This clean eating caramel popcorn recipe was a gift from heaven….or rather, from Australia. (One and the same???)
One of my Facebook fans, Dani, bless her heart, was kind enough to share this with me, and all of you!!
Everyone needs to thank this woman because this is some seriously good popcorn!!
Though I must admit that after testing this recipe (a few times…. ehem!), I think I need to do another No-Sugar challenge. But first, I gotta finish this bowl of popcorn…
Join me? I promise, it’s a worthwhile splurge. Perfect for a movie night with the family!
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THIS CLEAN EATING RECIPE:
CLEAN EATING CARAMEL POPCORN RECIPE:
Movie night just got a little sweeter! This caramel popcorn is perfect for snuggling in and watching a movie!
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter if you prefer that flavor)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 10 cups air-popped popcorn
Read through the steps first. You'll need to work quickly.
In a small pot, warm the honey on high heat. Bring it to a boil.
Let it boil up in the pot about 1 inch and then quickly remove from heat.
Stir in nut butter with a whisk and whisk until smooth. Should be "pourable".
Pour over the popcorn and mix with a spoon. The mixture is hot, so don't be tempted to mix with your hands. I learned that the hard way (Duh!!).
Let it all sit and cool. To me, it tastes better cold. But that could just be me.
Please note that the nutrition data below is a ballpark figure. Exact data is not possible.
This recipe from the Gracious Pantry archives, originally posted 6/18/11.
Paula @ Cookware Cooking says
June 18, 2011 at 11:15 amCaramel Popcorn is the bomb! Sugar-free is a bonus! Thank you for sharing this wonder. 🙂
The Gracious Pantry says
June 18, 2011 at 12:57 pmPaula – You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Jnsbrown says
July 6, 2012 at 8:17 pmI made this and let it cool but it is still very sticky, not hard. What did I do wrong? Thanks!
graciouspantry says
July 7, 2012 at 4:55 pmNothing, it’s a sticky pop corn. No way around that because there is no corn syrup in it to harden it. Should be pretty tasty though!
bonnie says
June 18, 2011 at 2:18 pmCan’t wait to try this. Thank you so much for posting this recipe.
The Gracious Pantry says
June 18, 2011 at 4:19 pmBonnie – You’re welcome! Enjoy!
Dani from Down Under says
June 18, 2011 at 3:03 pmHey there! I hope everyone does enjoy this! You can always serve them in little mini muffin paper cups, I just teaspoon them in and the kids smash them!!!
Tiffany this is a great recipe addition to your fabulous “eating clean kids” section. I host frequent after school catch ups and to have this resource here is absolutely fabulous!! Maybe we put our thinking caps on and prep up a “eating clean kids party food menu” ;-)))
Thanks for being such a great experimental chef! XxDani
The Gracious Pantry says
June 18, 2011 at 4:21 pmDani – I think that is an excellent idea!! I’ve been wanting to do something like that for a while, but just have not gotten to it yet. Sounds like fun! Thanks again for sharing this recipe with me. My husband and munchkin thank you too! 😉
Tracy says
June 18, 2011 at 6:31 pmMy kids will be so excited when I tell them about this recipe. Can’t wait to try it! Thank you Tiffany & Dani 🙂
Is there an easy way to pop popcorn w/out an air popper?
The Gracious Pantry says
June 18, 2011 at 7:55 pmTracy – If you have one of those little lunch size brown bags, put 1/4 cup of pop corn in there, close the end and microwave for approximately 3 minutes or until the popping starts to slow down. Just like regular microwave popcorn, but without the added gunk.
Irene says
June 18, 2011 at 6:54 pmMy popper broke a month ago 🙁 Time to call the in-laws to borrow theirs!! I don’t think I can pass up making this recipe…right now!!
The Gracious Pantry says
June 18, 2011 at 7:56 pmIrene – See my comment above. All you need is a small brown paper bag!
