Quick Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Enjoy a delightful treat with this Quick Caramel Corn recipe that uses sweetened condensed milk for a rich and creamy flavor.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-19T15:50:52.647Z

This Quick Caramel Corn recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and salty, making it an irresistible snack for movie nights, parties, or just a cozy evening at home. The use of sweetened condensed milk gives it a unique creaminess that elevates the traditional caramel corn experience.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich, buttery caramel flavor with a creamy twist
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute cravings
  • A fun snack that everyone will love, especially kids

The Perfect Snack for Every Occasion

Quick Caramel Corn is not just a sweet treat; it's a versatile snack that fits perfectly into any occasion. Whether you're hosting a movie night, preparing for a birthday party, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe delivers. Its delightful balance of sweetness and crunch makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s an excellent way to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.

This caramel corn can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside other snacks for a fun mix. Consider pairing it with nuts or chocolate for an extra layer of flavor. The joy of making caramel corn is that it’s easily customizable; you can add your favorite toppings or mix-ins to create a unique twist.

A Simple Recipe for Everyone

One of the best things about this Quick Caramel Corn recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward, and the preparation time is minimal. Even those new to cooking can master this recipe with ease. With just a few steps, you can create a delicious snack that rivals any store-bought version.

Moreover, using sweetened condensed milk not only adds richness but also reduces the need for complicated techniques. This means you can focus on enjoying the process rather than worrying about precision. It’s a fantastic recipe to make with kids, creating a fun bonding experience in the kitchen.

Storing Your Caramel Corn

Once you've made your Quick Caramel Corn, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh. It’s best to let the caramel corn cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its crunchy texture and prevents it from becoming sticky. Ideally, you should consume it within a week, but good luck keeping it around that long!

If you want to keep your caramel corn even longer, consider freezing it. Spread the cooled caramel corn in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and munch away!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Caramel Corn

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

Instructions

Prepare the Popcorn

Pop the popcorn kernels using an air popper or on the stovetop. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large mixing bowl.

Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 5 minutes without stirring.

Add the Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Combine Popcorn and Caramel

Pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn. Stir gently until all popcorn is coated with caramel.

Cool and Serve

Spread the caramel corn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before breaking into pieces and serving.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Corn

To achieve the best flavor and texture, make sure your popcorn is freshly popped. Older popcorn may not have the same crispness and can lead to a chewy caramel corn. If you're using a stovetop method, be sure to use a large enough pot to prevent kernels from popping over the sides.

When making the caramel sauce, keep an eye on the temperature. It’s important to reach a boil and let it simmer for the full five minutes to ensure the sugar dissolves properly and the caramel thickens. Stirring continuously at first will help prevent burning.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your caramel corn! Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast. For a chocolatey twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel corn or mix in chocolate chips before it sets.

You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel sauce for a warm flavor profile. If you're a fan of nuts, chopped pecans or almonds can add a delightful crunch and richness to your caramel corn.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use unpopped popcorn kernels?

No, you need to pop the kernels before adding the caramel sauce.

→ How should I store leftover caramel corn?

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

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make it a day ahead and store it as instructed.

→ What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

You can use homemade condensed milk or a dairy-free alternative if needed.

Quick Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Enjoy a delightful treat with this Quick Caramel Corn recipe that uses sweetened condensed milk for a rich and creamy flavor.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Caramel Corn

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

Pop the popcorn kernels using an air popper or on the stovetop. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large mixing bowl.

Step 02

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for 5 minutes without stirring.

Step 03

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 04

Pour the caramel sauce over the popped popcorn. Stir gently until all popcorn is coated with caramel.

Step 05

Spread the caramel corn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before breaking into pieces and serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 2g