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

Can caramel popcorn be healthy? ›

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.

How do you make popcorn taste better healthy? ›

Directions
  1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over high heat. Drop 3 popcorn kernels into hot oil and place a lid on the pot; cook until 1 kernel has popped. ...
  2. Quickly transfer popcorn to a large bowl; evenly drizzle honey over popcorn. Add salt and cinnamon; toss popcorn with your hands to coat evenly.

Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for caramel? ›

Maple syrup fits the bill. A generous half cup infused my caramels with pure, sweet, fall flavor. Each bite is salty, chewy, and full of maple sugar.

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 is the healthiest version of popcorn? ›

What's the healthiest way to eat popcorn? Air-popped popcorn doesn't use oil and is the healthiest way to enjoy the snack, according to Cleveland Clinic.

What is the healthiest way to make popcorn at home? ›

Air popped popcorn uses no oil, meaning it has the fewest calories. “Popping it in oil, however, is a great way to consume a healthy portion of fat to control hunger,” Jeffers says. Not only can you manage serving size, but you can also make it in under 10 minutes in most cases.

How can I flavor popcorn without adding calories? ›

These seasonings are low in calories and fat and provide a lot of flavor.
  1. Cinnamon.
  2. Cocoa powder.
  3. Chili powder.
  4. Minced lemon or lime zest.
  5. Garlic powder.
  6. Black pepper.
  7. Curry powder.
  8. Nutritional yeast.
Nov 2, 2020

What is the healthiest oil for popping 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 caramel a healthy snack? ›

While it's important to consume caramel in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, it can provide a quick energy boost, reduce stress, enhance digestion, boost the immune system, and promote healthy skin and bone health.

Is carmel corn healthy? ›

Traditional caramel popcorn is made with corn syrup, a lot of butter and and brown sugar. Sooo good but decidedly not very good for you!

Why is caramel popcorn good? ›

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

Is caramel popcorn bad for cholesterol? ›

However, popcorn can have high levels of cholesterol if people prepare it with butter or a sugary coating, such as caramel.

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