Go Back
+ servings
Print Recipe
4.95 from 34 votes

Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Our sweet and buttery caramel popcorn recipe only takes 6 ingredients and is made in the microwave!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5
Author: Lil' Luna

Ingredients

  • 2 (3.29-ounce) bags plain popcorn
  • ¾ cup butter
  • cup white Karo Syrup
  • cup brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  • Make popcorn and place it in a large bowl. Remove the unpopped kernels.
  • Using a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl add the butter, brown sugar, syrup, and salt. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes.
  • Add the baking soda to the melted ingredients. The mixture will foam up. Stir well.
  • Pour over popcorn and toss together evenly coating all of the pieces.
  • Place the coated popcorn in the microwave for 1 minute and then stir. Place it back into the microwave and heat for another minute. If you want crunchier popcorn, heat it for another minute.
  • Allow the popcorn to cool and enjoy!
  • Note: If you used salted popcorn, then reduce or omit the added salt.

Video

Notes

Stovetop instructions. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, Karo syrup, and salt and stir while the mixture comes to a boil.
Boil the mixture for 5 minutes without stirring it. Add the baking soda and mix to combine everything and remove from the heat. To avoid crystallization, be cautious about scraping the sides of the pot and accidentally stirring in the crystalized caramel.
Drizzle over plain popcorn in a large bowl, toss to evenly coat, and spread on a lined cookie sheet to cool completely.
Use an airpopper. Pop 9-10 tablespoons of kernels to yield 18-20 cups of popped popcorn
Store in airtight plastic bags or containers at room temperature for up to 5 days. The caramel may soften after a few days of being stored. To crisp it up again, place it in the oven set to 250°F for about 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 499kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 799mg | Potassium: 96mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 64g | Vitamin A: 851IU | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg