Home Dessert Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

by Laura

I am a big fan of caramel popcorn. Whenever I’m in the mood and want some, this is my go to recipe because it is quick, easy and good. This is so much better than any packages of microwave caramel popcorn you can buy from the store.

The microwave makes this a breeze to make. This is a recipe I got from my mom. Now, there are 2 types of caramel corn on my book. There is dry and there is gooey. This recipe fits in the dry category, but if you eat it warm it is a little on the gooey side. I like to it eat warm, but it’s still great when it’s cooled.

Growing up there use to be a caramel popcorn store in local malls. I think it was called Karamel Korn. This popcorn reminds me of their caramel popcorn. I have a couple over caramel popcorn recipes that I like too. I have a gooey microwave marshmallow caramel popcorn and a gooey caramel popcorn ball recipe. Both are fabulous depending on what you are in the mood for.

I have used this popcorn as favors before for parties. Just fill small cellophane bags with this microwave caramel popcorn. Tie it off with a cute ribbon and you are good to go.

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Microwave Caramel Popcorn | realmomkitchen.com

Microwave Caramel Popcorn


Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 quarts popped popcorn (all just depends on how coated you want your popcorn)
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda

Instructions

  1. In a large microwave safe bowl, microwave butter, sugar, syrup, and salt on high for 21/2 to 3 minutes until bubbling. Remove from microwave and mix in baking soda.
  2. Put popcorn in a paper grocery sack and pour caramel over popcorn. Fold down top of grocery sack and put in microwave. Microwave on high for 1 minute and 20 seconds.
  3. Take sack out of microwave and shake to even coat the popcorn. Pour out on cookie sheet to cool.
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This is the photo from when this recipe was first posted in June of 2009.

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53 comments

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Bitsy April 22, 2010 - 12:36 pm

Chewy Caramel Popcorn
2 ½ C Brown Sugar
1 Can (12 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 C Corn Syrup
½ C Butter
Combine above ingredients & boil to soft ball stage
Add 1 Tbsp Vanilla
1 Medium bag already popped popcorn (buttered)
Place popcorn on cookie sheet. Place in over on lowest heat setting
Pour Caramel over it. Mix/pour out on clean surface & finish Mixing.
Now, I’ve had a hard time trying to find bags of popped popcorn anymore (there used to be large clear yellow bags of buttered popped popcorn).

Reply
Bitsy April 22, 2010 - 12:36 pm

Chewy Caramel Popcorn
2 ½ C Brown Sugar
1 Can (12 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 C Corn Syrup
½ C Butter
Combine above ingredients & boil to soft ball stage
Add 1 Tbsp Vanilla
1 Medium bag already popped popcorn (buttered)
Place popcorn on cookie sheet. Place in over on lowest heat setting
Pour Caramel over it. Mix/pour out on clean surface & finish Mixing.
Now, I’ve had a hard time trying to find bags of popped popcorn anymore (there used to be large clear yellow bags of buttered popped popcorn).

Reply
Laura July 17, 2009 - 9:14 pm

When you add the baking soda it makes the mixture light and foamy.

Reply
Laura July 17, 2009 - 9:14 pm

When you add the baking soda it makes the mixture light and foamy.

Reply
e July 17, 2009 - 8:54 pm

What's the baking soda for? I'm seeing it in all the recipes I've searched for online. Thanks!

Reply
e July 17, 2009 - 8:54 pm

What's the baking soda for? I'm seeing it in all the recipes I've searched for online. Thanks!

Reply
Melody June 26, 2009 - 7:25 pm

I made this tonight and it was delicious. I am going yo keep this recipe in mind for easy and economical holiday gifts. Thanks so much for the recipe!

Reply
Laura June 22, 2009 - 7:46 am

Jerilynn,
I'm sorry the caramel corn did not firm up for you. The instructions I have to microwave for 2 1/2 – 3 minutes for the caramel and 1 min 20 sec over the popcorn in the brown paper sack is correct. I do know that wattage of the microwaves can vary cook time, but we have had several microwaves and so has my mom and this has always turned out the same. I wonder if altitude has any factor in the cooking.

