Amish Caramel Corn Recipe

Name: Amish Caramel Corn Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 quarts plain popped corn (from two 3.5 oz bags); 2 cups slivered almonds (or other nuts like cashews or pecans); 2 cups packed brown sugar; ½ cup light corn syrup; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Published: September 16, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it suitable for last-minute snacks or gatherings.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery popcorn and rich caramel creates an irresistible taste that everyone loves.
Versatile Snack: Enjoy it as a sweet treat on its own or mix it into trail mixes for added crunch.
Customizable Ingredients: Substitute the nuts or adjust the sweetness to suit your preferences.
Perfect for Sharing: With 28 servings, this recipe is ideal for parties, gifts, or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Amish Caramel Corn, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and enhance the final result.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Saucepan
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine ingredients without spilling.
Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and cooling of your caramel corn.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Saucepan: Allows for controlled melting of butter and sugar.

Ingredients

For this delightful Amish Caramel Corn Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Popcorn Base

7 quarts plain popped corn (equivalent to two 3.5 oz bags of plain microwave popcorn)

For the Caramel Mixture

2 cups slivered almonds (or substitute with dry roasted nuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, or pecans)
2 cups packed brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter

For Flavor Enhancements

1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional, for added depth)

How to Make Amish Caramel Corn Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pop the Corn

Pop your popcorn according to package instructions. Once ready, place it in a large mixing bowl. Make sure there are no unpopped kernels left behind.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat:
1. Combine butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt.
2. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Allow it to boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring.
4. Remove from heat and carefully stir in baking soda, vanilla extract, and optional cayenne pepper.

Step 4: Combine Popcorn and Caramel

Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped corn in the mixing bowl. Gently stir until all pieces are well-coated.

Step 5: Bake the Caramel Corn

Spread the coated popcorn evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even coating.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before breaking into pieces. Enjoy your homemade Amish caramel corn!

How to Serve Amish Caramel Corn Recipe

Amish Caramel Corn is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether at a gathering or as a snack for movie night, this caramel corn is sure to please everyone.

As a Snack

Perfect for munching on during movie nights or game days.
Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.

Gift in a Jar

Layer the caramel corn in a decorative jar for a thoughtful gift.
Add a ribbon to elevate the presentation for holidays or special occasions.

Party Favor

Place small bags of caramel corn at each guest’s seat.
Personalize the bags with names or fun tags to make it memorable.

Dessert Topping

Use as a topping for ice cream or yogurt for added texture.
Drizzle with chocolate for an indulgent treat.

Trail Mix Addition

Combine with dried fruits and nuts for a sweet trail mix.
Great for hikes or road trips when you need a quick energy boost.

How to Perfect Amish Caramel Corn Recipe

To ensure your Amish Caramel Corn turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh popcorn: Always opt for freshly popped corn to maintain crunchiness.
Watch the temperature: Make sure the caramel mixture reaches 250°F (hard ball stage) before mixing with popcorn.
Coat evenly: Stir the caramel into the popcorn gently to avoid breaking the kernels.
Don’t skip baking: Baking helps set the caramel and enhances the flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Experiment with flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Amish Caramel Corn Recipe

Pair your Amish Caramel Corn with these delicious side dishes for a well-rounded snack experience.

Vegetable Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables served with hummus or ranch dip.
Cheese Board: Include a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits to complement the sweetness of the caramel corn.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light balance to the richness of caramel corn.
Popcorn Chicken: Crispy chicken bites offer savory contrast and are perfect finger foods.
Nachos: Crunchy tortilla chips topped with cheese and salsa create an exciting flavor combination.
Mini Sandwiches: Bite-sized sandwiches filled with turkey, cheese, and veggies are easy to handle and tasty.
Guacamole & Chips: Creamy guacamole paired with crunchy chips adds a delicious twist.
Stuffed Peppers: Mini bell peppers filled with cream cheese or ricotta provide color and flavor diversity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Amish Caramel Corn Recipe even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the Popping Step: Don’t skip using fresh, plain popped corn. Store-bought caramel corn often uses stale popcorn, which can ruin the texture.
Using Unsalted Butter: Make sure to use unsalted butter in your recipe. Using salted butter may lead to an overly salty flavor in your caramel corn.
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Always measure your brown sugar and corn syrup carefully. Incorrect measurements can affect the caramel’s consistency and sweetness.
Overcooking the Caramel: Keep a close eye on your caramel while cooking. Overcooking can lead to a hard, brittle texture instead of a smooth coating.
Ignoring the Baking Soda: Don’t forget to add baking soda at the end of cooking. It helps create that light, crunchy texture you want in your caramel corn.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Keep it away from moisture to maintain its crunchiness.

Freezing Amish Caramel Corn Recipe

Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Amish Caramel Corn Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 250°F (120°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes to restore crunchiness.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm; be careful not to overheat.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amish Caramel Corn Recipe made of?

The Amish Caramel Corn Recipe features popped corn, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and nuts. It’s a delightful treat that combines sweet and crunchy textures.

How do I customize my Amish Caramel Corn Recipe?

Feel free to mix in different nuts like cashews or macadamia nuts. You can also add spices such as cinnamon or cayenne pepper for an extra kick!

Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Yes! Simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds if desired. The caramel coating will still provide delicious flavor and crunch.

How long does it take to prepare Amish Caramel Corn Recipe?

The prep time for this recipe is about 15 minutes, with a quick cook time of just 1 minute for the caramel mixture.

Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Absolutely! This recipe yields about 28 servings, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings where snacks are needed.

Final Thoughts

This Amish Caramel Corn Recipe is a delightful blend of sweetness and crunch that makes it perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding different nuts or spices according to your taste preferences. Treat yourself and your loved ones by trying this simple yet satisfying snack!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card