Maple Caramel Corn

Ali Segersten 149 comments

If you are craving something sweet and simple this holiday season then this recipe might be quite perfect. Making your own caramel corn using maple syrup is quick and easy! Bring a bowlful to your next holiday party or place it in a holiday tin and give it as a gift to a teacher. All you need to make this is an 8-quart pot, a small saucepan, two large bowls, and a large cookie sheet.

I've made this recipe using both butter and coconut oil. Using butter creates a more traditional caramel flavor, however, using coconut oil creates a bouquet of flavors that makes the caramel corn quite addicting.  Pictured here is the recipe made using coconut oil.

Recipe from our Meal Planner

Maple Caramel Corn

Sugar-Free Maple Caramel Corn
Servings
6
Cook Time
20 minutes
Prep Time
15 minutes

Serve a large bowl of this tasty popcorn at a holiday party. It also makes a great gift for a teacher! If you double the recipe then make it in batches. Popping one cup of popcorn will nearly fill an 8-quart stockpot!

Ingredients

Popcorn

3 tablespoons coconut oil
¼ teaspoons sea salt
1 cups popcorn kernels

Caramel

½ cups coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
1 cups maple syrup
2 pinches sea salt
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  2. Heat an 8-quart stockpot over high heat for a minute or so. Add oil and salt, then popcorn. Cover and cook for a few minutes, moving the pot vigorously, until the popping has subsided.
  3. Then quickly remove from heat to prevent burning and pour popcorn into two large bowls (or one really large bowl if you own one)!
  4. In a small to medium saucepan heat the coconut oil or butter, maple syrup, and a few dashes sea salt over medium heat. Once small bubbles form begin timing for 4 to 5 minutes. Cook, whisking occasionally until thickened and foamy. Quickly pour over popcorn in bowls and toss together using two large spoons.
  5. Spread into two shallow baking pans or cookie sheets and place in the oven.
  6. Bake for 10 minutes stirring half way through. Let cool completely. Caramel corn will crisp up as it cools.
  7. Store in a tightly sealed container once completely cooled to keep it crisp. 

Use this recipe in our Meal Planner

Take a Tour View Recipe

Posted In
Christmas dairy-free dessert edible gifts giveaways holidays snacks recipe
ALI-BRAND-PHOTO-vertical-kitchen-7720-2026

About the Author

Alissa Segersten, MS, CN

Alissa Segersten, MS, CN, is the founder of Nourishing Meals®, an online meal-planning membership with over 2,000 nourishing recipes and tools to support dietary change and better health. As a functional nutritionist, professional recipe developer, author of The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook and Nourishing Meals, and co-author of The Elimination Diet, she helps people overcome health challenges through food. A mother of five, Alissa understands the importance of creating nutrient-dense meals for the whole family. Rooted in science and deep nourishment, her work makes healthy eating accessible, empowering thousands to transform their well-being through food.

See More

Nourishing Meals Newsletter

Email updates.

Comments

V
Vicki S (visitor) 13 years ago

You should pick me. Why? I'm 67 years old and in terrible pain from a car accident and chiropractic care gone wrong. I need help changing a lifetime of bad habits and their contribution to the back, feet, legs, and neck pain.

I'm trying to get my mojo back with cultured foods. I really don't know what I'm doing, but I'm sure a new cookbook by an expert at lacto-fermentation will be a rest-of-my-life companion!

Pick me and I'll talk you UP when people ask me how I made the changes!

Lovingly VS victoria2dc... you have the rest of my e-mail.

Hugs to your family!

V
Vicki S (visitor) 13 years ago

You should pick me. Why? I'm 67 years old and in terrible pain from a car accident and chiropractic care gone wrong. I need help changing a lifetime of bad habits and their contribution to the back, feet, legs, and neck pain.

I'm trying to get my mojo back with cultured foods. I really don't know what I'm doing, but I'm sure a new cookbook by an expert at lacto-fermentation will be a rest-of-my-life companion!

