Name: Irresistibly Creamy Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Popcorn kernels (Use plain kernels for the best crunch.); 1 stick Butter (Unsalted is preferred.); 1 cup Brown sugar (Dark brown sugar enhances flavor.); 1/4 cup Corn syrup (Keeps the caramel smooth.); 1 cup Sweetened condensed milk (Star ingredient for creaminess.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Opt for pure vanilla for best results.); Pretzels/Nuts (For a sweet-and-salty twist.); Sea salt (For savory contrast.)

As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of caramel wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to carefree childhood days at the fair. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Creamy Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn! This delightful treat features a rich, velvety coating of sweetened condensed milk, perfectly enveloping each crunchy popcorn kernel. Not only is this a fantastic way to indulge in a homemade snack, but it’s also a breeze to whip up, making it an ideal companion for family movie nights. The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your loved ones racing to grab a handful before the credits roll! Ready to dive into the world of gooey goodness? Let’s get popping!

Why is This Caramel Corn Special?

Irresistible Creaminess: The addition of sweetened condensed milk creates a truly decadent texture that traditional caramel corn simply can’t match.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create this delightful treat without any complicated techniques—perfect for budding chefs and seasoned bakers alike!

Versatile Flavor: Customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins, like pretzels or nuts, for that sweet-and-salty experience or elevate it with a sprinkle of sea salt before baking.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether it’s family movie night or a festive gathering, this caramel corn is sure to disappear fast, just like my Mexican Street Corn dish!

Gourmet Feel at Home: With its crunchy popcorn and smooth caramel, your creation rivals the best fair treats, bringing a touch of nostalgia right to your kitchen!

Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk Ingredients

• Get ready to create a creamy treat!

For the Popcorn

Popcorn – Use plain kernels for the best crunch; freshly popped always yields the tastiest results.

For the Caramel

Butter – Unsalted is preferred to let the sweetness shine without extra saltiness.
Brown Sugar – Dark brown sugar amps up the flavor for a deeper caramel profile.
Corn Syrup – Keeps the caramel smooth and prevents crystallization for perfect gooeyness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk – This is the star ingredient, providing that irresistible creaminess in the caramel sauce.
Vanilla Extract – A splash enhances the overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.

Optional Add-ins

Pretzels/Nuts – Toss in for a delightful sweet-and-salty twist that takes this treat to the next level!
Sea Salt – A sprinkle on top before baking adds that perfect touch of savory contrast to the sweet caramel.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn

Step 1: Pop the Popcorn
Begin by popping your plain popcorn kernels using your preferred method, whether it’s the microwave or stovetop. Once popped, carefully sift through to remove any unpopped kernels. You should have a large bowl filled with light, fluffy popcorn ready for coating with the delicious caramel corn mixture.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet
While the popcorn cools, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick foil to prevent the caramel corn from sticking. This step ensures easy cleanup and a smooth transfer of your caramel-coated popcorn later on.

Step 3: Make the Caramel
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1 stick of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of corn syrup. Over medium heat, stir the mixture continuously until it comes to a gentle boil. You’ll notice the sugar dissolves into the butter, forming a glossy caramel that’s ready to sweeten your popcorn perfectly.

Step 4: Add Condensed Milk
Once your caramel reaches a boil, swiftly add the 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk to the pot. Reduce the heat slightly and keep stirring for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and reaches a soft ball stage at 235°F (113°C). The result should be a smooth, creamy mixture that will envelop your popcorn.

Step 5: Add Vanilla
Remove your pot from the heat and quickly stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This will elevate the flavor of your caramel corn with sweet notes that perfectly complement the richness of the sweetened condensed milk. Mix well to ensure the vanilla is evenly distributed in your luscious caramel.

Step 6: Coat the Popcorn
Carefully pour the hot caramel over the bowl of popcorn. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently but swiftly stir the popcorn until every piece is evenly coated in the creamy caramel. This step is crucial to make sure your caramel corn has that irresistible decadent flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Spread on Baking Sheet
Transfer the gooey, caramel-covered popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly, ensuring that the popcorn pieces are not clumped together. This will help achieve that delightful crunch as the caramel corn bakes in the oven, making your creamy sweetened condensed milk caramel corn truly special.

Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. Make sure to stir the caramel corn every 15 minutes to promote even coating and prevent burning. When done, you’ll see it turn a beautiful golden color, indicating it’s achieved that perfect texture!

Step 9: Cool & Serve
Remove the caramel corn from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will harden up just right. Once cooled, break it apart into clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature. This ensures it stays fresh and crunchy, ready to be enjoyed at any moment!

What to Serve with Creamy Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn?

Indulging in creamy caramel corn is just the beginning—you’ll want to create a full spread that complements this sweet treat.

