Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (2024)

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Butter Toffee Popcorn is a family snack favorite and a personal love of mine. You can use microwavable buttery popcorn for that extra buttery flavor and coat in a simple toffee caramel sauce to give the popcorn that sweet and salty flavor combination.

Hey Sugar Babies! I love this Butter Toffee Popcorn recipe! I hope you got everything you wanted for Christmas this year. Lord knows I did. The two biggest things I wanted were a camcorder and an Amazon Kindle Fire. I got them both. YAY ME!

I was going to post one last recipe for you before Christmas if you wanted to make something to share with your friends and family, but I got the stomach flu. I had it for two days. That thing is not fun to have, ya know? Now I am back and feeling better and ready to get back into sharing some awesome recipes and pictures of how my Christmas went. What did I do? My fiancée just lounged around, watched basketball, and cooked dinner. Yea, we stayed in our PJs all day. It was pretty darn awesome.

Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (2)

How I made this Butter Toffee Popcorn

Now, about this popcorn recipe. It is pretty easy to make! I will say that I made this version of the caramel popcorn recipe twice and tried two different ways to make the popcorn. The first way I made the popcorn was the stovetop way. This wasn’t too bad, but I burnt some of the popcorn, so that didn’t work out. Also, there were too many hard kernels in the mix, and it became a serious pain. So, I decided to use a bag of plain microwavable popcorn, and it was much easier to discard the kernels that way. Not only that, it didn’t take that long either. I recommend that method if you’re uncertain. Of course, there is the toffee sauce part, which is just amazing! I will say to be careful and line your baking tray with wax or parchment paper.

Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (3)

This Butter Toffee Popcorn has a special place in my heart. It does. It is the perfect partner for a couch potato like myself sometimes. Not only that, it is an awesome gift idea to give to people for the holidays. Yea, I know I’m kind of late with the gift ideas, but we have Valentine’s Day coming up, and this will serve just as good as a V-Day gift as a Christmas Day gift.

Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (4)

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, you know I went to the grocery store the day after Christmas, and they were already putting up stuff for V-Day?! How absurd! I mean, the Thanksgiving turkey gets no love at all, and there is all this hype about Christmas from September to December, and as soon as it is over, they dump it like a bad habit. I’m sorry. I’m always a little sad when Christmas is over. Not as sad as I was when eating this popcorn was over. So…enjoy!

Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (5)

Recipe partially adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I add additional toppings to this toffee popcorn recipe?

Yes! I have added a few times toffee bits, a little drizzle of chocolate by melting some semi-sweet chocolate chips, and/or a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty combination.

Do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?

I’m sure a candy thermometer wouldn’t hurt to make this recipe, but I have been fine without using one.

Similar Recipes

If you like recipes like this toffee popcorn recipe, you will like some of the other snack recipes below:

  • Peanut Toffee Nut Clusters
  • Cashew Clusters
  • Salted Dark Chocolate Clusters
  • Brownie Crisps

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Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (6)

Butter Toffee Popcorn

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Cupcake from Brown Sugar
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 mins
  • Yield: 18 cups 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Try Butter Toffee Popcorn as an awesome snack and to give away for gifts. This is the perfect sweet and salty combination for popcorn. Try this Butter Toffee Popcorn today!

  • 43 oz. bags microwave popcorn (lightly salted)
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 2 1/4 cups light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 23 cups roasted, salted peanuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250 Degrees and butter a large rimmed baking sheet and set aside. Pop the popcorn in the microwave.
  2. Sift the bag of popcorn and remove as many unpopped kernels as possible and place the popped popcorn in a large bowl along with the peanuts. Set the popcorn and peanuts to the side to the side.
  3. Melt the 2 sticks of butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat, add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt and constantly stir as it begins to slightly boil. Allow boiling while constantly stirring for 3 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and baking soda. The baking soda will cause the caramel mixture to bubble up a little bit but keep stirring until it completely dissolves. Pour the toffee mixture over the popcorn and the peanuts using a rubber spatula, toss carefully until the popcorn mixture is covered.
  5. Place popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet or silpat silicon sheet and spread out evenly and bake for 1 hour.
  6. Once finished baking, allow to cool for 25 minutes, break apart, and store in an airtight container or serve!

Notes

If you have a hot popcorn popper, you can pop 3/4 c. uncooked popcorn kernels instead of the original recipe. I just thought this may be a little easier.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 75 mins
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

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Comments

  1. Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (8)Amanda says

    Oh, wow! Have to try this!