Pick me and I'll talk you UP when people ask me how I made the changes!

Lovingly VS victoria2dc... you have the rest of my e-mail.

Hugs to your family!

E
Emily (visitor) 13 years ago

Just made this caramel corn tonight and WOW! WOWOWOWOW! It is absolutely amazing. I used the coconut oil, and it gives it just this subtle hint... and it isn't too sweet... SO GOOD. Thank you!

M
Meggy (visitor) 14 years ago

the caramel corn looks DEVINE!

M
megan (visitor) 14 years ago

I'm gluten free and just found your blog and the caramel corn recipe. Yum!!

S
Suzanne (visitor) 14 years ago

Being an acupuncturist I see lots of people going to me with digestive problems. Those who say they need to get off gluten but don't because it is so hard. I always suggest your cookbook because of the simplicity and healthy delicious choices. I can't wait to get your second book.
Keep up the great work!
Suzanne

E
Ellie Mae and me (visitor) 14 years ago

I just love trying out new recipes from new cookbooks! Can't wait to try out the caramel corn recipe!

S
SK (visitor) 15 years ago

This Maple Caramel Corn is delicious and easy to make. Thanks for the recipe!

E
Erika (visitor) 15 years ago

Yum!!! It's me, Erika :) My family is egg free & dairy free with a gluten rotation. Thank you!

A
Anonymous (visitor) 15 years ago

This is fantastic! I think anything that goes into the oven satisfies my desires for Christmas treats as much as the taste. We've made the maple nuts, too, and are giving those as gifts.
Thanks for the great recipes!

Heidi

K
Kristi B. (visitor) 15 years ago

Oh bless you (I don't know if I'm qualified to bless but...) for that caramel corn recipe. It's a HUGE craving of mine but I can't have cane sugar in any form. This will be such a nice holiday treat for me!

I just bought Kelly's Grain-free book, I can't WAIT till it gets here! If I'm lucky enough to be chosen, I would love the slow cooker book. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

C
Catherine (visitor) 15 years ago

Would love to have more cook books like yours. I react to everything and love to get away from dairy and gluten in a yummier way
Catherine

M
Meagan (visitor) 15 years ago

My brother would go crazy over this - thanks!!

A
Anonymous (visitor) 15 years ago

Thank you for the popcorn recipe just in time! Can't wait to check out the books.

Thanks!
LU, PW

A
Anonymous (visitor) 15 years ago

Thank you for sharing the books!
Can't wait to see GF & DF recipes.
Tranhasmail@gmail.com

S
Samiam (visitor) 15 years ago

I'm going to make this as a Christmas thank you for a celiac friend who is "lending" us her home over the holidays. She loves these kind of treats!

F
FabFrugalFood (visitor) 15 years ago

My most wanted cookbook right now IS actually Cooking for Isaiah - would love to win a copy!

S
Shirley S Lange (visitor) 15 years ago

I am dairy and gluten free and NEED some fresh input and new ideas!

A
Anonymous (visitor) 15 years ago

Yum! We are all over this! Pick me! Pick me! Barb

A
Ariana Anderson (visitor) 15 years ago

Mmmmmmmmmmm
looks delish!
Ariana Anderson
thefrugallyrichlife@gmail.com

D
Debbie Shanholtz (visitor) 15 years ago

We'd love a new gluten free, dairy free cookbook. My 8 year old son would thank you and my 6 year old daughter as well. We are all now gluten free and dairy & egg free & soy free! It's wonderful to have these wise people with great recipes! Debpublic@shanholtz.com

Thanks! Debbie

E
Eden (visitor) 15 years ago

I am ready to try either cookbook.

M
Marissa (visitor) 15 years ago

Always love a sweet and salty combo!

As a Bastyr grad and dietitian in training (intern) I am constantly referring patients to your cookbook for tasty and nutritious recipes that are allergy friendly. Keep 'em coming!

