Cinnamon Maple Caramel Popcorn

Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and salty with this caramel-flavoured popcorn made with maple syrup, tahini and cinnamon. It is an irresistible homemade snack that is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Let’s get popping!

Popcorn is a nutritious snack option despite popular diets that lead us to believe that we must avoid carbohydrates. We absolutely don’t need to!

However, I know all too well how convincing self-proclaimed wellness experts can be. Before I studied nutrition and learned more about how our bodies break down the foods we eat, I had avoided popcorn. How sad is that?

Why popcorn is the perfect easy and joyful snack option

Not only is popcorn a whole grain that is high in fibre and rich in B vitamins, but when you make the toppings yourself, it can also be a low-sugar and salt snack option. It is budget-friendly and quick to make.

But most importantly, popcorn is a food that typifies joy.

Nutrition isn’t the only reason we eat food. We eat popcorn because it’s fun to hear it pop and because it has a light, airy crunch.

We associate popcorn with going to the movies and sharing a snack with others. During my childhood, popcorn dusted with icing sugar was always a favourite at birthday parties. Thanks, Mum, for instilling that love!

So, popcorn is back on the menu.

Creative and delicious ways to enjoy popcorn anytime

I generally make popcorn straight up in a saucepan and sprinkle it with a little salt or nutritional yeast.

However, you can get ‘fancy’ and bake sweet or savoury flavours onto your popcorn.

I’m more of a sweet tooth when it comes to popcorn. Thus, I’m sharing my recipe for maple caramel popcorn—you’re welcome!

However, you could also try popcorn with:

• chilli or chipotle powder
• ranch seasoning (dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder and salt)
• tamari and nori flakes
• grated Parmesan cheese and garlic salt
• brown sugar and cinnamon
• honey and butter
• nuts or chocolate chips

Let’s get creative.

Methods for preparing homemade popcorn

Now, before we get all gourmet with our popcorn, allow me to share the basics of cooking popcorn.

First, it is so easy to make that it isn’t really necessary to purchase microwave pre-made popcorn.

I generally avoid those so I can flavour my popcorn how I like, make as much as I want, and cut down on saturated fat and salt. Not that enjoying buttery, salty popcorn is evil. But for everyday snacking, I like the versatility and lightness of my own.

So, how do we get popping?

Popcorn can be made in the microwave, stovetop or popcorn maker. All are easy, so it just depends on what you have.

How to make quick and easy popcorn in the microwave

You can put popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag big enough to accommodate the popcorn that will be produced.

Simply place ¼ cup kernels in a bag, folding the opening over twice.

Then cook for 2–3 minutes on high. Turn off when the time between kernels popping decreases.

Caution: Never leave it alone.

How to make popcorn on the stovetop

I generally make stovetop popcorn in a saucepan with a glass lid so I can see the popping. However, you’ll also be able to hear when it is all popped as the popping slows.

All you need is olive oil and popcorn kernels.

I add two tablespoons of oil and two popcorn kernels and cover the pan on medium heat. Once those two kernels pop, I know we are ready to go.

I take the saucepan off the heat, pour in half a cup of kernels, shimmy them around, and cover them before returning them to the heat.

Once the popping starts, I tilt the lid a little so the steam can escape, not the popcorn. I keep the saucepan on the heat and shimmy a few times until the popping slows and I know most of the kernels have popped. There might be a few unpopped kernels that need picking out. Then, the popcorn is ready for munching—are you ready?

Let’s get to the recipe for this caramel-flavoured popcorn.

Ingredients for maple syrup caramel popcorn

You will require:

• popcorn kernels
• olive oil
• maple syrup or maple-flavoured syrup
• tahini, almond butter or nut butter of your choice
• vanilla extract or essence
• salt
• cinnamon

How to make this popcorn recipe?

In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring maple syrup to a boil over medium heat for 2 and half minutes. Reduce heat only if necessary to prevent burning.

Then, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the nut butter, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon, whisking together.

Then, drizzle the mixture over the popcorn. Toss until well coated.

Pour popcorn onto a baking tray and arrange it in a single layer.

Bake the popcorn for 6 minutes. Then stir and cook for another 2 minutes.

Remove from oven. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon to taste.

Once cool, break into pieces or leave in chunks. Serve.

How to store this homemade popcorn for freshness

Plain popcorn is best fresh, but it can be kept for a few days in a sealed plastic bag (squeeze out as much air as possible).

This caramel popcorn can be stored the same way but may become soft. So, either eat it right away or, if necessary, put it in the oven for five minutes to crisp up again before eating.

Share your popcorn creations and adventures!

I’m sure others would love to hear your favourite popcorn toppings.

Share in the comments below, whether about this caramel popcorn or other flavour combinations you enjoy.

If you’ve been pleasantly surprised by the caramel taste of tahini and maple syrup combined, you may like my recipe for caramel frappe. These cranberry energy balls are also another great snack option you may enjoy.