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Autumn Spiced Caramel Popcorn Recipe

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  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cups

Description

This Autumn Popcorn Recipe is a delightful seasonal treat, combining the warmth of pumpkin pie spices with a sweet, buttery caramel coating. Perfect for cozy fall gatherings, movie nights, or as a homemade gift, this recipe transforms simple popcorn into a decadent snack that’s both crunchy and flavorful.

Ingredients

Popcorn Base

  • 24 cups popped popcorn

Caramel Coating

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 tsp salt

Spices & Flavorings

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the popcorn mixture evenly.
  2. Prepare Popcorn Base: Spread the 24 cups of popped popcorn onto a large roasting pan or a large cookie sheet, arranging it in a single layer for even coating.
  3. Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 2 cups brown sugar, 1/2 cup molasses, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
  4. Boil Sauce: Allow the mixture to boil for 5 minutes without stirring to develop the caramel’s rich flavor and achieve the right thickness.
  5. Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the spices: 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg.
  6. Add Baking Soda: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; the mixture will foam up. This step lightens the caramel coating for a crisp texture.
  7. Coat Popcorn: Immediately pour the foamy caramel sauce evenly over the popcorn, then gently stir to coat all pieces thoroughly.
  8. Bake and Stir: Place the coated popcorn in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. If using a cookie sheet with the popcorn spread out, stir once halfway through. If using a roasting pan with a thicker layer, stir every 15 minutes to prevent clumps and ensure even cooking.
  9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the popcorn from the oven and allow it to cool completely. This will let the caramel harden into a crunchy shell around the popcorn pieces.

Notes

  • Ensure popcorn is fully popped and free of unpopped kernels for the best texture and safety.
  • Use a large enough pan to allow popcorn to be coated evenly and baked without overcrowding.
  • Stirring at intervals is crucial to prevent burning and clumping during baking.
  • Store the cooled popcorn in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
  • Adjust spice levels to taste if preferred more or less spiced.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/autumn-spiced-caramel-popcorn-recipe/