Easy Microwave Caramel Popcorn
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth in record time with this Easy Microwave Caramel Popcorn recipe! Perfectly crisp and coated with a rich, buttery caramel glaze, this quick and simple treat comes together in just 15 minutes using basic pantry staples like brown sugar, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Unlike traditional caramel popcorn recipes, this version skips the stovetop and oven, relying instead on the microwave for ultra-efficient cooking. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s an ideal snack for movie nights, parties, or whenever a sweet craving strikes. Plus, the recipe’s step-by-step microwave-friendly method ensures evenly coated, irresistibly crunchy popcorn every time. Whether you enjoy it fresh or store it for later, this caramel popcorn is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 10 cups Popped popcorn
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Light brown sugar
- 0.25 cup Light corn syrup
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
Place the popped popcorn in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Make sure there is enough room to toss the popcorn with the caramel later. Set aside.
In another medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt.
Microwave the butter mixture on high for 2 minutes. Take the bowl out and stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and slightly thickened. Handle carefully as it will be very hot.
Remove the caramel mixture from the microwave and stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam slightly—this is normal.
Immediately pour the caramel over the prepared popcorn, stirring gently to ensure that all pieces are evenly coated.
Microwave the coated popcorn in 30-second intervals for a total of 2 minutes, stirring well after each interval to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
Spread the caramel popcorn onto a large baking sheet or parchment paper to cool and harden. Break apart any clumps as it cools.
Once the caramel popcorn has fully cooled and hardened, transfer it to an airtight container for storage or serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
349 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.6 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.2 g | 51% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 43 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 198 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.6 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.2 g | ||
| Protein | 1.1 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 22 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 71 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
