This caramel popcorn without corn syrup is an easy, no-bake recipe that makes a sweet, chewy treat in just minutes. Made with simple ingredients and no candy thermometer required, it’s the perfect homemade caramel corn for movie nights, holidays, or anytime you want a quick snack.
If you’re looking for a no bake caramel popcorn that skips the corn syrup but still delivers rich, buttery flavor, this is the recipe for you.
It’s one of the easiest ways to make a big batch of caramel corn without using the oven, and the results are always a crowd-pleaser.
🍿 How to Pop Popcorn for No Bake Caramel Popcorn
To make the base for your no bake caramel popcorn, start by popping your kernels on the stovetop:
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to a large pot or stock pot over medium heat.
- Drop in 2–3 popcorn kernels and cover the pot. When they pop, you’ll know the oil is ready.
- Add ½ cup of popcorn kernels, cover, and shake the pot gently to keep the kernels moving.
- Continue shaking occasionally as the popcorn pops to prevent burning.
- Once the popping slows, remove from heat and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
Tip: A wide, heavy-bottomed pot works best to prevent scorching and ensure even popping.
How to Pop Popcorn in the Microwave for Homemade Caramel Popcorn
If you don’t want to pop your kernels on the stove, the brown paper bag method is an easy microwave alternative:
- Add ¼ cup of popcorn kernels to a brown paper lunch bag.
- Fold the top of the bag down twice to seal.
- Microwave on high for 2 to 2½ minutes, or until popping slows.
- Carefully open the bag and pour the popcorn into a large mixing bowl.
You’ll need about 10 cups of popped popcorn for this easy caramel popcorn recipe. This method may require multiple batches, but it’s quick and mess-free.
If you’re short on kernels, you can also use plain microwave popcorn bags. Using slightly less than 10 cups will give you extra caramel coating and a stickier finish, while the full amount offers the perfect balance for chewy, no bake caramel corn.
How to Make the Simple Caramel Sauce
Once you have 10 cups of popcorn popped you can get started on the next step of this easy recipe.
Sprinkle kosher salt on the popcorn and then set aside for now. If you like salty popcorn be sure to add the right amount to make this the perfect snack.
To make it stick, you can spray a little water or nonstick spray but this may create a softer texture so you may decide to add the salt to the caramel syrup mix instead.
To make this classic caramel corn recipe, start with a medium saucepan, a nonstick pan works best, on medium-high heat and melt butter. Once the butter has melted, add in the 1 cup of brown sugar and stir with a wooden spoon until it’s mixed well.
Keep stirring while bringing the butter and sugar mixture up to a boil, the sugar molecules and sugar crystals will begin to melt at the right temperature.
The mixture may begin to bubble as the sugar dissolves so if you are doubling this recipe be sure to use a large saucepan to protect your stove top.
When it reaches a boil allow it to cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, do not stir until about 4 minutes. This is when you will add in the teaspoon vanilla extract and stir to make sure it has mixed well.
Continue to boil the hot caramel for the last additional minute to reach the five total minutes previously mentioned, and then add the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Once you add a little baking soda, you will begin to see the tiny carbon dioxide air bubbles at this point, this is a normal chemical reaction, just be sure to stir well and combine the baking soda with the rest of the ingredients.
How to Make No Bake Caramel Popcorn
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, wax paper, or aluminum foil, all are great options. I usually use aluminum foil but you could use whichever you have on hand.
Parchment paper tends to absorb liquids while the waxed paper can help to repel liquids and prevent sticking to the sheet pans.
Pour the mixture over the popped popcorn, with clean hands, trying to evenly distribute the caramel mixture on top.
Allow the no bake caramel popcorn to come to room temperature before serving.
How to Store this No Bake Caramel Popcorn
Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Pro Tip: Wait 10-15 minutes after you think it is cooled before storing it in plastic.
If you find that your caramel popcorn lacks flavor or changes texture from storage you can pop it into a preheated oven on low heat for a couple of minutes to bring it back to it’s original texture and flavor.
Thanks for reading!
I hope your entire family loves this sweet treat and agrees that this caramel popcorn without corn syrup is the best part of movie night. Be sure to sign up for the free newsletter so you can get all of the latest recipes right in your inbox.
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Caramel Popcorn Without Corn Syrup
Caramel popcorn without corn syrup is easier than you think! This quick no-bake recipe makes a crunchy, sweet treat using simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8-10 Cups of Popped Popcorn
- 2 sticks of Butter
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp. Vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
Instructions
Pop the popcorn as you normally would, using a microwave or stovetop.
Sprinkle some salt on the popcorn and then set aside for now.
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter. Once the butter has melted, add in the 1 cup of brown sugar and stir until it's mixed well.
Keep stirring while bringing the butter and sugar mixture up to a boil.
When it reaches a boil allow it to cook for 5 minutes without stirring on medium heat.
After about four minutes, add in the 2 tsp. of vanilla and stir to make sure it has mixed well.
Continue to boil for the last additional minute to reach the five total minutes previously mentioned, and then add the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and stir to combine.
Pour the mixture over the popped popcorn, trying to evenly distribute the caramel mixture on top.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Then put the popcorn onto the baking sheet and allow it to cool completely.
Notes
Let it cool before serving, no oven or candy thermometer required.
This caramel corn without corn syrup method is perfect for microwave or stovetop popping.
More Easy Recipes to Try Out
- Canned Biscuit Cream Cheese Danishes
- Quick Edible Cookie Dough Recipe
- Pizza Ranch Dessert Pizza Recipe Blueberry Pie Copycat
- Easy Grape Pops – Concord Grape Popsicles
Caramel Popcorn Without Corn Syrup FAQ
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Wonderful and e z as advertised! Thanks
Thank you for stopping by and trying the recipe. I appreciate the feedback! Enjoy!