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Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn

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You will love the Tootsie Rolls and caramel in this Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn recipe; with its sweet and crunchy flavors, it will quickly disappear before your eyes!

 

Main image for Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn

 

I love tootsie rolls. I really love them. I know that sometimes artificial flavors and artificial colors aren’t everybody’s favorite candy, but they are some of my favorite sweet treats.

And whether I bought a 100 ounce bag as a fun treat for myself or just embraced the joy of fun kitchen concoctions, I am always looking for new tootsie roll dessert ideas. 

So today, we are transforming leftover Halloween candy into something delicious for both kids and adults: Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn

You might be thinking caramel corn with tootsie rolls, really? Yes. Let me tell you why.

Like all caramel corn, this tootsie roll popcorn recipe will satisfy your sweet and salty needs in one delicious snack. I love the gooey caramel and chocolate covering a perfect crispy popped corn flavor.

With just a few ingredients, this chocolate popcorn is simple to prepare for afternoon snacks, fun movie nights, and even the classic family thanksgiving celebration.

 

brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, salt, vanilla and tootsie rolls in a pot, uncooked

 

What is Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn?

Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn is a treat that combines the flavors of Tootsie Rolls and caramel with crispy kettle corn. But really it’s a sweet and crunchy snack that will quickly be added to your fall favorites recipe collection.

 

Tootsie roll caramel mixture in a pot, melted

 

What ingredients are in Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn?

  • Kettle Corn: bagged popcorn is such an easy way to get that sweet and crispy kettle corn base.
  • Brown Sugar: adds sweetness and helps caramelize the coating
  • Butter: this melts into the caramel sauce, enhancing the flavor and keeping it gooey
  • Corn Syrup: this helps to bind the caramel together with a smooth texture
  • Salt: this adds a touch of salty flavor
  • Vanilla Extract: this gives you the extra flavor that makes this dessert so perfect, even if you can’t put your finger on why. (It’s vanilla; that’s why.)
  • Tootsie Rolls: be sure to use the small ones so they easily melt into the caramel mixture, adding flavor to the caramel coating

Pro Tip: Sift out any popcorn kernels before adding them to the mixing bowl so you don’t have to pick them out of your teeth later.

 

Tootsie Roll Caramel mixture poured over popcorn and spread out on a cookie sheet

 

How to Make Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn:

  1. Pop bags of kettle corn and pour them into a large bowl, sifting out any kernels.
  2. Combine remaining ingredients in a medium non-stick pot, and heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until it begins to bubble. 
  3. Reduce heat to a simmer, and stir and cook until the Tootsie Rolls have melted. 
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. 
  6. Let it cool to warm before enjoying or follow the baking option for a crunchy caramel corn.

Pro Tip: For a crunchy caramel corn, spread 1/3 of the coated popcorn onto a non-stick foil-lined jelly roll sheet. Bake at 200°F for 10 minutes, stirring between baking cycles. Repeat twice more until all the caramel corn has been baked.

 

angled view of caramel corn with tootsie rolls on cookie sheet

 

How Long Does Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn Last?

While it doesn’t last more than one evening at my house, Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. 

For best flavor and texture, eat this tootsie roll popcorn recipe the first 48 hours after making it.

Is Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn Gluten-Free?

Yes, Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free kettle corn. Every other ingredient, including the Tootsie Rolls are naturally gluten-free. 

Pro Tip: If you are serving someone who eats gluten free, always check the labels of anything you use. Some companies add gluten to things you do not expect.

 

top view looking down at bowl of baked caramel corn ready to serve

 

What is the texture of Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn?

Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn is a magical recipe that can have the exact texture you want. I prefer sticky and gooey caramel corn while my husband prefers harder, crunchier caramel corn. So we make this recipe and bake his serving and keep mine sticky.

Whatever texture team of homemade caramel corn you are on, this recipe will fit your needs!

How Do You Store Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn?

To store Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag, ensuring it is fully cooled. Keep chocolate caramel popcorn at room temperature to maintain its freshness and crunchiness.

 

baked tootsie roll caramel corn in a serving bowl ready to eat

 

Can You Freeze Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn?

While it’s possible to freeze Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn, it may affect the texture and freshness. For best results, do not freeze this chocolate caramel corn.

What Other Candy Can You Add to Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn?

Get creative with your Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn by adding other candies of your choice as you stir in the tootsie roll coating.

Some great options include M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, or chopped candy bar of your choice, which will add a delightful twist to the classic recipe.

Pro Tip: If you want, you can even add in hard candy like caramel apple pops, tootsie pops, or green apple candy. Just be sure they are chopped small like sprinkles so they aren’t hard on your teeth as you eat your popcorn.

 

zoomed in image of caramel corn with tootsie rolls

 

Popcorn Recipes You’ll Love…

Our Favorite Finger Foods:

Enjoy the perfect blend of Tootsie Rolls and caramel coating kettle corn in this addictive Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn recipe. A sweet and crunchy treat that will keep you coming back for more!

 

Yield: 12 Servings

Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn

zoomed in image of caramel corn with tootsie rolls

Enjoy the perfect blend of Tootsie Rolls and caramel in this addictive Tootsie Roll Caramel Corn recipe. A great way to use Halloween Candy!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Instructions

  1. Pop all three bags of popcorn and pour into a large bowl.
  2. Sift out seed as you pour and discard them as no one wants to break a tooth!
  3. In a medium non-stick pot add corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, salt and tootsie rolls.
  4. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until mixture begins to bubble.
  5. Turn heat down so that it simmers but does not splatter you with hot syrup from boiling.
  6. Continue to stir and cook until the tootsie rolls have melted. This should not take more than a minute once the mixture is simmering (at most).
  7. Remove the mixture from the heat.
  8. Add the vanilla, stir, then pour over the popcorn.
  9. Stir to coat the popcorn.
  10. Allow the caramel to cool to warm and eat.
  11. If you prefer a crunchy caramel corn, then on an edged cookie sheet {jelly roll sheet} place a layer of non-stick foil down.
  12. Place 1/3 of caramel corn onto foil and spread out.
  13. Bake at 200*F for 10 minutes. Remove it from oven and stir. Return to oven and do this 2 more times for a total of 3 baking cycles.
  14. After it's done baking, stir one final time and continue to coat and stir your caramel corn ever 3 - 5 minutes as it cools to ensure that your entire pan does not settle into one giant crunchy clump of caramel corn.
  15. Repeat with any remaining caramel corn that was not baked.

Notes

For added flavor, lightly sprinkle caramel corn while still warm with sea salt.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 442Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 625mgCarbohydrates: 65gFiber: 2gSugar: 38gProtein: 5g
Originally Posted: October 8, 2014

Photos & Text Updated: September 27, 2023

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Maritza

Saturday 22nd of January 2022

Hi, I just wanted to *pop* in here and say this recipe is incredible! I had my doubts, but I am absolutely glad I tried it- and now it's my favorite movie night snack!

Janelle

Thursday 5th of October 2023

YEA! So glad you took a chance and loved it!

Melanie

Wednesday 8th of October 2014

This seems like it would have a great flavor. Yum1

Janelle

Wednesday 15th of October 2014

Melanie it does have great flavor! Hope you get a chance to try it!

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