Sweet & Crunchy Microwave Caramel Corn
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Sweet & Crunchy Microwave Caramel Corn! This quick and easy recipe combines the classic flavors of caramel with the crunch of popcorn, creating a perfect snack for movie nights, parties, or any gathering. In just a few minutes, you can make this deliciously buttery caramel coating that will elevate your popcorn to a whole new level. Share it with friends and family, or keep it all to yourself – either way, this caramel corn will certainly satisfy your sweet cravings!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter Popcorn
2 bags (Popped)
Brown Sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Light Corn Syrup
1/3 cup (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Optional)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, pour in the popped popcorn and set it aside to keep it warm.
2
In a separate 2-quart microwavable bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, light corn syrup, and optional salt.
3
Microwave the mixture on high for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, carefully remove it from the microwave and stir the contents well.
4
Return the bowl to the microwave and continue cooking on high, closely monitoring the mixture. When it starts to boil, microwave for an additional 1 minute.
5
Once cooked, take it out of the microwave and quickly stir in the baking soda. Be cautious, as the mixture may bubble up.
6
Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the popped popcorn in the large bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat the popcorn until it's well distributed.
7
Allow the caramel corn to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious sweet treat!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet & Crunchy Microwave Caramel Corn?
It is a quick and easy homemade snack that combines the classic flavors of buttery caramel with the crunch of popcorn, perfect for movie nights or parties.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 bags of butter popcorn, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/3 cup of light corn syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of salt (optional), and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
How long do I need to microwave the caramel mixture initially?
The initial microwave time for the sugar, butter, and syrup mixture is 2 minutes on high.
What type of popcorn is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 2 bags of popped butter popcorn.
Is the salt mandatory in this recipe?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of salt is listed as optional.
Why is baking soda added to the caramel mixture?
Baking soda is added at the end to make the caramel mixture bubble up and become airy, which helps it coat the popcorn more easily.
What should I do after the first 2 minutes of microwaving?
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the contents thoroughly before returning it to cook further.
How long do I microwave the mixture once it starts to boil?
Once the mixture starts to boil, continue to microwave it for an additional 1 minute.
What is the best way to coat the popcorn with the caramel?
Pour the caramel evenly over the popcorn in a large bowl and use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and distribute the coating.
Should the brown sugar be packed when measuring?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
What size bowl should be used for the caramel mixture?
A 2-quart microwavable bowl is recommended for preparing the caramel mixture.
How long should the caramel corn cool before eating?
You should allow the caramel corn to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the coating set and become crunchy.
Can I use air-popped popcorn instead of microwave bags?
Yes, as long as you use an equivalent amount of popcorn (roughly 2 standard bags' worth).
Is this recipe considered a candy or a dessert?
This recipe is categorized under 'Candy'.
How much corn syrup is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of light corn syrup.
Should the butter be melted before mixing with sugar?
Yes, use 1/2 cup of melted butter when combining it with the brown sugar and syrup.
What should I be cautious of when adding the baking soda?
Be careful because the mixture may bubble up significantly when the baking soda is stirred in.
Can I make this if I don't have a microwave?
This specific recipe is designed for the microwave; a stovetop version would require different timing and temperature monitoring.
What tools are needed to mix the final product?
A spatula or a wooden spoon is recommended for tossing the popcorn with the caramel.
Is this a good snack for movie nights?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a perfect snack for movie nights and parties.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories or fat?
The provided data does not include specific values for calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, or other nutritional metrics.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients in total: popcorn, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, salt, and baking soda.
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
The recipe specifies light corn syrup, which provides a milder flavor; dark corn syrup may alter the taste to be more robust and molasses-like.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include caramel corn, microwave recipe, snack, sweet treat, popcorn, easy dessert, party snack, and homemade candy.
Do I need to keep the popcorn warm before adding caramel?
Yes, the instructions suggest setting the popped popcorn aside in a large bowl and keeping it warm while preparing the caramel.
How much baking soda is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Can I double this recipe?
While not explicitly stated, it is usually better to make microwave caramel corn in single batches to ensure the caramel doesn't overflow the bowl during the bubbling stage.
What should the caramel look like before adding baking soda?
It should be a boiling mixture of sugar, butter, and syrup that has cooked for about 3 minutes total in the microwave.
Is this recipe fast to make?
Yes, it is described as a 'quick and easy' recipe that can be made in just a few minutes.