Melissa says
June 18, 2011 at 9:29 pmMy kids are eternally grateful! Thanks so much for this. One of my biggest challenges with clean eating is making sure the kids are happy and don’t feel deprived of things that other children are eating. I want them to understand that this is healthy eating and NOT a diet. I want them to learn alongside me and feel confident with their choices. You make this such an easy transition for them and we all appreciate you!
P.S. We don’t own a popcorn popper-I did ours on the stove.
P.S.S. I made about 8 cups of pop corn and mixed the “caramel” into half of it then added the rest and stirred. The caramel cools and hardens quickly, so this helped to balance it out.
The Gracious Pantry says
June 18, 2011 at 10:22 pmMelissa – Fantastic! I’m so happy the kids enjoyed it! And yes, it does cool quickly. Thanks for the mixing tip!
Jodi says
June 19, 2011 at 4:33 pmOh yummeeeee. Our kidlets will love this. I think they would eat popcorn every day if we let them. The nut butter will add some protein too.
The Gracious Pantry says
June 19, 2011 at 9:44 pmJodi – Yes! It’s a great way to add protein. Hope they enjoy it!
Stephanie says
June 20, 2011 at 5:57 amThanks to both of you!!! I am actually in Jamaica at the moment – having a tough time eating well and my stomach is telling me so – but enjoying the sun and sand. However, when I get home, this will be a recipe I’ll be trying of the weekend.
From Jamaica…….
Stephanie
The Gracious Pantry says
June 20, 2011 at 7:49 amStephanie – Wow! Jamaica! Enjoy it!! 🙂
Sarah says
June 20, 2011 at 10:17 amSigh. I don’t understand why caramel corn is clean but I can’t add a splash of half and half to my coffee and call it clean.
The Gracious Pantry says
June 20, 2011 at 10:20 amSarah – Something like that really comes down to a personal choice. You have to remember that most people have coffee daily. That fat content really adds up. But caramel popcorn is a special treat and the fat in the peanut butter is far healthier for you than the saturated fat in dairy.
Rebecca says
June 20, 2011 at 11:49 am@Sarah, I still think if you can get real cream from the cow – is that not clean. I will never be totally clean, I like my half and half in my coffee and try to aim for only 1-2 cups a day. Clean is not fat free, it is unprocessed free as my understanding.
The Gracious Pantry says
June 20, 2011 at 2:12 pmRebecca – That is true. And that’s where the personal choice comes in. But clean eating does involved reducing fat intake. Not completely, but the fat that is consumed is typically healthy fats only.
Krystle says
June 20, 2011 at 8:24 pmJust made this and OMG!! It is sooooo good, I think it’s actually better than real caramel popcorn! Thanks so much for this recipe!
The Gracious Pantry says
June 20, 2011 at 8:57 pmKrystle – You’re welcome! I think it’s better than the unclean stuff too. Glad it’s not just me who thinks so! 🙂
Lynn says
August 16, 2011 at 2:38 pmGood stuff! The family loved it! I have to admit, I’ve been staying away from sugar, so for me, it was a bit of a shock to me system as far as the sweetness.
Anonymous says
August 16, 2011 at 3:08 pmLynn – Yes, it would be!! It’s very sweet stuff. Clean, but sweet!
mygirlbrenna says
September 4, 2011 at 11:19 pmOh my heck! This was divine! THANK YOU! I used agave, but it was fantastic.
Anonymous says
September 5, 2011 at 3:59 amMygirlbrenna – Wonderful! I’m so happy you liked it!
Anonymous says
October 8, 2011 at 2:50 pmVanessa – Haha!! Glad you enjoyed it!
Anonymous says
October 16, 2011 at 11:44 pmOh this looks amazing!!! I can’t tell you why, because I am usually not a big popcorn eater (probably havent eaten any in a year) but I was CRAVING caramel popcorn today! This is so tempting.
Anonymous says
October 16, 2011 at 11:46 pmThecilantropist – Go for it!!! I promise, it’s yummy!
