sauce.
- Light Corn Syrup: This ingredient is essential for achieving the perfect caramel consistency. Light corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization, which can make caramel grainy. It contributes to the smooth, glossy texture and chewiness that makes homemade caramel corn so special. Don’t worry, it’s not just for sweetness; it’s a structural hero!
- Brown Sugar: Whether you opt for light or dark brown sugar, its molasses content adds a deeper, more complex flavor profile to the caramel compared to white sugar. Dark brown sugar will lend a richer, more robust caramel taste, while light brown sugar offers a slightly milder, sweeter note. Both work beautifully, so choose based on your preference.
- Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is truly the star ingredient for our caramel. Sweetened condensed milk is what makes this caramel sauce incredibly thick, rich, and wonderfully smooth without needing a candy thermometer or complex steps. It locks in moisture, ensuring a gooey texture, and adds a distinct sweetness that perfectly balances the other flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of good quality vanilla extract enhances all the sweet notes in the caramel, adding a warm, aromatic depth that completes the flavor profile. Don’t skip it!
- Salt: A crucial counterpoint to all the sweetness, a touch of fine salt in the caramel balances the flavors beautifully and prevents it from being cloyingly sweet.
- Peanuts: Lightly salted “cocktail” peanuts are my go-to. Their salty crunch and nutty flavor provide a fantastic contrast to the sweet caramel and fluffy popcorn. They add another layer of texture and make this snack even more satisfying.
- Semi-sweet or Bittersweet Chocolate: For the decadent drizzle, choose a good quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate. Chopped chocolate melts more smoothly and evenly than chips, but chocolate chips will work if that’s what you have on hand. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate cuts through the sweetness of the caramel perfectly.
- Flaky Sea Salt (optional, but highly recommended): A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) on top is the grand finale. It provides a delightful textural crunch and bursts of bright, briny flavor that truly elevates the sweet and savory experience, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
Why Sweetened Condensed Milk is the Secret to Silky Caramel
If you’re looking for a simple, foolproof way to make caramel that is consistently rich, creamy, and smooth, sweetened condensed milk is your best friend. For this easy stove-top caramel recipe, it truly works wonders, offering several key advantages:
- Achieves Perfect Thickness: Sweetened condensed milk inherently has a thick, luscious consistency. When incorporated into our caramel base, it helps create a sauce that coats the popcorn beautifully without becoming too thin or watery.
- Adds Unparalleled Sweetness: As its name suggests, sweetened condensed milk brings a concentrated sweetness that is perfectly balanced for dessert applications. It contributes to the deep, satisfying flavor of the caramel.
- Prevents Sugar Crystallization: This is a major benefit! The milk solids and sugar in sweetened condensed milk help to stabilize the caramel mixture, significantly reducing the chances of sugar crystals forming. Crystalized sugar results in a grainy, unappealing texture, so sweetened condensed milk is key to achieving that perfectly smooth caramel.
For years, I’ve relied on Eagle Brand® in my kitchen, and chances are, you have too. You’ve likely seen its iconic can on grocery store shelves, a testament to its long-standing quality and reliability. What makes Eagle Brand® so special? It contains just two pure ingredients: milk and sugar. That’s it! This simplicity is its strength, delivering a dense, rich, and naturally sweet product that is incredibly versatile. It’s an indispensable staple in countless dessert recipes, from creamy pies to decadent no-churn ice creams, and classic cookies. Its consistent quality ensures your caramel will turn out perfectly every time.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Homemade Chocolate Caramel Corn
Don’t be intimidated by the impressive results; making this chocolate caramel corn is surprisingly straightforward. The process is broken down into easy, manageable steps that even novice bakers can master. Here’s how you’ll bring this delicious treat to life:
- Prepare Your Popcorn: Begin by popping your popcorn using your preferred method—whether it’s a stove-top popper, an air popper, or even microwave bags (just be sure to use plain or lightly salted varieties). The crucial step here is to meticulously remove any un-popped kernels. No one wants to bite into a hard kernel! Once popped, spread the popcorn evenly across 2-3 large sheet pans lined with wax paper or parchment, then scatter your lightly salted peanuts over it. This setup makes the coating process much easier.
- Simmer the Caramel Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and light corn syrup. Place it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter has fully melted and the mixture appears smooth and well-combined.
- Bring to a Gentle Boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Continue to simmer for exactly 10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking. During this time, you’ll notice the caramel deepening in color, taking on a rich, golden-brown hue. This simmering process is key to developing its complex flavor.
