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    Home » Recipes » Appetizer Recipes

    Homemade Fiddle Faddle Recipe

    Published: Jun 26, 2025 · Modified: Jul 8, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 31 Comments

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    This Fiddle Faddle Recipe is very impressive! The chewy yet crunchy caramel coating complements the light texture and salty flavor of the popcorn. It’s one of my favorite sweet and buttery snacks to enjoy. Now, I can make it myself whenever I want. It’s a lot like a homemade Crunch and Munch recipe which is also similar to Fiddle Faddle!

    Fiddle faddle in a bowl being picked up.

    Fiddle Faddle popcorn has a lot of uses, too! It’s great as a standalone treat or part of a party spread, like a charcuterie. I love making it when I have company as a thoughtful treat for guests to munch on.

    If you like popcorn treat recipes, you will love cinnamon sugar popcorn, reminiscent of churros, and my muddy buddy popcorn.

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Reader Review

    "Oh my goodness this was AMAZING!! best recipe I've ever tried. Turned out perfectly and between the kids, my husband, and I - it was gone in one sitting! Perfect amount. It felt like I was eating popcorn from a fancy popcorn store ! 🙂"

    -Susan

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • How to Make Fiddle Faddle
    • Recipe Tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Delicious Caramel Dessert Recipes
    • The Best Caramel Popcorn Video
    • Fiddle Faddle Recipe

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • It’s budget-friendly: This recipe doesn’t cost a lot to make, so it’s great if you have a tight budget. I love affordable homemade snacks!
    • It’s easy to make: It’s not complicated, either. It feels fancy, but I promise the directions are easy to follow.
    • It’s great to customize: There are several ways you can change up elements in this Fiddle Faddle recipe to make it more your own.

    Ingredients

    All the components of this recipe are common kitchen staples that you can find at any local grocery store. It makes this homemade treat possible any time!

    Ingredients for fiddle faddle on a table.
    • Popcorn: Use any brand of popcorn you want! Pop it yourself or use the microwave variety; it doesn’t matter.
    • Brown sugar: I like to use this to sweeten the caramel coating. It has depth and molasses notes that add better flavor than white granulated sugar.
    • Butter: Unsalted butter is better for this recipe, so the saltiness doesn’t completely overpower the sweetness.
    • Corn syrup: This helps the coating to set and stick to the popcorn while also preventing the sugar from crystallizing or becoming grainy.
    • Baking soda: This is the key to perfect caramel corn. It makes the caramel light and less sticky and keeps it from getting too hard.

    See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

    Variations

    • Apple cinnamon caramel popcorn: Add a dash of apple pie spice and cinnamon to the caramel to give it warm flavors.
    • Chocolate caramel popcorn: Drizzle the caramel popcorn with melted chocolate for a fun presentation and extra richness.
    • Caramel nut popcorn: Add chopped peanuts, pecans, or almonds for a nice crunch!

    How to Make Fiddle Faddle

    Here are the instructions needed to make this fiddle faddle recipe. It takes a little bit of time to come together, but it’s worth it! Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat to prevent the popcorn from sticking.

    Butter melting in a pot.

    Step 1: Melt the butter. Add your sticks of butter to a saucepan over medium heat and allow them a couple of minutes to melt.

    Corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt added to the pot.

    Step 2: Add sugar, salt, and corn syrup. Add the brown sugar, salt, and corn syrup. Give it a good stir and let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes or until it starts to boil.

    Vanilla extract and baking soda in a pot.

    Step 3: Add vanilla and baking soda. Let it boil for two minutes before you remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The caramel will turn a light brown color.

    Caramel being poured onto popcorn.

    Step 4: Coat the popcorn. Pour it over the popcorn and gently toss it to coat all the pieces.

    Popcorn laid onto the prepared pan.

    Step 5: Spread on the pan and bake it. Pour the popcorn onto the prepared pan and spread it out. Stick it in the oven for 45 minutes, stirring the popcorn every 12 minutes and breaking up clumps.

    Dried caramel popcorn on a tray.

    Step 6: Break it up and serve. Let it cool and dry for a few minutes. Finally, break up any other clumps you find and enjoy! Serve it up on a snack tray with some spicy candy pecans and muddy buddy pretzels!

    Recipe Tips

    • Watch for unpopped kernels: After the popcorn is popped, remove any unpopped kernels. They will be harder to see and avoid once you add the caramel mixture.
    • Cool completely before storing: Allow the Fiddle Faddle popcorn plenty of time to cool before you put it away. This ensures that it dries and sets properly.
    • Use real butter: A substitute like margarine isn’t going to work in this recipe! It has a lot of water in it, which will make your caramel separate.
    • Storing: Store leftovers of this Fiddle Faddle recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place it in a freezer bag and freeze it for up to 2 months.

    If you love recipes like this Fiddle Faddle snack, you may also enjoy this homemade caramel Chex mix or try these Toffee Crunch Popcorn Bars!