    Reply

    • Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (9)Nicole Nared-Washington says

      Let me know when you do!

      Reply

  2. Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (10)Yuliya says

    Hi, Nicole. Love this recipe and made it a few times already but it’s been ages. Now I’m a bit puzzled. The temp in the oven is 250 degrees Fahrenheit right? Not Celsius. Thanks

    Reply

    • Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (11)Nicole Nared-Washington says

      Yes.

      Reply

    • Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (13)Nicole Nared-Washington says

      YAAAAAY!!!!

      Reply

  3. Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (14)ChristopherD says

    Ingredients and proportions make delicious popcorn. I like to add a tablespoon of local honey, or orange blossom honey at the end, right before adding the vanilla and baking soda. Also, once mixture begins to boil, I stop stirring. I’ve found that constantly stirring causes crystallization, producing a grainy coating in the end…like, every time. Of course, I stir in the final ingredients, but only then. Also, during the oven phase (as it were), I pull the sheet pans out every 20 minutes and fold everything over and together, replace, and repeat until the hour is up. Furthermore, I flick out a popcorn pop/kernel/whatever to let cool on my counter while awaiting the next 20 minutes, just to test “doneness”. =]

    Reply

    • Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (15)Nicole Nared-Washington says

      Awesome!

      Reply

  4. Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (16)Neda says

    This is amazing! I popped the popcorn kernels in a microwave safe bowl covered with a microwave safe plate. Followed the advice of one reviewer and didn’t stir while it was boiling. I ended up with the most delicious caramel mixture.

    Reply

    • Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (17)Nicole Nared-Washington says

      Yay!

      Reply

  5. Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (18)Janice says

    I wonder if this same method will work for peanuts and nuts? I need a recipe for toffee crunch nut mix.

    Reply

    • Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (19)Nicole Nared-Washington says

      Hmmm. I don’t see why not. I would try it and let me know how it comes out!

      Reply

  6. Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (20)Annie says

    I’ve made this at home several times with no issues and it’s fabulous! I try to make it at work and it almost burnt part of it during the baking process. I’m going to guess it was because these ovens are older than the hills. I want to try again at work so they get a better representation of the heaven that is this popcorn. I want to try in our convection oven. What is your recommendation for time and temp in a convection oven?

    Reply

    • Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (21)Nicole Nared-Washington says

      This is great Annie! I am so glad you have a great experience with this recipe!

      Reply

  7. Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (22)Susan says

    My first time ever making Carmel popcorn and this recipe was very easy to follow and very DELICIOUS!!!! Thank Yiu for sharing!

    Reply

    • Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (23)Nicole Nared-Washington says

      No problem! Thanks for trying!

      Reply

      • Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (24)Jennifer says

        Can this be rolled into popcorn balls?

        Reply

        • Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (25)Nicole Nared-Washington says

          I don’t think it will stick together and the caramel may burn your hands.

          Reply

  8. Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (26)Lynn says

    I’m excited to try this. One question. How much is 2 sticks of butter in cups? Our sticks here in Canada come in different sizes.

    Reply

    • Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (27)Nicole Nared-Washington says

      2 sticks is one cup, 16 tablespoons.

      Reply

Butter Toffee Popcorn Recipe - Brown Sugar Food Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between caramel and toffee popcorn? ›

Although similar, toffee and caramel are not the same. Toffee is made out of just caramelized sugar and butter, unlike caramel which contains corn syrup and sometimes milk or cream. As a result, toffee popcorn is more brittle and crunchy in flavor and has a distinct buttery taste.

How to dissolve brown sugar in butter? ›

STEP ONE: To a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan set over medium heat add the brown sugar and unsalted butter. STEP TWO: Stir/whisk until the butter is completely emulsified into the sugar. If the butter is separated, continue whisking until they're completely combined and thick. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes.

What can be added to popcorn? ›

For savory popcorn: Olive oil, kosher salt, and nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is the perfect seasoning if you want cheesy flavor but also want vegan popcorn seasoning. For sweet popcorn: Olive oil, cinnamon, and a dash of brown sugar. This will satisfy your sweet cravings without making your teeth hurt!