Reply
mlp December 15, 2012 - 5:51 pm

I will try this. My recipe is the same except for cooking times and since I hadn’t made it in years didn’t think how the wattage has changed. I burned mine to a crisp, but my original recipe called for a total of 4 minutes cooking in the bag.

Reply
Laura June 22, 2009 - 7:46 am

Jerilynn,
I'm sorry the caramel corn did not firm up for you. The instructions I have to microwave for 2 1/2 – 3 minutes for the caramel and 1 min 20 sec over the popcorn in the brown paper sack is correct. I do know that wattage of the microwaves can vary cook time, but we have had several microwaves and so has my mom and this has always turned out the same. I wonder if altitude has any factor in the cooking.

Reply
mlp December 15, 2012 - 5:51 pm

I will try this. My recipe is the same except for cooking times and since I hadn’t made it in years didn’t think how the wattage has changed. I burned mine to a crisp, but my original recipe called for a total of 4 minutes cooking in the bag.

Reply
Jerilynn June 22, 2009 - 7:22 am

hi – I really enjoy your blog and have tried several recipes. I just want to add that i think you may want to double check this recipe. I found a similar recipe on Allrecipes (same ingredients and measurements) It said to microwave the mixture twice 3 minutes- stir- and then microwave 1.5 minutes. It also has you microwaving the bag twice for 1 minute 10 seconds. This may explain why my caramel corn didn't firm up with your recipe. It was still delicious and we ate every bite.

Reply
Jerilynn June 22, 2009 - 7:22 am

hi – I really enjoy your blog and have tried several recipes. I just want to add that i think you may want to double check this recipe. I found a similar recipe on Allrecipes (same ingredients and measurements) It said to microwave the mixture twice 3 minutes- stir- and then microwave 1.5 minutes. It also has you microwaving the bag twice for 1 minute 10 seconds. This may explain why my caramel corn didn't firm up with your recipe. It was still delicious and we ate every bite.

Reply
Julie June 15, 2009 - 8:07 pm

Looks so awesome! We love caramel popcorn…will have to try this 🙂

Reply
Julie June 15, 2009 - 8:07 pm

Looks so awesome! We love caramel popcorn…will have to try this 🙂

Reply
The Merk-ster June 14, 2009 - 9:09 am

I have the perfect gooey recipe. I like to call it cupa-cupa-two. And that's the recipe. One cup butter, one cup brown sugar, two cups marshmallows. Melt it all together in a big pot or the microwave and drizzle it on. Heaven!

Reply
The Merk-ster June 14, 2009 - 9:09 am

I have the perfect gooey recipe. I like to call it cupa-cupa-two. And that's the recipe. One cup butter, one cup brown sugar, two cups marshmallows. Melt it all together in a big pot or the microwave and drizzle it on. Heaven!

Reply
mary'smom June 14, 2009 - 9:04 am

Thanks for the recipe. My husband loves carmel corn, and my daughter will have fun making it for him.
P.S. My name is Laura too!, but out in public…Mary's friends call me Mary's Mom.

Reply
mary'smom June 14, 2009 - 9:04 am

Thanks for the recipe. My husband loves carmel corn, and my daughter will have fun making it for him.
P.S. My name is Laura too!, but out in public…Mary's friends call me Mary's Mom.

Reply
teresa June 13, 2009 - 4:52 pm

Oh my gosh, I remember Karamel Korn! I used to pass it everyday on my way to work. I wonder whatever happened to that place.

This look great!

Reply
teresa June 13, 2009 - 4:52 pm

Oh my gosh, I remember Karamel Korn! I used to pass it everyday on my way to work. I wonder whatever happened to that place.

This look great!

Reply
Barbara Bakes June 13, 2009 - 2:04 pm

I love how fast and easy this recipe is! My recipe is definitely gooey https://barbarabakes.blogspot.com/2009/01/caramel-corn-for-ultimate-super-bowl.html

Reply
Barbara Bakes June 13, 2009 - 2:04 pm

I love how fast and easy this recipe is! My recipe is definitely gooey https://barbarabakes.blogspot.com/2009/01/caramel-corn-for-ultimate-super-bowl.html

Reply
girliegirl June 13, 2009 - 1:26 pm

Laura,

I will definately try this one. I'm a popcorn fanatic. I love all kinds and I love a good carmel corn in the Fall.

