Caramel Candy Apple Popcorn (Printable)

Crunchy caramel popcorn blended with dried apples and candy for a sweet, festive snack mix.

# What You'll Need:

→ Popcorn

01 - 1/2 cup popcorn kernels or 10 cups plain popped popcorn

→ Caramel Sauce

02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
03 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - 1/4 cup light corn syrup
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Candy & Mix-Ins

08 - 1 cup dried apple rings, chopped
09 - 3/4 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces
10 - 1/2 cup salted peanuts, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pop the popcorn using your preferred method. Place in a large mixing bowl and discard any unpopped kernels.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil.
04 - Allow mixture to boil for 4 to 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla extract—mixture will bubble up.
05 - Immediately pour caramel sauce over popcorn. Using a spatula, gently toss to coat all popcorn evenly.
06 - Spread coated popcorn onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Break apart any large clumps.
08 - Once completely cooled, mix in dried apples, candy-coated chocolates, and peanuts if using.
09 - Transfer to an airtight container until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and ready in just 35 minutes
  • Perfect balance of sweet caramel, tart dried apples, and chocolatey candy pieces
  • Customizable—add peanuts for crunch or leave them out for a nut-free version
  • Makes a generous 8 cups, ideal for sharing at parties or movie nights
  • Stores well for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep or gifting
02 -
  • Use fresh popcorn kernels for best results—old kernels produce more unpopped kernels
  • Don't skip the parchment paper; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
  • Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness for up to 3 days
  • If the caramel becomes too hard to work with, warm it gently over low heat
  • Check candy labels for allergen information if serving to guests with dietary restrictions
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