    Caramel fiddle faddle popcorn in a bowl.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Use the Fiddle Faddle as a garnish for caramel cupcakes or even an ice cream sandwich cake to enhance those desserts.
    • Enjoy a hot beverage like caramel mocha coffee with a similar flavor profile to complement the popcorn.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use pre-popped popcorn to make caramel popcorn?

    I recommend using fresh popcorn because store-bought popped popcorn tends to be very soft and often flavored. It won’t be as crunchy as freshly popped.

    Can I raise the oven temperature?

    Keep it low and slow! Raising it will increase the risk of burning the caramel in the oven.

    How do I make homemade caramel popcorn crunchier?

    Bake it a little longer! Start with 5-10 minutes and slowly increase the baking time until you reach your desired texture.

    A hand picking up popcorn with caramel.

    More Delicious Caramel Dessert Recipes

    Do you like caramel recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

    • Caramel Milkshake in a ice cream cup with caramel overflowing.
      Caramel Milkshake
    • Caramel cookie bars on the table with rolo candies.
      Caramel Cookie Bars
    • Butterscotch Caramel Cashew Bars
    • Brownie Trifle in a bowl ready to eat.
      Decadent Caramel Brownie Trifle

    If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!

    The Best Caramel Popcorn Video

    YouTube video
    A hand picking up some fiddle faddle from a bowl.

    Fiddle Faddle Recipe

    Karin and Ken
    This Fiddle Faddle Recipe is an easy, sweet, and salty treat. If you love caramel popcorn, you have to try this crunchy snack for your next sweet craving.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course Appetizer, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 345 kcal

    Equipment

    • rimmed baking sheet
    • saucepan or skillet
    • Silicone spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 cups popped popcorn
    • 2 cups brown sugar
    • 1 cup unsalted butter or 2 sticks
    • ½ cup corn syrup clear
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • First, measure out all of your ingredients, including the popped popcorn, and get out your equipment, including a timer.
    • Prepare your large rimmed baking sheet with a silpat liner or tinfoil coated in cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees.
    • In a large pot or skillet, over medium heat, melt butter.
    • Once melted, add corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt, stirring frequently. Keep stirring until mixture starts to boil, around 10 minutes or so.
    • As soon as mixture begins to boil set your timer for two minutes exactly and stir until your timer goes off. Remove mixture from heat immediately, and stir in baking soda and vanilla. Mixture will turn a light caramel color and expand as I mentioned. Keep stirring until the color is uniform and the texture is smooth.
    • If you are adding anything to your popcorn like peanuts or pretzels, add it now.
    • Pour caramel all over your popcorn in your large bowl, and turn gently until all of your popcorn is fully coated.
    • Pour out onto your prepared baking sheet and spread out popcorn as much as possible.
    • Bake for 45 minutes, stirring your popcorn every 12 minutes, breaking up any clumps as best you can, until done. I like to adjust the popcorn three times while baking for the best results!
    • Allow dry popcorn to cool and continue to break up the pieces or clumps that remain stuck together.

    Notes

    • Don’t buy pre-popped popcorn for this recipe, as the caramel makes it soft and mushy rather than crunchy.
    • Store your homemade Fiddle Faddle in an airtight container for up to 1 week on the counter.
    • Bake the popcorn longer to make it even crunchier. I recommend starting with 5-10 minutes and increasing the time as needed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 1gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 261mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 1gSugar: 47gVitamin A: 487IUCalcium: 37mgIron: 0.5mg
    Keyword caramel popcorn recipe, crunch and munch recipe, fiddle faddle recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post was originally published January 2020. It has been updated for content and images.

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    Comments

    1. Les says

      June 26, 2025 at 7:45 pm

      5 stars
      Awesome. Best caramel popcorn I’ve ever made. Thanks for this amazing recipe. It’s a keeper 💕

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        June 26, 2025 at 8:28 pm

        I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Easy and delicious! Enjoy the rest of your day. Karin

    2. Sara and Mike says

      October 26, 2022 at 3:52 pm

      5 stars
      I love this homemade caramel popcorn. I am going to make extra for the kiddies for movie night. They would love it for sure. So easy to make. I recommend making a double batch too. There just isn’t enough lol I suspect there will never be enough. This popcorn is so good.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        October 26, 2022 at 8:24 pm

        Sounds like a great plan! I haven’t met anyone who didn’t love this popcorn. I wish I could eat it more than we do! Take care. Karin

    3. Carol says

      February 05, 2021 at 2:30 pm

      This is my Second request for this information. Do you recommend using light or dark brown sugar in this recipe? A reply will be most appreciated! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        February 05, 2021 at 2:39 pm

        I apologize for my delay in responding. My husband hasn’t been well. Regardless use light brown sugar with this recipe for best results. Hopefully you enjoy it as much as we do! All the best. Karin

      • Kitty says

        August 10, 2021 at 9:01 am

        What can I use instead of corn syrup?
        I have creamed honey, but not sure what else could work or be similar enough… any suggestions (including amount that I should use) would be greatly appreciate! ^-^

      • Karin and Ken says

        August 22, 2021 at 1:01 pm

        I apologize because I have been in hospital and when that happens nothing gets done! I have never tried it but you can use equal amounts of honey, light molasses, agave nectar or brown rice syrup and be happy with the results. If you try it please let me know what you thought of the recipe. I would LOVE to hear! Take care and all the best. Karin

    4. Lorna Radke says

      December 04, 2020 at 3:40 pm

      OMG. Only skinny people should eat this. BUT more economical than shopping the junk food aisle. For sure ... make a batch and share small portions in paper bags. My own advice... I will do this!

