Spicy Caramel Corn is a sweet, crunchy, and lightly fiery snack that's hard to resist. The buttery caramel coating gets a subtle heat from red pepper flakes that perfectly balances the sweetness.
This recipe reminds me of fall movie nights at home, but it's an anytime favorite for gifting or snacking. It's one of those easy homemade treats that always makes people ask for the recipe.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet heat: the blend of caramel and red pepper flakes gives this snack an unforgettable sweet and spicy flavor.
Crunchy texture: baking the caramel corn makes it crisp, light, and perfect for storing.
Great for gifting: pack it in tins or bags for an easy DIY caramel corn treat.
Key Ingredients for Spicy Caramel Corn
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Butter: gives the caramel its rich, buttery flavor.
- Brown sugar: adds that deep molasses sweetness for the signature caramel coating.
- Corn syrup: 1 cup butter
- Red pepper flakes: the spicy kick that sets this caramel corn apart.
- Popcorn: air popped popcorn makes the best base for an even caramel coating.
- Baking soda and vanilla: these make the caramel lighter and give it a toasty flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Honey can replace corn syrup for a different depth of sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper works instead of red pepper flakes.
- Try Earth balance spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Variations on Spicy Caramel Corn
- Spicy Bacon Caramel Corn: stir in crumbled cooked bacon before baking for a smoky-sweet crunch.
- Maple Chili Caramel Corn: use maple syrup in place of corn syrup and add a pinch of chili powder.
- Dark Chocolate Drizzle: once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the caramel corn for a sweet contrast.
Tips for Perfect Caramel Corn
- Use a large roasting pan. It helps evenly coat the popcorn and makes stirring easier.
- Stir while baking. Mixing every 15 minutes ensures every kernel gets that crunchy caramel layer.
- Cool completely. Wait until the caramel corn is fully cooled before storing, it stays crisp longer.
How to Store
Stor cooled caramel corn in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
More Easy Snack Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy this Spicy Caramel Corn, you might also like Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn Snack Mix, Cinnamon Roasted Nuts, Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats, and Honey Popcorn Balls.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Spicy Caramel Corn
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 cup popcorn kernels , popped in hot air popper
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 2 cups brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon grey sea salt
- 2 pinches red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250℉.
- Place the popped popcorn into large roaster pan.
- In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, pepper flakes and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Remove the syrup from the heat, and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will be light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir to coat.
- Bake for 1 hour, removing the pans, and giving them each a good stir every 15 minutes. Line the counter top with parchment paper. Dump the spicy caramel corn out onto the parchment paper and separate the pieces. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or resealable bags.
jodie says
This sounds really good and like all my family would like that!
Maria says
This looks addicting!
Amanda says
Spicy sweet?? I bet that's good!
Hugging the Coast says
I make a lot of popcorn for the people at work, so I'll definitely be keeping this recipe in mind!
Kevin says
That caramel corn looks so good! I like the sound of adding some heat to it!
Shelly W says
Salty, sweet, and spicy...perfect!
Carol Peterman says
Now you've got me craving caramel corn. I have never tried the baking step after coating the popped corn. Very interesting.
Karine says
If I had this in my house, I would eat it too quickly!
Cinnamon Girl aka Reeni♥ says
Sounds yummy! I like the more crispy type too.
Katy ~ says
Gosh, I love caramel corn; I've never made it though. Silly me! But I'd have to eat it until 1. it was gone or 2. until I was sick, LOL!!!!
HoneyB says
Hey all, my son Christopher called to ask me if I used a spoon for something else I was making to stir the pot. he he. He could taste the heat and thought I had goofed up. He could feel the heat in his mouth. 😉 He also said it was the best caramel corn he had ever had! Love my kids!!