Name: Microwave Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 12 persons
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil; 1/2 cup Popcorn Kernels

Closed up shot of Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Caramel corn is the perfect snack. There's nothing better than popcorn coated in a crispy and delicious caramel sauce. But, instead of making traditional caramel corn, we made microwave caramel popcorn with a healthy twist. We replaced butter and sugar with coconut oil, sugar-free maple syrup, and brown sugar-free substitute to decrease the carb count to 12.7 carbs for every serving. All in all, this Microwave Caramel Popcorn is a perfectly delicious, crispy, and crunchy snack.

Why Is My Caramel Popcorn Chewy?

As the caramel cools on the popcorn, the air bubbles give it a softer texture. While the caramel corn should not be hard as a rock, it should not be as chewy as leather. If your caramel popcorn is too harsh, the caramel does not come to a high enough temperature.

Is Popcorn A Healthy Snack?

Yes, popcorn can be healthy. However, it should be air-popped and lightly seasoned popcorn. Popcorn is considered a whole grain, high-fiber food. Therefore, it is associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer.

Is Caramel Popcorn Good For Weight Loss?

Popcorn by itself is healthy. However, caramel corn is made with butter and sugar, which drastically increases the calorie count and may inhibit your weight loss. This caramel popcorn recipe is healthier since it does not include sugar or butter. However, I would still recommend consuming this microwave caramel corn in moderation.

Equipment Needed

Baking Sheet

Large Heavy Bottom Pot

Large Mixing Bowl

Microwave

Parchment Paper

Author: Sarah Leadon

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

18 mins

Total Time

28 mins

Serves

12 persons

Ingredients

Popcorn

1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
1/2 cup Popcorn Kernels

Caramel Corn

1 cup Brown Sugar-Free substitute
1/4 cup Sugar-Free Maple Syrup substitute (I used Lakanto Sugar-Free Maple Syrup)
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda

Instructions

Popcorn

Place the coconut oil unto a deep pot that has a tight-fitting lid. Set the pot over medium-high heat and allow the coconut oil to melt.

Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot. Using back and forth motions, shake the pot every 20-30 seconds to heat the popcorn kernels evenly. After 2 minutes, the popcorn kernels should start popping. When the popping slows downs, remove the popcorn from the stove and pour it into a large bowl.

Caramel Popcorn

In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the brown sugar-free substitute, keto maple syrup, coconut oil, and salt. Make sure the bowl can hold triple its volume. The caramel will melt and expand.

Heat the caramel for 45 seconds in the microwave, then remove it and stir to combine. Make sure the coconut oil melts and everything is combined really well.

Microwave the caramel for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then remove it and stir to combine. Return the caramel to the microwave and heat it for an additional minute and 30 seconds, and stir to combine.

Add the vanilla extract and baking soda to the caramel and stir until it stops foaming and bubbling.

Pour the caramel over the popcorn and carefully toss it to coat it in the caramel.

Pour the caramel popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow it to cool completely before serving.