Caramel popcorn and October just seem to go together. It hearkens back to our grandparents’ days when popcorn balls and candy apples were given out for trick or treating. Popcorn also brings to mind gathering around a cozy fire drinking cider and munching popcorn as a family.

With the take-over of internet media sources and the binge-watching Netflix norm, it might feel like these traditions have fallen by the wayside, but they don’t have to! We can create those moments together by pulling out a board game, reminiscing over old photos, or just reviving sit-on-the-porch-and-chat time. Bringing in fun, traditional foods is the next step and that’s where this recipes comes in!

recipe and instructions for making Honey Caramel Corn

I previously posted about this recipe on Instagram via my Victory Kitchen Podcast account, but I thought it was worth a repost!

The Wartime Resource

I found this recipe in the April 1942 issue of American Bee Journal. This magazine was a fantastic resource for researching my beekeeping in wartime podcast episode. If you’d like to listen to all of the amazing research I collected, you can listen to the episode HERE.

The American Bee Journal cover from April 1942 showcasing a baby sitting down wearing an old-fashioned dress and shoes

This delicious popcorn is flavored with 2 sugar rationing-friendly sweeteners: brown sugar and honey. The brown sugar is key in creating the caramel flavor and the honey adds a lovely tone to the caramel. It’s a pretty simple, straightforward recipe using 5 ingredients.

  • Brown Sugar
  • Honey
  • Water
  • Popcorn
  • Baking Soda

When making this recipe, one thing I noted is that honey browns more quickly, so you have to keep a careful eye on the caramel as it cooks. Just like the recipe warns—you want it to change color, not burn!

Another note is that you might like to add a pinch (1/8 tsp.) of salt to the caramel and a small splash of vanilla (1/2 tsp.) and mix it in before adding the baking soda. This will really bring out the other flavors.

a glass bowl sits on a wooden table holding honey caramel popcorn

Doesn’t this popcorn look amazing?

Here’s the recipe updated with my modern modifications. I do hope you give this one a try!

Honey Caramel Popcorn

2 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. honey

1 Tbsp. water

4 Tbsp. butter

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. baking soda

3/4 c. popcorn kernels, popped (remove unpopped kernels)

In a medium-large pot, cook the sugars with the water until dissolved. Add the butter and mix until melted. Cook until the mixture turns a golden-amber brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla and salt. Stir to combine, then add the baking soda. Stir until it’s incorporated and the mixture starts foaming. Pour over the popped popcorn. Stirring to coat everything well. Spread out on a parchment-lined cookie sheet to cool. Break apart and store in an airtight container.

Happy October!