Light & Crunchy Caramel Popcorn
Discover the perfect balance of flavor with this Light & Crunchy Caramel Popcorn recipe! After trying numerous versions that were either too sticky or excessively sweet, I finally crafted this perfect mix. With a delightful caramel coating that dries nicely without clinging to your fingers, this popcorn is an ideal snack for movie nights or gatherings. The subtle sweetness complements the toasted flavor of Spanish peanuts, but feel free to swap in your favorite nuts for a personal twist. Made conveniently in the microwave, this simple recipe guarantees a flavorful treat without the fuss!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Microwave popcorn
1 (3 1/2 ounce) bag (Popped according to package instructions.)
Butter
1/3 cup (Melted in the microwave.)
Brown sugar
2/3 cup (Firmly packed.)
Light corn syrup
1/3 cup (Can substitute with dark corn syrup if desired.)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Added to the caramel mixture.)
Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (Mixed into caramel mixture.)
Peanuts or other nuts
To taste (optional) (Added to the popcorn mixture.)
Instructions
1
Begin by popping the microwave popcorn according to the package instructions and carefully sift through to remove any unpopped kernels.
2
In a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds on high until completely liquid.
3
Add the firmly packed brown sugar and corn syrup to the bowl with melted butter, stirring well to combine.
4
Return the mixture to the microwave and heat on high for 4 to 5 minutes, carefully monitoring to prevent boiling over.
5
Once heated, remove the bowl and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda until fully blended. The mixture will foam up a little, creating a fluffy caramel texture.
6
Now, gently fold in the popped popcorn until every piece is well coated in the caramel. This step might feel a bit challenging at first, but keep stirring; it will become easier as you go. If you’re including nuts, toss them in now.
7
Next, microwave the coated popcorn mix on high for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to ensure even coverage.
8
Once cooked, promptly transfer the caramel popcorn onto a tray lined with waxed or parchment paper for cooling. Spread it out as evenly as possible.
9
Allow the popcorn to cool completely, then break it apart into bite-sized pieces. Store the finished caramel corn in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Light & Crunchy Caramel Popcorn?
It is a microwave-made snack featuring a light caramel coating that is crunchy, not sticky, and has a balanced sweet and toasted flavor.
Is this caramel popcorn recipe sticky?
No, this recipe is crafted to produce a caramel coating that dries nicely and does not cling to your fingers.
How is this caramel popcorn cooked?
This recipe is conveniently made using a microwave for both melting the ingredients and cooking the coated popcorn.
What type of popcorn should I use?
The recipe calls for one 3.5-ounce bag of microwave popcorn, popped according to the package instructions.
Should I remove unpopped kernels?
Yes, you should carefully sift through the popped popcorn to remove any unpopped kernels before adding the caramel.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of butter, which is melted in the microwave.
What type of sugar is used in the caramel?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
Can I substitute the light corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute light corn syrup with dark corn syrup if you prefer a different flavor profile.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
Add the vanilla extract after the sugar and butter mixture has been heated for 4 to 5 minutes.
What is the purpose of baking soda in this recipe?
Baking soda is added to the hot syrup to create a foamy, fluffy texture that makes coating the popcorn easier.
What size bowl should I use?
A 2-quart microwave-safe bowl is recommended for melting the butter and mixing the caramel ingredients.
How long do I melt the butter?
Melt the butter on high for approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds until it is completely liquid.
How long does the sugar mixture need to be heated initially?
After adding sugar and syrup to the butter, heat the mixture on high for 4 to 5 minutes while monitoring for boiling over.
Is it hard to coat the popcorn in the caramel?
It might feel challenging at first, but as you keep stirring, the popcorn becomes easier to coat completely.
Can I add nuts to the caramel popcorn?
Yes, you can add peanuts or your favorite nuts to the mixture when you fold in the popcorn.
What nuts are specifically mentioned in the description?
The recipe highlights Spanish peanuts for their toasted flavor, though any nuts can be used.
How long do I microwave the coated popcorn?
Microwave the coated mix on high for an additional 4 to 6 minutes after the initial coating.
How often should I stir during the final microwave stage?
You should stir the popcorn every 2 minutes during the final cooking stage to ensure even coverage.
How do I cool the caramel popcorn?
Transfer the cooked popcorn onto a tray lined with waxed or parchment paper and spread it out evenly to cool.
Can I use parchment paper instead of wax paper?
Yes, either waxed paper or parchment paper is suitable for lining the cooling tray.
How do I store the finished caramel popcorn?
Once completely cooled and broken into pieces, store the popcorn in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: microwave popcorn, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and optional nuts.
Is this snack good for parties?
Yes, it is an ideal treat for movie nights, gatherings, or as a homemade gift.
Does the mixture foam up?
Yes, when you stir in the baking soda, the mixture will foam up slightly to create a fluffy texture.
How do I prevent the mixture from burning?
Stirring every 2 minutes during the final cooking phase helps prevent burning and ensures even distribution.
Can I use this recipe for a gift?
Absolutely, as the caramel dries well and isn't sticky, it is perfect for storing and gifting.
What flavor does the corn syrup add?
Corn syrup helps provide a smooth texture to the caramel and contributes to the sweetness and shine.
How do I break the popcorn apart?
Once the popcorn is fully cooled on the tray, simply use your hands to break the clumps into bite-sized pieces.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The 2/3 cup of brown sugar should be firmly packed for the correct measurement.
Is this a time-consuming recipe?
No, using the microwave makes this a relatively quick and simple process compared to stovetop methods.