U
Unknown (visitor) 15 years ago

Yay for awesome cookbooks! Cooking for my dad who is beef/dairy/rice allergic. :)

M
MysticMom (visitor) 15 years ago

I cannot wait to try this! The caramel corn looks absolutely delicious and I am eager to try it both ways (with Earth balance butter and Coconut oil):)

Earlier this year when I found out that I could no longer eat wheat, garlic, or dairy I was feeling very lost... until I discovered this blog. Thank you again for another awesome recipe <3

Tiffany

D
Debbie Shanholtz (visitor) 15 years ago

Our family has dramatically changed our eating since we found out my 8 year old son had so many food allergies. We all were tested and found out we're all gluten, dairy, egg intolerant. Any kind of help with recipes would be wonderful with help from a new Cook book!
debpublic@shanholtz.com Thanks! Debbie

A
Abbi G. (visitor) 15 years ago

My daughter and I made the caramel corn and then ate it by the bowlful! I would love to win either of these cookbooks to put a little spice in our cooking life. -Abbi

U
Unknown (visitor) 15 years ago

Post to facebook, can't wait!
Susan H.

U
Unknown (visitor) 15 years ago

Post to twitter hope to win your wonderful cookbook
Susan H

T
theater simpleton (visitor) 15 years ago

SOOO excited about the cookbook giveaway (you guys are rad!) but even MORE excited about the popcorn recipe! I am sooooo making a big batch this weekend for the holly daze to come!

D
D. (visitor) 15 years ago

shared on twitter and facebook. We can't have coconut but think I will try a replacement cuz this looks really great!

D
D. (visitor) 15 years ago

Yum Yum YUM!

D
D. (visitor) 15 years ago

would LOVE one of these cookbooks! The recipes look amazing

U
Unknown (visitor) 15 years ago

I am thankful I found your fabulous website! I just love all the recipes! Thanks for all you do!
Susan H

A
Andy's mom (visitor) 15 years ago

I love you recipes...and I've been wanting to do a 'caramel' type popcorn for Christmas gifts...looks like I've found the recipe now! Thx.

A
Anonymous (visitor) 15 years ago

I would love to win the Go Dairy Free book! My son has an anaphylactic dairy allergy and it would be great to learn how to make more dairy-ish meals for the rest of the family to enjoy.

Thank you so much for your blog! I recommend to everyone I talk to. I have LOVED every recipe in your cookbook too.

Thank you again,
Taera
taerynne@yahoo.com

M
martha pell (visitor) 15 years ago

These recipes look delicious and are a wonderful addition to the holidays. A recipe book would be amazing!

B
Beth (visitor) 15 years ago

Your blog has great information. Thank you for sharing.

N
Nicole (visitor) 15 years ago

I love maple popcorn! My husband has been making this for us for years. MMMM!! And would (of course) love a new cookbook!

K
kendra (visitor) 15 years ago

i've been wanting to check these out - and thank you for the maple syrup popcorn recipe!

E
Eagle Loft (visitor) 15 years ago

I linked to you on Facebook for another chance to win. :)

E
Eagle Loft (visitor) 15 years ago

Thank you for sharing this great recipe! I would LOVE to win one of the cookbooks (Cooking for Isaiah is on my Christmas wish list)!

L
Lisa (visitor) 15 years ago

what a great recipe! going to make this for an upcoming birthday party! can olive oil be used instead of coconut oil?
and a giveaway on top of it all?! yay!
thanks!

N
Noelia (visitor) 15 years ago

I'd love to make this a day ahead and place it in a tin. Does anyone know if it keeps well for a day or two if stored in a container?

K
Kate (visitor) 15 years ago

this would be perfect for my sister and I. and my mom loves caramel corn - thank you for a recipe we all can enjoy

J
Johanna B (visitor) 15 years ago

Can't wait to try the maple corn recipe. I haven't eaten popcorn since my diagnosis and I really miss it.

S
Stephanie C. (visitor) 15 years ago

Thanks for the giveaway. I've heard such wonderful things about these cookbooks. I'd love to own a copy :) Stephanie

A
Anonymous (visitor) 15 years ago

Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!