- Finish the Caramel Sauce: Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk, along with the salt and vanilla extract. Continue stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. The sweetened condensed milk will instantly transform the caramel into a thick, glossy, and incredibly luscious sauce.
- Coat the Popcorn: Pour the warm, velvety caramel sauce evenly over the prepared popcorn and peanuts on your sheet pans (or in a very large bowl, if you prefer to mix there). Using two spatulas or a sturdy spoon, gently but thoroughly toss and stir the mixture, ensuring every piece of popcorn and every peanut is generously coated in that glorious caramel. Once coated, spread the caramel corn back into an even layer on the lined sheet pans.
- Drizzle with Dark Chocolate: In a double boiler over simmering water, or in a heatproof bowl in the microwave (heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each), melt your semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate until smooth and glossy. Once melted, artfully drizzle the dark chocolate over the caramel-coated popcorn.
- A Pinch of Perfection: Finally, while the chocolate is still wet, liberally sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the entire batch. This adds that crucial salty punch and textural contrast. Allow the chocolate caramel corn to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set, before serving.
Chewy or Crunchy? Your Caramel Corn, Your Choice!
One of the fantastic aspects of this chocolate caramel corn recipe is its versatility. I personally adore it when it’s soft and delightfully chewy, as depicted in these photographs, offering a melt-in-your-mouth caramel experience. However, if you’re a fan of a crisper, more brittle texture, this recipe can easily accommodate that preference too! Both versions are equally delicious and irresistibly snackable, and the detailed instructions below cover both methods. It truly comes down to your personal preference, allowing you to customize your perfect batch of homemade caramel corn.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Sharing Your Chocolate Caramel Corn
As I’ve highlighted, this homemade chocolate caramel corn isn’t just a delicious snack; it’s a fantastic solution for entertaining. Its generous yield makes it perfect for any party, potluck, or festive gathering you have planned, whether during the bustling holiday season or throughout the entire year. A single batch of this recipe easily serves approximately 18-24 people, making it an ideal treat for larger crowds.
If your gathering is more intimate, or you simply want a smaller quantity for yourself, don’t hesitate to halve all the recipe ingredients. However, my strong recommendation is to always err on the side of making too much rather than too little. Trust me, once your guests (or family) get a taste of this irresistible sweet and salty delight, it will vanish far quicker than you anticipate!
Essential Tools for Making Perfect Chocolate Caramel Corn
Having the right tools can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. While many items are likely already in your kitchen, here are a few recommended essentials that can simplify the process of making this delicious chocolate caramel corn:
Chocolate Caramel Corn
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Ingredients
- 1 cup popcorn kernels , popped (see Notes)
- 1 cup lightly salted peanuts
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, 226 grams)
- 2 ½ cups light or dark brown sugar (533 grams)
- 1 cup light corn syrup (312 grams)
- 14 oz can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate , chopped or use chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt , for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
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Line 2-3 large sheet pans with wax paper or parchment and top with popped popcorn and peanuts.
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Combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until butter is melted and mixture is smooth.
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Increase the heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture should turn a darker color.
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Remove from heat and add the sweetened condensed milk, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
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Pour over the popcorn and peanuts and stir to evenly coat the popcorn. Spread caramel corn into an even layer.
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Melt chocolate in a double boiler on the stove or in a heatproof bowl in the microwave in 30 second bursts. Stir until smooth.
To Make Soft Caramel Corn:
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Drizzle caramel corn with melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired. Let sit for 20 minutes before serving, or until chocolate has set.
To Make Crunchy Caramel Corn:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake caramel corn on sheet pans with parchment (do not use wax paper) for about 30 minutes until caramel is crisp and darker brown, stirring a few times.
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Drizzle caramel corn with melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired. Let sit for 20 minutes before serving, or until chocolate has set.
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Store chocolate caramel corn in an airtight container for up to several days.
Notes
- You can pop popcorn per your preference. You can use a stove top popper, air popper, microwave popcorn, etc.
- If using microwave popcorn, you’ll need 3 regular-size bags, popped. Make sure it is plain or lightly salted.
- Make sure to remove all unpopped kernels from popcorn before combining with caramel.
- You can also use an XL bowl to combine caramel with popcorn and peanuts.
- Nutrition information is an estimate.
Disclosure: This recipe was created in partnership with Eagle Brand®. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with brands I genuinely love and trust. These partnerships help make Completely Delicious possible. All opinions expressed are always 100% my own. To learn more about Eagle Brand® and explore their other fantastic products, you can visit their official website. You can also connect with them and discover more inspiring recipes on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.