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Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Microwave Caramel Popcorn is ready in just 15 minutes – with a handful of ingredients, a microwave, and a brown paper bag. A quick & easy homemade caramel popcorn recipe – no candy thermometer or baking required!

A hand grabbing a piece of caramel popcorn from a white bowl

Easy Caramel Popcorn Recipe

When I’m craving homemade caramel popcorn, and I’m needing it asap, this Microwave Caramel Popcorn is the recipe I turn to.

This recipe comes from my mom; it’s a quick and easy treat that I grew up on. All you need is popped corn, a few ingredients for the caramel, a microwave, and a brown paper bag. No candy thermometer or baking required!

In about 15 minutes, you’ll have a batch of popped corn that’s lightly coated in rich & buttery caramel flavor. It’s delightfully delicious AND easy!!

Looking for a caramel popcorn recipe that’s baked in the oven? This oven-baked caramel popcorn recipe is my absolute favorite. You will need a candy thermometer, plus more time and effort — but this extra-crispy caramel popcorn is 100% AMAZING!

Close up of microwave caramel popcorn

What’s The Difference Between Caramel Corn and Kettlecorn?

Both are crunchy, sweet varieties of popcorn, but there is a difference in how they’re made and the ingredients.

Kettlecorn is typically cooked in a large pot, with large quantities of sugar stirred in as it pops. It caramelizes on the corn as it melts, resulting in a thin, crispy coating of sweetness on the popped corn. Kettle corn also has more of a notable salty flavor than caramel corn.

Caramel corn, on the other handle, is made by stirring melted caramel into the popped corn. Caramel corn has a thicker sweet coating than kettle corn, and is usually sweeter and sometimes a bit sticky.

Overhead view of caramel popcorn ingredients

What You’ll Need

This easy caramel popcorn recipe is made with just 7 ingredients. Scroll down to the recipe box for full measurements.

Overhead view of a bowl of caramel popcorn

Mix-Ins & Flavor Variations

Want to switch up your homemade caramel popcorn a bit? You can both change up the flavor itself or add a mix-in or two after it cools for some variety.

Flavor ideas:

Mix-In Ideas:

How to Make Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Here’s how to make your homemade caramel popcorn.

Close up of a bowl of caramel popcorn

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips for making the best microwave caramel popcorn.

Angled view of a bowl of caramel popcorn

How to Store

Homemade caramel popcorn can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, although it will always be at its best when it’s fresher.

If you notice it getting soft, don’t throw it out – you can easily make it crispy again by placing it in the oven. I recommend heating it at 250° F and stirring every 5 to 10 minutes, until it’s nice and crispy again.

This microwave popcorn also makes a great edible gift. I like to package it in little cellophane bags, sealed tightly with a twist tie so it won’t go stale, then finish it with a pretty ribbon.

Close up of a bowl of caramel popcorn

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A hand crabbing a piece of caramel popcorn from a white bowl

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Yield: 4 quarts caramel corn
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 5 minutes
total time: 15 minutes
Microwave Caramel Popcorn is ready in just 15 minutes, with a handful of ingredients, a microwave, and a brown paper bag. A quick & easy homemade caramel popcorn recipe – no candy thermometer or baking required!
4.6 Stars (16 Reviews)
Print

Ingredients

  • 4 quarts popped corn
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup light corn syrup
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more sprinkled on at the end, if desired
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  • Place popped corn in a grocery-size brown paper bag. Set aside.
  • In a medium microwave-safe bowl (a bowl with a spout works great), combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. It will be boiling. Stir in vanilla, and then the baking soda, until combined. Immediately drizzle caramel mixture over popped corn in the paper bag. Fold top of paper bag over a couple times to secure tightly, then shake well to evenly coat the popcorn.
  • Set bag in microwave and cook for 1-1/2 minutes. Remove bag, shake again, and then microwave for another 1-1/2 minutes. Pour caramel corn out onto a rimmed cookie sheet. Spread out caramel corn, breaking up any clumps if desired. Immediately sprinkle with a bit more kosher salt, if desired. Let cool completely.

Notes

Note: Microwave power can vary quite a bit from microwave to microwave. Adjust cook time accordingly. 
Adapted slightly from Mom’s recipe box.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 Calories: 506kcal Carbohydrates: 93g Protein: 10g Fat: 16g Saturated Fat: 8g Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g Cholesterol: 31mg Sodium: 175mg Fiber: 7g Sugar: 44g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Spoonacular. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator.
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment below. And share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #afarmgirlsdabbles or tag @farmgirlsdabble!
A hand crabbing a piece of caramel popcorn from a white bowl