Microwave Caramel Corn
Transform snack time with this irresistible Microwave Caramel Corn—a quick and easy treat that's perfectly crunchy, buttery, and sweet without the need for stovetop cooking! Made with just a handful of pantry staples like popcorn kernels, brown sugar, and light corn syrup, this recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, thanks to the convenience of your microwave. A touch of vanilla extract and a dash of baking soda create that classic, airy caramel coating, ensuring every bite is evenly glazed with caramel goodness. Ideal for movie nights, holiday gifts, or casual snacking, this caramel popcorn can be prepared in advance and stored for up to three days, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser. With no special equipment required, this microwave caramel corn recipe is your ticket to homemade snacking bliss!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Popcorn kernels
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons Light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Pop the popcorn kernels: Place the popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag, fold the top of the bag tightly to seal, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until popping slows. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large heatproof bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.
Prepare caramel sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir to combine. Microwave for an additional 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent boiling over.
Add vanilla, baking soda, and salt: Carefully stir the vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt into the hot caramel sauce. The mixture will bubble up slightly—this is normal.
Coat the popcorn: Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn, and quickly toss with a heatproof spatula until evenly coated.
Microwave the coated popcorn: Place the bowl back in the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute. Stir the popcorn to ensure even coating, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
Let cool: Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely. Once cooled, break apart any large clumps.
Serve: Enjoy your microwave caramel corn immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1104 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.5 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.2 g | 141% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 954 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 169.6 g | 62% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.0 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 143.9 g | ||
| Protein | 4.5 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 115 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 288 mg | 6% | |
*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.