Kulsum says
October 16, 2011 at 11:58 pmI have never been a popcorn fan until once I had caramel popcorn and its my favorite way to eat the stuff. I have been looking out for a recipe but all had all baking hours and caramel making etc To take a shortcut I met ready toffee or caramel candies and pour them over popcorn- fab! This is what I’m trying next
Anonymous says
October 16, 2011 at 11:59 pmKulsum – I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Anonymous says
December 6, 2011 at 11:19 amAlfone – I’m not sure that would work here. I think you’d get one big mess. But you can certainly give it a try!
Anonymous says
December 10, 2011 at 1:40 amKatherine – I bet you’re right! Glad you enjoyed it!
Anonymous says
January 10, 2012 at 1:23 amDRT – Awesome!
Anonymous says
January 17, 2012 at 8:07 pmLisa – Different flavor, but same effect. Yes, I’m sure it would be delicious!
Anonymous says
January 30, 2012 at 10:56 pmAudra – That’s great! I’d love to hear how it turned out. I never microwave honey because I find it looses it’s thickness somehow. But please tell me how it was!
Anonymous says
February 2, 2012 at 10:40 pmAudra – Definitely! This recipe can be adjusted pretty easily. Glad you liked it!
graciouspantry says
February 25, 2012 at 9:52 pmSully – Haha!! Glad you like it!
KB says
March 31, 2012 at 1:00 pmOMG! This was very quick & easy to make and oh…so…tasty!!! Thank you Tiffany for sharing your recipes with us!
graciouspantry says
March 31, 2012 at 4:24 pmKB – My pleasure!
Trude wofford says
June 7, 2012 at 3:02 pmmaking this for movie night!
Marisa E says
June 21, 2012 at 7:00 amdelicious! Thank you!
graciouspantry says
July 25, 2012 at 7:37 pmHope you enjoy it!
Malerie F. says
July 25, 2012 at 10:10 pmIt’s so delicious!
graciouspantry says
July 25, 2012 at 10:12 pmAwesome!!! 🙂
Emily Teuscher says
July 27, 2012 at 6:30 pmStumbled upon your blog looking for a dairy free popcorn treat. Added cinnamon and we loved it! Next time I will try crunchy popcorn with maybe some chocolate drizzled over the top.
graciouspantry says
July 27, 2012 at 7:37 pmAwesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
graciouspantry says
July 29, 2012 at 12:54 amHaha!! Thanks! Glad you like it!
graciouspantry says
September 9, 2012 at 2:57 pmMy pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it!
graciouspantry says
September 22, 2012 at 6:39 pmHaha! Glad you’re enjoying it!
graciouspantry says
September 26, 2012 at 10:14 amAwww, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it so much!
graciouspantry says
October 3, 2012 at 2:21 pmThey would, but it would be sticky!
Danni Black says
October 15, 2012 at 5:04 amI came across this recipe trying to find an alternative for hard caramel. I was wondering if this mixture would set hard in the fridge?
graciouspantry says
October 15, 2012 at 11:49 amNo, sorry.
Catherine says
October 22, 2012 at 10:20 amOh my goodness!!!!!!!!!! This is so good! I was thinking of adding peanuts to it , like Cracker Jax!
graciouspantry says
October 22, 2012 at 3:05 pmOh ya! That would be good!
Heather Coffman says
November 29, 2012 at 12:25 pmI’m so thankful I remembered this recipe when I had a craving for something sweet this week! It took no time to put together, and it was very good! It wasn’t exactly the taste I expected, but I did enjoy it very much, and I’m sure I’ll make it again!
Lisa says
January 26, 2013 at 7:33 pmI had no idea u could pop corn in the microwave w.just a paper lunch bag! Where does one find unprocessed corn, everything i read says corn is the most processed food we eat. Id love 2 try this recipe!
The Gracious Pantry says
January 26, 2013 at 8:49 pmIf you purchase organic kernels, you’re fine. Enjoy!
Sarah says
May 10, 2013 at 6:46 pmThis was absolutely delicious!
