Microwave Caramel Popcorn
Indulge in the sweet, buttery goodness of Microwave Caramel Popcorn, an irresistibly crunchy treat that's ready in under 15 minutes! Perfect for movie nights or snack cravings, this quick recipe transforms simple ingredients—like popped popcorn, brown sugar, and butter—into a golden, caramel-coated delight. The magic happens in the microwave, where the caramel thickens and infuses the popcorn with rich, toffee-like flavor, while a touch of vanilla and baking soda adds the perfect finishing sweetness and texture. Easy to make and even easier to devour, this homemade caramel popcorn is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, delivering gourmet flavor right from your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups Popped popcorn (unsalted and unbuttered)
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Light corn syrup
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon Baking soda
Instructions
Place the popped popcorn in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow for tossing the popcorn without spilling.
In a separate medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
Microwave the butter mixture on high for 1 minute, then stir to combine all ingredients.
Microwave the mixture again on high for another 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the mixture is bubbling and slightly thickened.
Remove the mixture from the microwave and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly—this is normal.
Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat the popcorn evenly with the caramel.
Place the bowl of coated popcorn back in the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute.
Remove the bowl, stir the popcorn thoroughly, and return it to the microwave for another 30 seconds. Repeat this process 2-3 times, or until the caramel sets and the popcorn is evenly coated.
Spread the caramel popcorn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and harden for 5-10 minutes.
Once cooled, break apart any large clumps and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1294 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.4 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.6 g | 148% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 955 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 198.6 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.2 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 100.3 g | ||
| Protein | 16.4 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 88 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 529 mg | 11% | |
*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.
