This is the best caramel recipe ever! The soft caramel is perfect for caramel popcorn, drizzling over ice cream, or apple dipping! You will love it!
If you are looking for other super easy and delicious treats try our easy homemade brownies or our chocolate crinkle cookies. Or you can find our entire dessert gallery here.
Anyway back to the topic at hand!
Homemade Caramel
Every fall we make this homemade caramel sauce and it is one of my kids favorite traditions! For good reason too because this stuff is to die for good.
You can use this homemade caramel in a multitude of ways. My two favorites are caramel popcorn and caramel ice cream sundaes. Not your thing? Cake? Brownies? Dip for apples? Yes, yes and yes.
Ingredients for Homemade Caramel
- Brown Sugar
- Butter
- Karo Syrup
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
It really is so simple! Like most of the recipes I post on this blog, it is cost effective. I always have all these ingredients on hand (granted, the Karo syrup is only on hand for this very recipe, but still.)
How to Make Caramel Popcorn
- Pour caramel over popcorn immediately after removing it from the stove. This recipe will cover three or four bags of microwave popcorn thoroughly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
- This caramel is soft and so it will make soft, gooey caramel popcorn (my favorite kind). If you prefer a crunchier, harder caramel popcorn you can spread your caramel covered popcorn out on a greased baking sheet and bake at 250 for about an hour, turning every 15 minutes or so.
How to Make Caramel with Condensed Milk
You ready for the best and easiest caramel recipe?
If you make and love this recipe we would love for you to leave us a comment and let us know, we appreciate them so much!
Easy Caramel Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 C Brown Sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 1 C light Karo syrup
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Melt all ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Once caramel is boiling, cook for approximately two minutes stirring constantly.
- If using for caramel popcorn: Pour over popcorn immediately (this recipe will cover three bags of microwave popcorn thoroughly.)
Notes
How to Make Caramel Popcorn
- Pour caramel over popcorn immediately after removing it from the stove. This recipe will cover three or four bags of microwave popcorn thoroughly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
- This caramel is soft and so it will make soft, gooey caramel popcorn (my favorite kind). If you prefer a crunchier, harder caramel popcorn you can spread your caramel covered popcorn out on a greased baking sheet and bake at 250 for about an hour, turning every 15 minutes or so.
Nutrition
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Kristyn
This recipe really does make the best caramel!! And, I love that it's super easy!! Pouring over popcorn is our favorite way to enjoy it!!
Louis
Just saw your recipe, it’s Christmas Day. I will make it today, what you think of putting peanuts with the popcorn?
Sarah
Hi, I know we are late on this (we took Christmas off from work) but adding peanuts sounds delicious!
Cheryl Blaisdell
how about adding caramel M & M's?
Jessica
That would be delicious!
DANICA L HILL
Made this a few weeks ago (per Kelsey’s recommendation) and loved it so much that I’m making more for my baby shower this weekend. ❤️
Sarah
Yay! So glad you like it - its our FAVE.
Mica
This is my favorite caramel recipe! I just made it and used the caramel for dipping apples and it was perfect!
Mica
I just made this and used it for apple dip instead of over popcorn and it was amazing!
Kristi
I've been using this for years. It's fabulous. I keep my leftovers in the fridge and it stays good for a couple months. I just heat up a few spoonfuls as needed. I've used this for popcorn, apples, cookies, brownies, frosting, chocolate caramel bars, apple crisp, caramel apple cake, by the spoonfuls...SO many ways!! Thank you so much for this recipe!
Sarah
YAY! Thank you for coming back and telling us! It really is the best :)
Liz
If I pOp my own popcorn In an air popper should I salt and butter it before putting on the caramel sauce?
Jessica
You totally can but I don't think it would need it! The sauce is pretty thick and delicious and I think it would be great even without the added salt and butter!
Beth
Does this need refridgeration aFter making?
Jessica
Nope! We just store it in a tightly sealed container or air tight bag!
Carolyn
That is some gorgeous caramel sauce!
Jessica
And it tastes as good as it looks ;)
Liz
I know what I making this weekend! Caramel Popcorn has my name all over it!
Jessica
ALWAYS a good idea!
Kristy Denney
The best time of year for easy, delicious caramel to put on ALL The THings! YUM!
Stef
Brown sugar caramel is my favorite! your recipe looks super easy! I can't wait to try it!
Jessica
Thank you! I hope you love it!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
It looks really addictive! Can't wait to try it!
Kim
This is so easy and soooo yummy! I use it on anything and everything and its so yummy even all by itsself.
Cassie
this is ABSOLUTELY amazing!
Jessica
Yay! So glad you love it too!
Link
best caramel ever. Easy to make and delicious. thanks aunt val, we owe you!
Jessica
Yay! SO glad to hear you loved it!
MelIssa
Perfection!!! This Caramel is the best ive ever Had!
Jessica
Yay! So good to hear!
lauren
Delicious! Love how it's softer and not tacky on my teeth! thanks
Jessica
Yay! I'm so glad, thanks for sharing!
Liz
I love this recipe with caramel corn! It's so quick and I usually have everything i need!
Jessica
Yes! It's my go-to when i need a treat on short notice! So glad you like it too :)
Jenifer Talbott
It's a PERFECT caramel popcorn pan
Jessica @ Pretty Providence
So true!! ????
Jessica @ Pretty Providence
So true!! ????