Dairy Free Soft Caramel Popcorn (No bake!) + VIDEO

I never thought I’d enjoy soft, chewy and gooey caramel popcorn again after my son’s dairy allergy diagnosis. It’s been years, but I finally found one that tastes spot on! And the best part–no baking! This caramel corn is completely done on the stove top. This recipe also works for vegans and is naturally gluten-free too! It makes enough to share with a crowd, and hopefully everyone can now be included. See how easy it is to make this dairy-free chewy caramel corn below. (No candy thermometer needed either!) This recipe can also be top-8-free if you use a soy-free butter.

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WHY WE LOVE THIS DAIRY FREE CARAMEL CORN

For a long time, I languished for a caramel corn recipe, but most of the recipes online involve “unwrap caramels and melt them”. But…there are no dairy free store bought caramels to unwrap! Then, if I did find a recipe, they involved a two-step process…making something on the stove, pouring it over popcorn and then baking it. And I do not like that hard crunch/almost break your teeth type of caramel corn. No adding baking soda, and no having to bake it and no candy thermometer! Check, check, check!

I wanted something gooey and soft with just the one step. And viola! I’ve finally found it. Just a handful of ingredients, and you’ve got a delicious, SPOT ON caramel mixture anyone will love. My parents, who don’t have any food allergies, say they can’t stop themselves when eating this because it’s so good. And the nice thing is, it makes a ton. So this would be great for giving out at Halloween time, Christmas, or any time you’re having a movie night and want to share (or not! haha). Enjoy this caramel corn recipe that will trick anyone into thinking it’s the REAL DEAL and the best recipe.

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THIS NO BAKE CARAMEL CORN?

This homemade caramel corn needs these ingredients:

• popcorn kernels
• coconut oil (or other cooking oil you prefer)
• Vegan butter
• Brown sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Sweetened condensed coconut milk
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

WHAT IF I CAN’T HAVE COCONUT?

You are welcome to swap out the coconut oil, for another cooking oil while popping the popcorn. However, the sweetened condensed coconut milk is a non-negotiable. I’m sorry! If you can’t have coconut + dairy that is a really rough combo. I have lots of other treats in my recipe box for you to enjoy.

WHAT TYPE OF VEGAN BUTTER SHOULD I USE?

All good caramel mixtures have notes of buttery-ness and this can too thanks to advances made in dairy-free butter. I love Country Crock Olive Oil Plant Butter for savory applications, and in this sweet recipe, I like Earth Balance Buttery Sticks. You can find it on Amazon, or at most local health food stores. If you need a soy-free version, Earth Balance has one too! It’s important to use a vegan or non-dairy butter instead of something like a coconut oil in the sauce mixture because you want it to have that buttery caramel flavor.

WHERE DO I GET CONDENSED COCONUT MILK?

Sweetened condensed coconut milk has been a GAME changer. Bless whoever invented it. It’s allowed me to make dairy-free caramels, as well as this caramel corn. Unfortunately, I do not know of a replacement. I find mine at even Walmart of all places, and at Natural Grocer and of course Amazon. 

WHAT TOOLS DO I NEED TO MAKE THIS EASY CARAMEL POPCORN RECIPE?

You will need:

• a medium saucepan
• heat proof rubber spatula for stirring, or wooden spoon
• ​popcorn popper (or other method for popping the plain kernels)
• two sheet pans (also known as a cookie sheet)
• not required–but nice to have a silicon baking mat for easier clean up or parchment paper, or aluminum foil
• measuring cups and spoons
• hot pad
• airtight container
• large bowl

CAN I USE MICROWAVE POPCORN?

Unfortunately, I would not recommend this for this easy caramel corn recipe. They all have other ingredients, which are not necessary, and the popcorn will be coated in it and it will mess with the texture and flavor. You just need regular ‘ol plain popcorn. (White or yellow kernels are fine). There are many ways to make plain popped popcorn–stove top, air popper, or even using a brown paper bag in a microwave can be a method. Use whatever you’re most comfortable with. I have this popcorn maker and it takes me three batches to reach the desired 20 cups. I use coconut oil and follow the instructions with my popper, but you’re welcome to use vegetable oil, or another oil of choice for your dietary preferences. If you have a popper, follow the recipe included to ensure proper oil to kernel ratio.

HOW DO I MAKE THIS CHEWY CARAMEL CORN RECIPE?

If you can measure ingredients and stir, you can make this easy recipe! No candy thermometer required! Here are the simple steps:

• Pop the popcorn
• Pick out any leftover and un-popped kernels
• Spread the popcorn in an even layer on two baking sheets, preferably lined with something to help the pans not get too sticky like a silicon pad, aluminum foil or parchment paper. 
• In the saucepan, over medium heat add all of the ingredients, except for the vanilla.
• Bring to a boil, and then constantly stir while setting a timer for 5 minutes.
• Once the five minutes are up, remove from heat and add in the vanilla. Stir.
• Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the two pans (I like to do one pan at a time.)
• Using a spatula, stir the popcorn around until it’s evenly coated.
• Once the hot caramel has cooled, you can either move it to a large bowl for sharing–it is a big batch after all! Or, if you’re going to serve it later, keep in an air tight container (I love using a gallon ziplock bag) at room temperature. Should last 3 days. That is, if this best caramel corn recipe even lasts that long!

DO I HAVE A VIDEO SHOWING HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL POPCORN?

I sure do! You can watch my video to see how to make this easy homemade caramel popcorn recipe from start to finish. I love seeing things before I make them, and hope this will be helpful. The video should automatically pop up. If it does not, it should be at the bottom of the recipe card. If that fails, you can always watch it on my YouTube channel. Now go get your sweet tooth satisfied and make this classic caramel corn recipe now made dairy free!

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