Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe (2024)

4.71 from 34 votes

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August 20, 2018

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A Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe, can you believe it?! Made with real maple syrup and coconut oil, this healthier snack won’t last long.

Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe (1)

Caramel Popcorn

I don’t know about you, but Caramel Popcorn (also known as Caramel Corn) and I are BFF’s.

I don’t usually snack on anything late into the night these days, but sometimes I make exceptions and today is that day.

When my friends Christie and Claudia told me about their Clean Eating Caramel Popcorn Recipe, I couldn’t believe how good it was. Not only is this recipe super simple, but it is also:

  • gluten-free
  • vegan
  • unprocessed
  • contains no sugar

Sound a little too good to be true? Well, believe it friends! Give it a try and you be the judge!

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Caramel Popcorn Recipe Ingredients

Coconut Oil –There are a ton of articles out there saying that coconut oil may or may not be healthy for you. All I know is that it is way better than plain ol’ butter and that this is what this recipe calls for. You be the judge of this and make this recipe with coconut oil or an oil of your choosing. It’s your body people, you decide what goes in it.

Popcorn Kernels – You can’t make popcorn without those kernels. Freshly popped popcorn just cannot be beaten. No matter how convenient the microwave kinds are.

Vanilla –What good, sweet treat recipe doesn’t have vanilla in it. It adds tons of flavor and the aroma of it just kills me every time.

Maple Syrup –Ok I know maple syrup has sugar in it. By healthy, I mean that this recipe is healthier than the traditional recipe because I don’t use processed sugars in it. Do yourself a favor and buy REAL maple syrup. It is SO good. And that is not just the Canadian speaking in me.

Sea Salt –What is more perfect that sea salt to top off this tasty recipe. It is the perfect compliment to all the sweet.

Looking for more delectable snacks to munch on? Check out these recipes:Deviled Eggs,Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars,Smoothie Bowl Recipe for Kids, andCream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe.

How to Make Caramel Popcorn

Start with 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels.

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Place them into a hot pan with some melted coconut oil and…

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…pop the top on! Every 20-30 seconds shake the pan back and forth to make sure the kernels heat evenly so they pop evenly.

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After about 5 minutes, all your popcorn should be perfectly popped 🙂 Set this aside.

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Now onto the caramel! In a small saucepan, measure out some REAL maple syrup and more coconut oil. I also added in my sea salt to this mixture too, but feel free to save it for the end.

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Lightly boil the mixture for 2 minutes until it thickens. Then add in some vanilla and pour over the popcorn.

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Stir to coat and then eat immediately, or spread it out onto a baking sheet to set a little more.

Believe it or not, this doesn’t taste too coconutty or maply. The splash of vanilla that you throw in at the end makes such a huge difference! It’s seriously what makes this taste like caramel corn…so don’t forget to add it in 🙂

We scarfed this stuff down in no time and think your families will too. Plus it is practically guilt-free! Holla!

Print the recipe using the button below! Enjoy!

Even More healthy snacks you might like:

  • Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids
  • Homemade Protein Snack Boxes
  • Peanut Butter Energy Balls
  • No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe (9)

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4.71 from 34 votes

Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe

A Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe, can you believe it?! Made with real maple syrup and coconut oil, this healthier snack won't last long.

servings 8 cups popped, approximately

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil divided
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Place 1 tablespoon coconut oil into a deep pot or pan with a tight-fitting lid and melt over medium-high heat. Add in popcorn kernels and cover. Shake the pan back and forth every 20 seconds or so to heat kernels evenly. After about 2 minutes, kernels should start to pop. Once popping slows, remove popcorn from heat and pour into a large bowl.

  • In a small saucepan, place remaining coconut oil with maple syrup and salt. Boil 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Drizzle over popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Spread out onto some parchment paper to cool 30 minutes or so. Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Caramel Corn, Caramel Popcorn, Caramel Popcorn Recipe, How to Make Caramel Popcorn

Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How healthy is caramel popcorn? ›

While caramel-coated popcorn may be a tempting snack, its simple carbs and high sugar content can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of hyperglycemia and other health problems.