The most important step is to remove the un-popped kernels (I learned the hard way)!
The Gracious Pantry says
May 11, 2013 at 4:01 amSarah – Ouch! I hope you’re okay!
Patricia Genton says
May 28, 2013 at 8:52 pmHello, I am looking forward to making this to take camping with me but I wanted to give you a heads up that I ve seen a couple of your pictures on pinterest representing spam/malware. I clicked on one today that almost took me to a malicious sight.
The Gracious Pantry says
May 29, 2013 at 12:17 amPatricia – Do you have the URL for that pin?
Natasha says
June 23, 2013 at 9:08 amThis is a great idea! I’m going to make some right now, right after before hitting the movie theatre. However, I’ve heard that it is not recommended to boil the honey, as it loses its nutritional value. So, I’ll try just to heat it up a little. Also I think adding chia/flax seeds to it is not a bad idea. Thanks for the recipe!
The Gracious Pantry says
June 23, 2013 at 9:16 amNatasha – Let me know how it turns out!
Natasha says
June 28, 2013 at 10:13 amMy updates: It was literally THE BEST popcorn I have ever tried! and knowing that is it healthy made it even better:-)
Few things: For some reason popcorn got wet and sticky, so sticky that you can probably through it to the ceiling and it will stick to it. But it was a bummer that it turned out wet..any ideas why?
I heat the honey with chia seeds and pour it all over the already popped (but still warm) popcorn. Mixed it all together. Where was the mistake?
The Gracious Pantry says
June 28, 2013 at 10:42 amNatasha – This is a sticky recipe. The honey makes it wet as does the melted peanut butter. You can mix in more popcorn to help with that. Not sure if the chia seeds had any effect or not. Glad you enjoyed it though!
Liz Martin says
July 7, 2013 at 12:21 pmIt is SO good! My 11yo and I made it for the rest of the kids, but they’ll be lucky if there is any left when they get home. 🙂
Thanks for the quick, yummy treat!!
The Gracious Pantry says
July 7, 2013 at 3:25 pmLiz – Haha! That’s wonderful! 🙂
Joanne Patoine says
August 5, 2013 at 8:39 pmGreat recipe! Thank you so much. My only questions are: is it supposed to be so sticky? Does it ever firm up? Did I not boil the honey right?
The Gracious Pantry says
August 5, 2013 at 11:56 pmJoanne – It is sticky. There’s just no way around that I’m afraid. But glad you liked it! 😀
Umm Khalil says
November 16, 2013 at 4:43 pmHi Tiffany
thanks for this recipe – my kids love it! so do we ))
The Gracious Pantry says
November 16, 2013 at 5:48 pmUmm – Awesome! 🙂
allyson says
November 20, 2013 at 8:50 pmDefinitely tastes better cool. I tried it sprinkled with cocoa, which probably isn’t clean, but was yummy. then I tried it with mesquite powder, which was phenomenal. thanks for sharing. I might have to start eating clean if it always tastes this good.
The Gracious Pantry says
November 21, 2013 at 10:02 amAllyson – I don’t eat food that doesn’t taste good. 😉
cindy says
January 4, 2014 at 10:32 pmWhat do you think about putting it in the oven, like most caramel corn recipes? Do you think it would get crispier? I might have to try tomorrow. It is good and sweet, though.
Thanks
Cindy
The Gracious Pantry says
January 5, 2014 at 2:27 amCindy – I doubt it would work, but if you try it, let me know!
cindy says
January 17, 2014 at 6:04 pmOk…so to get rid of the stickiness, I did put it in the oven. Not only did it get rid of how sticky it was, but It crisps up the popcorn. Spread onto parchment lined cookie sheet and bake in 250 degree oven for 45-55 minutes! Works great!
The Gracious Pantry says
January 18, 2014 at 12:06 amCindy – Great to know! Thank you! 😀
cindy says
January 17, 2014 at 6:44 pmI popped 14/4 cup of non GMO popcorn and I only used 1/4 cup honey and 2 Tabs nut butter and some salt when the honey was heating.
