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5.0 from 102 votes

Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Our sweet and buttery caramel popcorn recipe only takes 6 ingredients and is made in the microwave!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 5
Calories: 499 kcal
Course: Dessert , Snacks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 (3.29-ounce) bags plain popcorn
  • ¾ cup butter
  • ⅓ cup white Karo syrup
  • 1½ cup brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Make popcorn and place it in a large bowl. Remove the unpopped kernels.
  2. Using a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl add the butter, brown sugar, syrup, and salt. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes.
  3. Add the baking soda to the melted ingredients. The mixture will foam up. Stir well.
  4. Pour over popcorn and toss together evenly coating all of the pieces.
  5. 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.
  6. Allow the popcorn to cool and enjoy!
  7. Note: If you used salted popcorn, then reduce or omit the added salt.

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
  • 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 Information

Calories 499kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 66g (22%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 28g (43%) Saturated Fat 17g (85%) Cholesterol 73mg (24%) Sodium 799mg (33%) Potassium 96mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 64g (128%) Vitamin A 851IU (17%) Calcium 63mg (6%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 499

% Daily Value*

Calories 499kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 66g 22%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 28g 43%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Cholesterol 73mg 24%
Sodium 799mg 33%
Potassium 96mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 64g 128%
Vitamin A 851IU 17%
Calcium 63mg 6%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.