Coconut Caramel Popcorn

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Coconut Caramel Popcorn is a tropical twist on a classic treat, blending the sweet richness of caramel with the nutty flavor of coconut. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or gifting, this popcorn is crunchy, buttery, and impossible to resist. The coconut adds a chewy texture and an extra layer of flavor that elevates the traditional caramel popcorn to something truly special.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

popcorn kernelsunsalted butterbrown sugarsweetened condensed milklight corn syrupvanilla extractsaltshredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, based on preference)

directions

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pop the popcorn kernels using your preferred method and place them in a large mixing bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes until thick and golden, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.

Pour the caramel over the popcorn and quickly stir to coat evenly.

Add the shredded coconut and mix again to distribute it throughout the caramel-coated popcorn.

Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crispiness.

Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10 cups of popcorn.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesBaking time: 45 minutesCooling time: 20 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.

Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or macadamias for extra crunch.

Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a decadent finish.

Use coconut oil instead of butter for a more pronounced coconut flavor.

storage/reheating

Store Coconut Caramel Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.To refresh the popcorn, warm it in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use microwave popcorn?

Yes, just make sure it’s plain or lightly salted, not buttered.

What type of coconut works best?

Sweetened shredded coconut adds a chewy texture, while unsweetened gives a more subtle flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.

Why is my caramel too hard?

Overcooking the caramel can cause it to harden too much. Keep a close eye and remove from heat as soon as it thickens.

Is this popcorn gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I skip baking the popcorn?

Baking helps make the coating crisp, but you can skip it if you prefer a chewier texture.

How do I prevent sticky popcorn?

Allow it to cool completely before storing, and ensure the caramel is cooked long enough.

Can I use coconut flakes instead?

Yes, coconut flakes work well and add a different texture.

What’s the best way to coat the popcorn?

Use a large bowl and stir quickly while the caramel is still hot to ensure even coating.

Is this good for gifting?

Absolutely—package it in decorative bags or jars for a tasty homemade gift.

Conclusion

Coconut Caramel Popcorn combines the irresistible crunch of caramel with the tropical flair of coconut for a snack that’s both unique and addictive. Whether you’re indulging solo or sharing with friends, this popcorn is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and bring a little island-inspired sweetness to your next treat.

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