What goes well with popcorn? ›

Popcorn Pairings
  • Beer and Popcorn. Beer and Popcorn. ...
  • Hot chocolate puddings with salted caramel popcorn. Hot chocolate puddings with salted caramel popcorn. ...
  • BlueHost.com. ...
  • Sea salt ice cream with sweet popcorn from Aqua S | soph. ...
  • Popcorn and wine pairings - I cannot freaking believe this exists. ...
  • Salted Caramel Coma Cake.

Is butterscotch the same as toffee? ›

Toffee vs Butterscotch

While butterscotch is cooked to a soft-crack stage, toffee is produced by allowing that same butter and brown sugar mixture to reach the hard-crack stage. Butterscotch tends to be chewy and pliable; toffee is brittle and more breakable.

What's the difference between toffee and butter toffee? ›

The English toffee eaten with regularity in America is also called buttercrunch. What's the difference? Primarily, the difference rests in the ingredients. Toffee in Britain is made with brown sugar, whereas buttercrunch is made with white granulated sugar.

Why won't my butter and brown sugar mix? ›

The temperature of your butter is critical when creaming butter and sugar. Too cold, and your sugar won't properly dissolve into your butter. Too hot, and your cakes will end up flat and greasy. The magical temperature of softened butter is actually around 65℉, slightly cooler than the ambient temperature of your home.

What happens when you mix brown sugar and butter? ›

Brown sugar and butter simmer together and create a caramel toffee flavored homemade syrup like nothing you've ever tasted.

Why is my melted butter and brown sugar grainy? ›

It is possible to overmix the butter and sugar. If you overmix, the butter will separate out of the mixture and it will be grainy and soupy. Be sure to stop once your butter becomes light and fluffy.

What is the secret ingredient in popcorn? ›

The flavor all comes down to one ingredient: Flavacol. You've likely never heard of Flavacol because, really, only movie theaters use it. Essentially, it's butter-flavored salt. It's a really fine, bright orange powder that adds that buttery flavor you crave and the signature yellow color.

How to make popcorn more buttery? ›

Microwave the butter until it melts; about 30 seconds if whipped and 1 minute if cold. Place the popcorn you just popped into a bowl. Take out butter and pour over the microwave popcorn. Toss the popcorn to allow the butter to coat it evenly.

Is popcorn with sugar good? ›

Popcorn has few calories and is high in fiber, which can make it a suitable snack for people with diabetes. However, adding butter, sugar, and other toppings may mean it is no longer a healthy choice.

What tastes good on top of popcorn? ›

Go check them out:
  1. Chili Powder. The first popcorn topping on our list is chili powder, and it's something you likely already have at home. ...
  2. Everything Bagel Seasoning. ...
  3. Crushed Pretzels & Chocolate. ...
  4. Kettle Corn Seasoning. ...
  5. Black Pepper & Sea Salt. ...
  6. Cayenne Pepper & Cumin. ...
  7. Olive Oil & Parmesan. ...
  8. Chili Lime.
Jan 3, 2023

What is a good combo for popcorn? ›

Other unique popcorn seasonings and combinations include:
  • Parmesan/Pesto.
  • Dill/Vinegar/Sea Salt.
  • Honey/Cranberry/Almonds.
  • Pink and White Animal Crackers.
  • Chocolate-Covered Raisins.
  • Lemongrass.
  • Furikake.
  • Paprika/Salt/Onion.
Jul 14, 2016

What is the difference between caramel and toffee? ›

The difference between caramel and toffee is greater, as caramel has a more liquid consistency and is usually pure sugar (it doesn't contain butter or flour). Still, the taste of caramel, fudge, and toffee is relatively similar, as they are all made from mostly sugar (as well as butter in the case of fudge and toffee).

What does toffee popcorn taste like? ›

First taste fresh buttery caramel, followed by sweet toffee increasing in intensity as you finish. Made in an environment where nuts, peanuts and sesame seeds are present.

What is the difference between Crunch n Munch buttery toffee and caramel? ›

Caramel corn is darker brown which means it has deeper caramel flavor. Toffee is much lighter in color; flavor. They are equally good to me but fulfill different cravings or taste. Of Crunch n Munches many varieties I prefer the toffee one.

What is the meaning of toffee popcorn? ›

Caramel corn or caramel popcorn (toffee popcorn in the UK) is a confection made of popcorn coated with a sugar or molasses based caramel candy shell that is normally less than 1mm thick. Typically a sugar solution or syrup is made and heated until it browns and becomes thick, producing a caramelized candy syrup.

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