Cozy Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of hot cocoa, rich and velvety, enhances the sweet flavors of the caramel corn and adds festive cheer.
Savory Mixed Nuts: These provide a crunchy contrast to the smoothness of the caramel corn, creating a delightful sweet-and-salty balance that keeps everyone reaching for more.
Fluffy Marshmallow Treats: Soft marshmallow bars offer a chewy texture that pairs wonderfully with the crunch of the popcorn, making every bite a combination of delightful experiences.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits like strawberries and oranges can lighten up your snack table, offering a refreshing contrast to the sugary caramel corn’s richness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beside warm caramel corn is pure bliss—think of it as a fusion of flavors that takes dessert to the next level.
Caramel Apple Slices: Slice up fresh apples and drizzle them with additional caramel for an interactive treat that resonates beautifully with your caramel corn while adding a fruity freshness.
Party Punch: A fruity punch, lightly sparkling, quenches thirst and perfectly complements the sweet notes of the caramel corn, making it a hit at any gathering.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These salty and sweet bites echo the caramel corn’s flavor while adding a crunchy texture that’s simply irresistible.
Milkshakes: A rich chocolate or vanilla milkshake can be a fun pairing, as the cold creamy drink balances out the warmth of the popcorn perfectly.

Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk Variations

Feel free to personalize this caramel corn recipe with these delightful twists that elevate its creamy charm!

Salty-Sweet Delight: Mix in salty components like pretzels or nuts for an irresistible sweet-and-salty experience. The combination of textures adds another layer of enjoyment!
Coconut Bliss: Substitute half of the butter with coconut oil for a rich, tropical flavor while maintaining that creamy consistency we love.
Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a savory balance that enhances the sweetness of the caramel. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate your treat!
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel corn for an extra layer of sweetness and a gourmet touch. This delightful addition takes your homemade treat to a whole new level—perfect for sharing!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon into the caramel mixture for a subtle kick and an interesting flavor twist. This unexpected addition surprises the palate in the most delicious way!
Nutty Goodness: Stir in some chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, for added crunch and a dose of healthy fats. Not only does this boost the flavor, but it also makes your caramel corn more satisfying.
Caramel Variant: For a different flavor profile, try swapping out the brown sugar for a mix of white sugar and maple syrup. This creates a caramel with unique undertones that brings a comforting warmth to your treat.

If you’re craving more indulgent ideas, don’t forget to check out my recipes for Salted Caramel Chocolate or my rich Coffee Caramel Cake. Both are perfect companions to your homemade caramel corn!

Expert Tips for Perfect Caramel Corn

Stir Constantly: To prevent burning, keep stirring your caramel mixture, especially after adding the sweetened condensed milk. This ensures a smooth texture.
Cool Popcorn First: Ensure the popcorn is completely cool before adding the caramel. This prevents a grainy texture and helps the caramel adhere better.
Bake for Crispiness: Bake the caramel corn for that perfect crunch! Stir every 15 minutes during baking to ensure even coating and avoid chewiness.
Storage Secrets: Store your caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Adding a paper towel helps absorb any moisture.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn treats are perfect for meal prepping! You can pop the popcorn and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days ahead of time. For the caramel, prepare it and let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before using. To maintain the quality and prevent any graininess, ensure the caramel is completely cool before mixing with the popcorn. When ready to serve, simply rewarm the caramel gently in the microwave and then follow the final steps of combining and baking as instructed for that freshly made, crunchy perfection!

How to Store and Freeze Caramel Corn with Sweetened Condensed Milk

Room Temperature: Keep your caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid refrigeration to maintain its delightful crunch.

Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the caramel corn in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Airtight Guidance: For added freshness, consider placing a paper towel inside the container to help absorb excess moisture, ensuring your caramel corn remains crunchy.

Reheating: If desired, you can warm the caramel corn in a preheated oven at 250°F for about 10 minutes to revive its crunchiness before serving.

Creamy Sweetened Condensed Milk Caramel Corn Recipe FAQs

What type of popcorn works best for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, use plain microwave or stovetop kernels. Freshly popped popcorn will provide the ideal crunch and flavor, enhancing your creamy sweetened condensed milk caramel corn.

How should I store caramel corn, and how long does it last?
Keep your caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid refrigerating it, as the moisture can make it soft. For best results, you could place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain that delightful crunch.

Can I freeze caramel corn, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your caramel corn! Transfer it into an airtight freezer bag, making sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature, and it will be ready to crunch!

What should I do if my caramel is too sticky or grainy?
If your caramel has a sticky or grainy texture, it’s often due to either not stirring enough while cooking or not letting the caramel coat the popcorn properly. To troubleshoot, ensure you’re stirring constantly as it cooks, especially after adding sweetened condensed milk. If you serve it the next time, ensure the popcorn is completely cool before pouring the caramel over it to prevent graininess.

Is this caramel corn safe for pets or people with allergies?
Well, it’s essential to consider ingredients carefully! This recipe contains butter and sweetened condensed milk, so it’s not suitable for pets, especially dogs, due to dairy and sugar content. If you or someone you are serving has dairy allergies, consider using dairy-free substitutes, like coconut oil and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative.

Can I customize the flavor of my caramel corn?
Absolutely! Mix in salty components like pretzels or nuts for a sweet-and-salty twist. You can also sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for an extra touch of flavor. Be creative and tailor it to your taste preferences!