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        December 06, 2020 at 5:51 am

        I’m sure you’ll be glad you did! I can’t wait to hear what you think! Hopefully you enjoy it as much as we do! All the best. Karin

    5. Lorraine says

      March 31, 2020 at 10:20 pm

      5 stars
      Omg!! This recipe is delish!!
      Thank you for ALL the helpful hints...made things sooo easy!!
      I will cook it a little longer than 45minutes next time ...yumm❤

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        April 01, 2020 at 8:40 am

        So glad to hear you enjoyed it! I love this popcorn way too much myself! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! Take care and be well. Karin

    6. Corinne says

      February 28, 2020 at 7:55 pm

      5 stars
      Gave this recipe a try and it turned out great. This will be a standard for my Christmas repertoire from now on. Easy peasy recipe, no thermometer or cold water test needed. All the popcorn is thoroughly coated with delicious caramel. I used salted peanuts.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        February 28, 2020 at 8:25 pm

        You made my day! Thank you for your kind words! So happy you enjoyed it! Glad you used peanuts as they are a great addition. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! All the best. Karin

    7. Dennis McGovern says

      February 19, 2020 at 2:19 pm

      I have been making this caramel corn for years. My daughter calls it "Grandpas crackcorn". It is very addictive. I also add about a cup of pecans to it.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        February 20, 2020 at 7:29 pm

        Pecans are such a wonderful addition! Now every time I add pecans I will remember we are eating grandpa's crackcorn! Too funny and I can't thank you enough for sharing your story. I shall not forget it! All the best. Karin

    8. Susan says

      February 17, 2020 at 5:57 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness this was AMAZING!! best recipe I've ever tried. Turned out perfectly and between the kids, my husband, and I - it was gone in one sitting! Perfect amount. It felt like I was eating popcorn from a fancy popcorn store ! 🙂

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        February 17, 2020 at 6:23 pm

        You made my day! I’m so glad you all loved this recipe! I can’t get enough of it myself! I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! Take care and all the best! Karin

    9. Karin says

      February 10, 2020 at 9:39 pm

      Instead of timing everything, can I use a candy thermometer? It seems easier that guessing with the time. If so, what temp? Thanks.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        February 11, 2020 at 6:06 pm

        You gave me the best excuse ever to make a batch of this fabulous popcorn! After using a candy thermometer the ideal caramel temperature is 280 degrees! I can’t thank you enough for taking the time ask your question and I apologize for the delay in my response! Take care and enjoy this popcorn! It is delicious! All the best. Karin

    10. Marg says

      January 18, 2020 at 5:40 am

      5 stars
      Loved the portion size just perfect for my wife and I this popcorn is phenomenal and you can’t go wrong with this recipe It’s a keeper

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        January 18, 2020 at 9:04 am

        Glad to hear you enjoyed it as much as we do! I love this recipe myself and am glad I’m not the only one! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! All the best. Karin

    11. Mandy says

      January 18, 2020 at 5:38 am

      5 stars
      Yummy I had to make another batch because I ate most of the first batch myself waiting If was so good thank you for the recipe

      Reply
    12. Mark says

      January 18, 2020 at 5:37 am

      5 stars
      This really is the best popcorn I have ever had Thank you

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        January 18, 2020 at 9:08 am

        You are very welcome and I am so happy you liked this recipe too! Maybe you will find some other recipes on this site that you want to try as well. Enjoy your day! Karin

    13. Willa says

      January 18, 2020 at 5:36 am

      5 stars
      Amazing popcorn next time I’m making it with your chocolate popcorn too That will be even better Great recipes Thank you.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        January 18, 2020 at 9:06 am

        As always you are most welcome! That chocolate popcorn is amazing too with or without the cake mix! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Take care and be well. Karin

    14. Marilee says

      January 13, 2020 at 10:56 pm

      How many servings does this make?

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        January 13, 2020 at 11:11 pm

        This recipe calls for 8 cups of popcorn. Depending on the age and appetite of the people eating it you are looking at serving 2-4 adults. The problem is this popcorn is so addictive we always end up eating too much!i usually make a double batch and it will easily serve 4 adults in an evening with my son grabbing a handful or two. Hope this helps! Take care and all the best. Karin

    15. Laurel Adams says

      January 11, 2020 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      I let it sit for a while and it dried up perfectly. It is amazing! My husband just asked me if we could freeze it cause he's afraid we will eat it all! haha

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        January 11, 2020 at 12:55 pm

        Im so happy to hear that everything worked out after all! I love this recipe and make it all the time. Too often to be honest. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know! I just exhaled! There won’t be time to put it in the freezer! Lol Take care and enjoy your day! Karin

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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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