The Only Caramel Corn Bars Recipe You’ll Ever Need

There are certain treats that just scream comfort, aren’t there? For me, it’s the sweet and salty magic of caramel corn. I still remember the giant tins we’d get during the holidays, and the race to see who could find the biggest caramel cluster. This Caramel Corn Bars recipe is born from that happy memory, but with a delicious, chewy twist that makes it even more irresistible.

Imagine a soft, gooey bar, packed with fluffy popcorn and held together by a rich, buttery caramel that’s laced with melted marshmallows. It’s a no-bake wonder that comes together in minutes and disappears even faster. Whether you need a quick dessert for a potluck, a fun treat for movie night, or a simple recipe to make with the kids, these bars are the answer. Let’s make some kitchen memories together!

Quick Recipe

• Preparation Time: 15M
• Cooking Time: 10M
• Total Time: 1H25M (includes 1 hour cooling time)
• Type of dish: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Recipe Yield: 24 bars
• Calories: 210 kcal per bar

What Makes These Caramel Corn Bars So Good?

I’ve tinkered with this recipe for years, aiming for that perfect balance of chewy, crispy, sweet, and salty. The secret to the incredible texture of these chewy caramel marshmallow bars lies in a simple, yet brilliant, addition: marshmallows. They melt into the caramel, creating a soft, pliable binder that never gets rock hard. This makes the bars easy to cut and even easier to eat.

We’re also going to brown the butter. It’s a small, extra step that takes just a couple of minutes, but it adds a nutty, toasted depth to the caramel that is simply divine. It’s little details like this that elevate a good recipe into a great one.

Gather Your Ingredients

This is a wonderfully simple recipe, using pantry staples to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Popcorn: You’ll want about 12 cups of plain, popped popcorn. I prefer to pop my own kernels on the stove or in an air popper, as it gives me control over the salt. If you’re using microwave popcorn, look for a plain or lightly salted variety.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the final product. We’ll be using a full cup, which is key to a rich caramel flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is perfect here. It adds a lovely molasses note to the caramel.
• Corn Syrup: Light corn syrup is essential for preventing the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring a smooth caramel.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is a game-changer for a creamy, soft caramel.
• Mini Marshmallows: The secret to that perfect chewy texture!
• Vanilla Extract & Salt: These are your flavor enhancers. Don’t skip them!

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

I’ll walk you through each step. Remember, the key to a great caramel is to keep your heat steady and to keep stirring.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Popcorn

• First things first, let’s get everything ready. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. This is a sticky situation, so don’t be shy!
• Next, pop your popcorn and place it in a very large, heatproof bowl. Make sure to pick out any un-popped kernels – no one wants to bite into one of those! Set the bowl aside.

Step 2: Create the Caramel Magic

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until it foams up and you see little brown bits forming at the bottom. This is browned butter, and it smells incredible!
• Once the butter is beautifully browned, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let it bubble for about two to three minutes. You want the sugar to be completely dissolved.

Step 3: Add the Marshmallows and Finish the Sauce

Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the mini marshmallows, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Work quickly here, as the caramel will start to set.

Step 4: Combine and Press

• Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over your bowl of popcorn. Using a well-greased spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold everything together until the popcorn is evenly coated. This is the fun part of this easy dessert recipe!
• Transfer the coated popcorn to your prepared baking pan. Lightly grease your hands or a piece of parchment paper and gently press the mixture into an even layer. Don’t press too hard, or your bars will be dense. You just want to compact it enough to hold together.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Now for the hardest part: waiting! Let the Caramel Corn Bars cool completely at room temperature, which will take about an hour. This allows them to set up properly. Once they’re firm, you can cut them into squares and serve.

Essential Tools for This Recipe

You don’t need anything fancy to make this delicious no-bake treat. Here are the basics:

• A large saucepan
• A 9×13 inch baking pan
• A large mixing bowl
• A heatproof spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

A Treat to Share

These Caramel Corn Bars have become a staple in my home for a reason. They are simple to make, incredibly delicious, and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Having a go-to, no-fuss dessert recipe in your back pocket is a true kitchen superpower.

I hope you and your loved ones enjoy these chewy, sweet, and salty bars as much as my family does. Happy baking!

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