Vegan caramel popcorn (the best easy popcorn recipe)

If you’re anything like me, there’s something irresistibly cozy about munching on a bowl of sweet caramel popcorn while settling in for a movie night, a rainy afternoon, or really any time you’re craving a delicious snack. But here’s the thing—I don’t always want to worry about whether that caramel popcorn is any good for me. I mean, who wants to dig into a sugary, buttery treat that’s supposed to be simple, only to find out it’s got all sorts of things hiding in there? Not me, and definitely not you! So, I’ve got a treat that’s totally plant-based, super simple, and, most importantly, a total crowd-pleaser: vegan caramel popcorn.

I know that caramel popcorn might sound like an indulgent, maybe even slightly difficult-to-make treat, but trust me, this recipe is anything but complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience (which is honestly pretty easy when you can smell that sweet, sugary goodness filling up your kitchen), you’ll have yourself a batch of vegan caramel popcorn that will make all your snack dreams come true. 

Let’s talk about why traditional caramel popcorn might not be the best choice for vegans. You might have noticed that caramel syrup is often made with butter or cream, which are obviously not vegan-friendly. And while I’m not vegan myself, I just don’t find it necessary to add more stuff to something that can be easily made with plant based ingredients. So, if you’re looking to enjoy caramel popcorn that’s simple, natural and vegan, it’s best to make it yourself or find a recipe that uses plant-based alternatives. 

This is where my vegan caramel popcorn recipe gets to shine. Ready to dive into it? Let’s go!

Ingredients

Popcorn kernels. The key ingredient for any popcorn recipe. 

Oil. Use your oil of preference, whether it’s olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil. 

Sugar. I am using raw sugar in my recipe. Coconut sugar or organic brown sugar are also delicious. 

Maple syrup

Optional: Sea salt, vanilla extract or almond butter

How to make vegan caramel popcorn

Pop the corn. If you have a popcorn machine, now is its time to shine. For the stovetop method, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot with a lid. Start to gently shake the pot while your kernels pop. This will allow any unpopped kernels to fall to the bottom and pop also. Once popped, transfer the popcorn to a large bowl and set it aside. 

Prepare the vegan caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and maple syrup until it has the consistency of wet sand. Heat the mixture on medium heat  on the stove top until the sugar has melted and the mixture begins to bubble. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a rich, golden syrup. Add optional add ins if desired. 

Toss the popcorn with the caramel sauce. Pour the gooey caramel over your vegan popcorn and gently stir to coat every kernel in that luscious, sticky goodness. It’s best to do this while the caramel is still warm, so it evenly coats all the popcorn.

Bake to crunch. Transfer your popcorn to cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake the entire batch at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes or until nice and crunchy. 

Cool and enjoy. Let your vegan caramel popcorn cool for a few minutes. Then grab a bowl, sit back, and enjoy this great snack over your favourite book or movie. Store any leftovers (as if!) in an airtight container.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Caramel Popcorn Recipe

It’s so easy to make! No need for complicated techniques—just melt, pour, and mix.

A vegan treat, perfect for most dietary needs! This recipe uses sugar and maple syrup to make the caramel rich and decadent without any animal products or allergens. For a non-vegan version, try using my caramel sauce recipe instead.

Easily customisable. You can easily add nuts, different spices, or a sprinkle of sea salt to take this scrumptious snack to the next level!

Tips and Tricks

Don’t burn the caramel! Keep an eye on your caramel sauce while it’s cooking. If it gets too hot or burns, it will turn bitter, and you’ll miss that smooth, buttery taste. 

Popcorn kernels can also burn easily. If you’re using stovetop popcorn, make sure to keep the pot moving so the kernels don’t burn. Turn off the heat the moment the popping slows down significantly and transfer your popcorn to a large bowl to cool. 

Bake for perfect texture. After coating the popcorn in caramel, you can spread it out on a baking sheet and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This gives the caramel popcorn a crispy, crunchy texture that’s just so satisfying.

Easy Substitutes

Oil. There’s no specific oil to use, you can substitute with any neutral oil (like olive or avocado are good options). Coconut oil adds a nice flavor, but you won’t lose much in taste with other oils.

Sugar. If you’re not a fan of coconut sugar, brown sugar works just as well in this recipe. You could also use white sugar, but coconut sugar gives it a deeper, more caramel-like taste.

Maple syrup. If you don’t have maple syrup, agave syrup or even a mix of brown rice syrup will work as a replacement.

You see how easy it is? A totally vegan caramel popcorn recipe that’s so simple and delicious, it’ll quickly become your new go-to treat. Whether you’re looking for an easy snack for the kids, something to munch on during your next Netflix binge (goes without saying, send any recommendations my way :)), or a quick homemade gift during holiday season, this vegan caramel popcorn checks all the boxes.