What is the healthiest popcorn to eat? ›

The 10 Best Healthy Popcorn Brands of 2022, According to...
  • Bjorn Qorn.
  • Pipcorn Truffle Mini Popcorn.
  • Newman's Own Organic Touch of Butter.
  • Whole Foods 365 Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels.
  • Trader Joes Organic Popcorn With Olive Oil.
  • Anthony's Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels.
  • How to Choose a Healthy Popcorn.
Sep 27, 2022

What are the benefits of caramel popcorn? ›

Benefits of cinnamon popcorn and caramel popcorn

In terms of caramel popcorn, a cup of it has a trace amount of iron and roughly 1.3 grams of protein. Additionally, it offers roughly 160 calories, 32 net carbs, and slightly over one gram of fiber. It promotes health.

What is the healthiest oil for making popcorn? ›

Avocado oil boasts the highest smoke point, the healthiest nutrition facts, a great buttery creamy flavor, and overall, the cleanest quality of any oil on the market.

Is popcorn OK to eat everyday? ›

Even though it is much more filling than many other snack foods, it can still be fattening if you eat too much of it. Popcorn is high in fiber, relatively low in calories and has a low energy density. Eating it in moderation may help with weight loss.

What does popcorn do to your gut? ›

As a high-fibre snack, popcorn promotes regular bowel movements, supports a healthy gut microbiome, and contributes to weight management. Its gentle nature makes it an ideal choice for individuals with digestive sensitivities, and its versatility ensures that you can enjoy it in various ways while reaping the benefits.

Why put an egg in caramel popcorn? ›

Even if you want to add candy or sauces, it doesn't require an egg. Still, some say the egg keeps the kernels from sticking together, while others say it's to keep wannabe chefs from adding too many kernels to the pan.

Why is my homemade caramel popcorn soggy? ›

Give it some time to cool. If it's still tasting soggy after 1–2 hours of cooling at room temperature, you may have under-baked the caramel corn. 1 hour in the oven is usually plenty. Additionally, be sure to cook the caramel on the stove for long enough.

What is a substitute for corn syrup in caramel? ›

Golden Syrup

It has the same light color and sweet flavors, and is also an invert sugar, making it a good candidate for candies. Try it as a 1:1 substitute for corn syrup the next time you want to make peanut brittle or soft and chewy caramel candies.

How do you make Martha Stewart caramel popcorn? ›

In a small saucepan, bring butter, sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons water to a boil, stirring constantly. Working quickly, drizzle popcorn with sugar syrup, and toss. Spread popcorn evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake, tossing occasionally, until golden and shiny, about 40 minutes.

Is caramel popcorn a healthy snack? ›

Let's not forget that popcorn is a healthy snack. Of course, adding caramel makes it slightly less healthy. As we all know though, we need some joy in our lives at times and it's the simple pleasures of eating that can make or break a day.

Is caramel popcorn junk food? ›

Caramel popcorn is typically high in calories, sugar, and fat, which can contribute to weight gain and increase your risk for developing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Can I eat caramel popcorn in diet? ›

Since the total calories for that amount of caramel popcorn are about 160, fat makes up just under 19% of the calories. That percentage of fat keeps it from being considered a very low-fat food, but the amount of fat per serving is low enough that it can fit into an average diet.

Why is caramel popcorn so good? ›

This delicious treat features caramelized sugar and often molasses, which gives it its distinctive flavor and texture.

Is caramel popcorn better than chips? ›

Yes, popcorn is generally healthier than chips. Popcorn is a whole grain food that's high in fiber and low in fat and calories. Chips are generally fried in fat and heavily salted. There are unhealthy popcorn options like movie theater popcorn or caramel corn, and there are healthy chip options.

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