A
Anonymous (visitor) 15 years ago

Wow! This sounds soooooooo yummy!

wintlefamily@centurytel.net

A
Anonymous (visitor) 15 years ago

Wow! This looks soooooo yummy!

Add Comment

Related Posts

HOMEMADE SEA BUCKTHORN SHEA BODY BODY BUTTER-6

How to Make Homemade Body Butter (skin food)

What you put on your skin is equally as important as what you put into your body. This homemade body lotion, or body butter, is incredibly easy to make and will deeply nourish your skin. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and absorbs much of what you put onto it. It’s so easy to make your own skincare products using simple, unprocessed ingredients. Shea butter is the foundation of body butter and what makes this lotion so nourishing for the skin. Shea butter is a rich source of fatty acids that hydrate, protect, and soften the skin, as well as soothe inflamed or cracked skin. Stearic acid and palmitic acid are the two main fatty acids in shea butter responsible for these benefits. Shea butter is excellent for dry, cracked hands and feet, and for helping to heal skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

Read More
OATMEAL CINNAMON SHORTBREAD COOKIES-1

Oatmeal-Spice Shortbread Cookies

Happy Winter Solstice! Today is the darkest day and the longest night of the year in the Northern hemisphere. It is a time of pause and reflection; a time to clear space for a new year. What do you want to release? What do you want to create for yourself in the coming year? I recently had a conversation with a friend that reminded me of something so simple, yet so foundational to the work I do. With every bite of food, we are choosing how we want to create ourselves.

Read More

Spiced Plantain Cookies (vegan, grain-free, nut-free, autoimmune)

Elimination diet cookies made from plantains! You'll love these chewy spice cookies if you are following our Elimination Diet or another special diet such as an autoimmune diet, gluten-free diet, paleo diet, or vegan diet! They are also a perfect treat to introduce to older babies and toddlers. Once your baby is okay chewing soft foods then try making these cookies.

Read More

Raw Cranberry Sauce ~ So Easy! (vegan, sugar-free)

If you’ve been searching for a bright, sugar-free cranberry sauce that’s easy to make and deeply nutritious, this fresh raw version is such a gem. It comes together in minutes and preserves the full spectrum of antioxidants found in uncooked cranberries, especially ellagic acid, a powerful compound linked to cellular protection and detox support. Serve this tart and tangy cranberry sauce with your holiday turkey, baked salmon, or winter squash and bean casserole. It's also delicious on top of pumpkin pie!  Did you know that cranberries are one of the most concentrated natural sources of ellagic acid? This powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer compound is especially abundant in berries like cranberries, raspberries, wild strawberries, and blackberries—those bright, tart fruits that make your mouth pucker—and is also present in smaller amounts in foods such as pomegranates, pecans, and walnuts.

Read More

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes (grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free)

If you are in need of a chocolate fix or are looking for a dessert to impress your guests, then try this easy recipe for flourless, grain-free molten chocolate lava cakes! They are so simple and so tasty. You can even store the batter in the refrigerator and then cook one or two at a time, as needed.

Read More

Homemade Herbed Sea Salt Recipe (Herbamare)

Homemade herbed sea salt is a deeply nourishing infusion of minerals, herbs, and plant-based compounds that elevates your food and your health! If you’ve followed my recipes for a while, you already know how much I love Herbamare, a seasoned sea salt that layers savory herbs and vegetables into a mineral-rich, flavorful blend. It’s one of my favorite ways to add depth to meals while keeping sodium in balance. But over the last year, I began crafting my own version at home. Try making a double batch and giving away some for holiday gifts!  By blending mineral-rich sea salt with dried herbs, vegetables, and kelp, you not only enhance flavor, you amplify nutrition. Herbs and alliums provide polyphenols and sulfur compounds that support detoxification. Kelp offers iodine and trace minerals that nourish thyroid and cellular function. And the inclusion of prebiotic fibers from dried garlic or leeks gently supports your gut microbiome.

Read More