Diane'S Microwave Caramel Corn
Sweet, crunchy caramel popcorn with a rich, buttery flavor, perfect for satisfying snack cravings or sharing at parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix brown sugar, Karo syrup, margarine and salt. Microwave until it boils.
- Boil for 2 minutes.
- Add soda and stir.
- Put popped corn in a large brown paper bag.
- Pour hot caramel mixture over corn.
- Shake the bag to coat the corn.
- Microwave for 2 minutes.
- Shake the bag and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes.
- Pour out on a cookie sheet to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of margarine. If you want to reduce the sugar, use a sugar substitute that measures like brown sugar. To make this a fun treat for kids, add some candy pieces like M&M's or chocolate chips after mixing in the caramel. This caramel corn also makes a great snack during movie nights or paired with a holiday favorite like Christmas Molded Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful caramel corn as a festive snack at gatherings or movie nights. It pairs wonderfully with sweet treats like Cherry Swim or can be enjoyed on its own. For a themed party, consider offering a variety of toppings for guests to customize their caramel corn, adding to the fun and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating, as it can become chewy. If it loses its crunch, you can re-crisp it in the microwave for a few seconds, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Diane'S Microwave Caramel Corn contains roughly 767 calories, with 20g protein, 236g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (668% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 187g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular corn instead of popped corn?
Using unpopped corn kernels will not yield the same results, as the recipe specifically calls for popped corn. If you don't have popped corn, consider using microwave popcorn or an air popper to achieve the best texture and flavor for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version of this caramel corn, simply replace the margarine with a plant-based butter substitute. Ensure that the other ingredients, like the brown sugar and Karo syrup, are also vegan-friendly, and you can enjoy a delicious treat that fits your dietary preferences.
How can I make this caramel corn less sticky?
To reduce stickiness, be sure to thoroughly coat the popped corn with the caramel mixture and avoid letting it sit too long before cooling. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra salt to balance the sweetness, which may help with the sticky texture. If the caramel is too thick, you can add a splash of water when heating it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).