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Easy Halloween Popcorn Mix with Candy Corn

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A sweet and salty Halloween popcorn mix with candy corn, caramel, and festive sprinkles. This quick and easy treat comes together in under 15 minutes and is perfect for parties, trick-or-treat bowls, or movie night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups plain popped popcorn (about 1/3 cup unpopped kernels, or one 3-ounce bag of microwave popcorn, plain or lightly salted)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
  • 1 cup candy corn (about 6 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup candy pumpkins (optional)
  • 1/4 cup festive sprinkles (orange, black, and purple jimmies)

Instructions

  1. Pop the popcorn: If using kernels, pop them in an air popper or on the stovetop with a tablespoon of coconut oil. You want about 8 cups of popped popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels. Spread the popcorn on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Warm the candy corn: Place the candy corn in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 10-15 seconds, just until it’s slightly soft but not melting. Set aside.
  3. Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved—about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Boil the caramel: Once the mixture is smooth, stop stirring and let it come to a gentle boil. Let it boil for exactly 1 minute without stirring.
  5. Add the vanilla and baking soda: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam up and turn lighter in color. Stir just until combined, about 10 seconds.
  6. Combine everything: Pour the hot caramel over the popcorn on the baking sheet. Add the warmed candy corn and candy pumpkins if using. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold everything together until the popcorn is evenly coated.
  7. Add the sprinkles: While the caramel is still tacky, sprinkle the festive jimmies over the top. Use your spatula to press them in gently so they stick.
  8. Let it set: Spread the mixture into an even layer on the baking sheet. Let it cool completely at room temperature—about 20-30 minutes.
  9. Break it up: Once cooled, break the popcorn into clusters of whatever size you like.

Notes

For best results, use fresh candy corn that bends slightly before breaking. Warm the candy corn slightly before mixing to help it cling to the popcorn. Do not double the recipe in the same pan; make two separate batches if needed. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and increase coconut oil to 3 tablespoons.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween popcorn mix, candy corn popcorn, caramel popcorn, easy Halloween treat, festive snack

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