Microwave caramel corn is the perfect combination of sweet and salty, making it an ideal snack for parties, movie nights, or when you need a quick and easy treat. With this recipe, you’ll be able to make caramel corn in minutes using simple pantry staples and your microwave. The caramel coating is buttery, rich, and slightly crispy, making every kernel irresistibly delicious. This version eliminates the need for stovetop caramelizing, offering a mess-free and speedy method while still delivering that classic caramel crunch.
Ingredients:
- 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Pop the popcorn: Pop the kernels using your preferred method (air-popped or stovetop) and transfer the popped popcorn into a large, microwave-safe bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels.
- Prepare the caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then stir. Continue microwaving for another 2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly.
- Add vanilla and baking soda: Remove the caramel mixture from the microwave and stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up slightly, becoming lighter in texture.
- Coat the popcorn: Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and gently stir to evenly coat all the kernels.
- Microwave the caramel corn: Place the bowl of coated popcorn back into the microwave and heat for 1 minute. Stir well, ensuring the caramel coats the popcorn evenly. Microwave for an additional minute, stir again, and repeat one final time (a total of 3 minutes microwaving).
- Cool and serve: Spread the caramel corn on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely. Once cooled, break into pieces and enjoy!
This easy microwave caramel corn stays fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container.
