Easy Microwave Classic Caramel Popcorn
Making classic Caramel Corn is easier than you think. This No Bake Microwave Caramel Corn is ready in less than 10 minutes, no candy thermometer required!
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I admit it, I’m not a lover of popcorn {gasp!} My husband and three sons put down popcorn like it’s their job and I never touch the stuff, that is, unless I splurge on some sweet caramel corn!
Why I love this recipe
- the combination of salty popcorn and sweet caramel syrup is perfection!
- it’s the perfect super easy snack for movie night, parties, girls’ night, or anytime!
- you only need a few simple ingredients for this sweet and salty treat
- you can satisfy your sweet tooth in less than 10 minutes
- unlike classic caramel corn recipes all we need is the microwave, this no-bake caramel corn is super easy!
- it is great for gifting around the holidays
Ingredients
- plain popcorn kernels, air-popped
- light brown sugar
- butter or margarine
- baking soda
- light corn syrup
- vanilla extract
How to Make Caramel Corn in the Microwave
- Air pop your popcorn or, if you don’t have an popcorn maker, microwave popcorn in the bag. (Avoid highly buttered and salted versions, plain is best.)
- Combine butter, sugar, vanilla, baking soda and corn syrup in a large microwaveable bowl. Melt butter mixture in the microwave for 3 minutes or until fully melted. Stir well.
- Separate popcorn into two large bowls-the larger the better for ease of stirring, so use the largest bowl you have. Make sure it is only popcorn and there are no unpopped popcorn kernels in the bowl. Pour half of the hot caramel mixture over each bowl of popcorn and stir well.
- Alternate microwaving each bowl for one minute, stirring thoroughly after each minute of microwaving to help evenly distribute the homemade caramel sauce over the popcorn. I like to stir one while the other bowl is microwaving and it usually only takes two times in the microwave to have the popcorn well coated.
- Spread popcorn in an even layer on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet or a dish lightly sprayed with nonstick spray until the candy is set (about 5 minutes.)
Variations
- sprinkle the caramel corn with mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or sea salt before it completely cools on the baking sheet
- use store-bought pre-popped popcorn
How to Make Caramel Popcorn Balls
If you want to make caramel popcorn balls simply form the sticky caramel corn into balls with your hands (spray with nonstick spray first!) before they are completely cool.
That’s it! Ten minutes to a sweet treat that most everyone will enjoy!
Want more microwave-made treats like this easy recipe? You might also like this Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe and these Microwave Pralines too!
Storage
Store any leftover crunchy caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!
Easy Microwave Caramel Popcorn
- Total Time: 8 mins
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Making classic Caramel Corn is easier than you think. This No Bake Microwave Caramel Corn is ready in less than 10 minutes, no candy thermometer required!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, air popped plain
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 tbsp butter or margarine
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Air pop your popcorn or, if you don’t have an popcorn maker, microwave popcorn in the bag. (Avoid highly buttered and salted versions, plain is best.)
- Combine butter, sugar, vanilla, baking soda and corn syrup in a large microwaveable bowl. Melt butter mixture in the microwave for 3 minutes or until fully melted. Stir well.
- Separate popcorn into two large bowls-the larger the better for ease of stirring, so use the largest bowl you have. Make sure it is only popcorn and there are no unpopped popcorn kernels in the bowl. Pour half of the hot caramel mixture over each bowl of popcorn and stir well.
- Alternate microwaving each bowl for one minute, stirring thoroughly after each minute of microwaving to help evenly distribute the homemade caramel sauce over the popcorn. I like to stir one while the other bowl is microwaving and it usually only takes two times in the microwave to have the popcorn well coated.
- Spread popcorn in an even layer on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet or a dish lightly sprayed with nonstick spray until the candy is set (about 5 minutes.)
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 3 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 144
- Sugar: 23.9 g
- Sodium: 185.9 mg
- Fat: 3.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 27.4 g
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
How many bags of microwave popcorn should I pop—1 or 2? Look forward to making it.
Burned 1 bowl, was not as much popcorn in that bowl. On your second time in microwave , stir half way through. Was my fault. The first bowl was excellent. Set up nicely. I used microwave popcorn.
My corn did not cure. it is still sticky. Should
I put it in the oven? and what temp?
I’m not sure, I have not had that happen, I wouldn’t put it in the oven, perhaps in the fridge to harden?
I love it. I put it in the oven on low instead of microwaving it to spread the sauce. It burned the first batch so this turned out great.
We just madea batch and i can say with ALL certainty that this is the best microwave caramel popcorn recipe EVER! (Sorry mom and grandma lol) thank you for sharing this!
That’s awesome Wendy! I’m so glad you liked it, thanks so much for letting me know how it went!! I love that!!