Carey

Reply
girliegirl June 13, 2009 - 1:26 pm

Laura,

I will definately try this one. I'm a popcorn fanatic. I love all kinds and I love a good carmel corn in the Fall.

Carey

Reply
Carrie June 13, 2009 - 1:24 pm

What a fun idea to do with the kids!
i am going to try it!!

Reply
Carrie June 13, 2009 - 1:24 pm

What a fun idea to do with the kids!
i am going to try it!!

Reply
Penny June 13, 2009 - 10:42 am

I will have to try this one!

My mother in law has the best recipe for gooey caramel corn! She usually makes it at Christmas time, and always has to send several batches with me when I visit my parents because my sisters all want some! But be warned, once you start eating it, you don't want to stop.

popped popcorn (I don't know how much)
1 cube of butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 can sweet milk
1 cup Karo syrup
1 tsp vanilla

cook butter, sugar, milk, and Karo to a boil, then boil for 3-3 1/2 min. more stirring constantly, then take it off the heat and add the vanilla and mix well. Then pour it over the popcorn.
Beware, this is very gooey!

Reply
Penny June 13, 2009 - 10:42 am

I will have to try this one!

My mother in law has the best recipe for gooey caramel corn! She usually makes it at Christmas time, and always has to send several batches with me when I visit my parents because my sisters all want some! But be warned, once you start eating it, you don't want to stop.

popped popcorn (I don't know how much)
1 cube of butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 can sweet milk
1 cup Karo syrup
1 tsp vanilla

cook butter, sugar, milk, and Karo to a boil, then boil for 3-3 1/2 min. more stirring constantly, then take it off the heat and add the vanilla and mix well. Then pour it over the popcorn.
Beware, this is very gooey!

Reply
Jessica June 13, 2009 - 10:13 am

Yum, yum, yum! I'm traveling back home soon and just emailed this to my sister – we'll be making thin at our girls sleepover night.

Reply
Jessica June 13, 2009 - 10:13 am

Yum, yum, yum! I'm traveling back home soon and just emailed this to my sister – we'll be making thin at our girls sleepover night.

Reply
Mrsblocko June 13, 2009 - 9:25 am

My mom used to make microwave carmel corn when I was a kid as a special treat. I think she gave me the recipe but I never tried it because it stated it needed air popped popcorn. I'm going to have to dig it out and see if it is the same as the one you posted cause now I've got a craving for carmel corn! (Thanks a lot! ;P )

Reply
Mrsblocko June 13, 2009 - 9:25 am

My mom used to make microwave carmel corn when I was a kid as a special treat. I think she gave me the recipe but I never tried it because it stated it needed air popped popcorn. I'm going to have to dig it out and see if it is the same as the one you posted cause now I've got a craving for carmel corn! (Thanks a lot! ;P )

Reply
Mrs Hartt June 13, 2009 - 8:35 am

Too funny. I have that camera and can't get a good pic no matter what the lighting! I'll try your hint. Thanks!

Reply
Mrs Hartt June 13, 2009 - 8:35 am

Too funny. I have that camera and can't get a good pic no matter what the lighting! I'll try your hint. Thanks!

Reply
Laura June 13, 2009 - 8:32 am

Laura, The camera I use is just a little point and shoot camera. It's a cannon powershot SD1000 digital with 7.1 mega pixels. I always use the macro and turn off the flash when I take my food pictures.

Reply
Laura June 13, 2009 - 8:32 am

Laura, The camera I use is just a little point and shoot camera. It's a cannon powershot SD1000 digital with 7.1 mega pixels. I always use the macro and turn off the flash when I take my food pictures.

Reply
Mrs Hartt June 13, 2009 - 8:28 am

Hi Laura,
I'm a Laura too! Can you tell me what type of camera you use to take your food pics, they look professional!
Thanks for all the fab recipes

Reply
Mrs Hartt June 13, 2009 - 8:28 am

Hi Laura,
I'm a Laura too! Can you tell me what type of camera you use to take your food pics, they look professional!
Thanks for all the fab recipes

Reply

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