Thanks again for the recipe..
Cindy
The Gracious Pantry says
January 18, 2014 at 12:06 amCindy – wonderful!!!
cindy says
January 17, 2014 at 6:45 pm1/4 cup–oops!
cindy says
January 22, 2014 at 8:59 pmI think it is better baked for only 40 minutes!
The Gracious Pantry says
January 22, 2014 at 10:55 pmCindy – Thanks!
Kirsty says
January 31, 2014 at 8:12 pmAmazing… I just heated the peanet butter and honey in the microwave.. Poured it over half let it sit then added extra… Also added 1 cup if fruit n nut mix for different textures
The Gracious Pantry says
January 31, 2014 at 8:53 pmKirsty – Sounds really yummy!!!
Julie says
February 10, 2014 at 7:02 pmOh my !!! This is perfection! So so good. Thank you for sharing!!
The Gracious Pantry says
February 10, 2014 at 9:22 pmJulie – My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Sue Bonucchi says
March 14, 2014 at 1:14 pmTiffany, I have movie night at church and need to bring a dessert. I was determined to find something that would help me stay on track and that others would enjoy. Just made Caramel Popcorn with almond butter. Yum! Can’t wait to see the feedback I get at movie night!
P. S. I’ve been following you since I found your Sugar Free Challenge about a year ago. Thanks a million for all you do!
The Gracious Pantry says
March 14, 2014 at 2:18 pmSue – Fantastic! I’m so happy you found something you could use! Let me know how everyone likes it. 🙂
Sarah says
March 24, 2014 at 2:52 pmI’m new to this clean eating. Is peanut butter clean? And if so are there certain brands that I should look for? I live in a small town and we don’t have a whole foods or anything like that around.
Sarah says
March 24, 2014 at 2:53 pmhttps://www.thegraciouspantry.com/what-is-clean-peanut-butter/
Just answered my own question from your site!
The Gracious Pantry says
March 24, 2014 at 3:15 pmSarah – Great! Glad you found your answer! 😀
Kirbi says
July 29, 2014 at 6:36 pmCrazy Question: This would be a great snack for a beach trip! Any idea on on long you could store this popcorn in tupperware or freezer bags maybe?
The Gracious Pantry says
July 31, 2014 at 7:06 pmKirbi – You want to eat this as fresh as possible. But if you have to make it ahead of time, I would store it in an air-tight container and keep it in the fridge until you go.
Purplexrocks says
August 27, 2014 at 6:17 pmPopping the popcorn in a brown lunch bag is a great idea!! I never knew you can do that. I can’t wait to try this.
The Gracious Pantry says
August 27, 2014 at 7:59 pmPurplerocks – Great! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Liane says
October 14, 2014 at 7:31 amDo you have to use the nut butter? I’m really not a fan of nuts 🙁
The Gracious Pantry says
October 14, 2014 at 10:40 amLiane – It’s kinda the base of the recipe, so ya. But give my Kettle Corn a try. You might enjoy that more. 🙂
DaNi* says
June 5, 2015 at 12:47 amCan u make this ahead of time? If so how long will it keep? (Having a birthday party and would like to make it the night before…Tia!)
The Gracious Pantry says
June 5, 2015 at 1:57 pmDani – I don’t recommend this one for making ahead. I think a better option would be my kettle corn recipe. https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-kettle-corn/
John says
September 21, 2015 at 10:34 amThanks for a great recipe and thank Dani for sharing this! My whole family loves it and also my dogs!
The Gracious Pantry says
September 21, 2015 at 1:08 pmJohn – Fantastic! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! 😀
Astrid says
January 19, 2016 at 8:36 pmI added a sprinkle of cayenne and a pinch of salt to mine while mixing and it was AMAZING! A nice kick with the sweet.
The Gracious Pantry says
January 19, 2016 at 8:57 pmAstrid – Oh yum!!! That wounds wonderful!