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- 1 cup popcorn kernels (or 12 cups popped popcorn) - 1 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 cup light corn syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda To make Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn, you need simple ingredients. The popcorn kernels are the base. You can use 1 cup of kernels or 12 cups of popped popcorn. Brown sugar gives the caramel its rich taste. Unsalted butter adds creaminess. For flavor, light corn syrup helps the caramel stay soft and shiny. Vanilla extract adds warmth. The pumpkin spice blend brings that cozy fall flavor. You can use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if you prefer. Optional add-ins can boost the popcorn. Chopped pecans add crunch and flavor. A little salt brings out the sweetness. Baking soda helps the caramel stay light and airy. You can find the full recipe at the end. This treat is perfect for fall, so gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious snack! To start, you need to pop the popcorn. You can use an air popper, stovetop, or microwave. Each method works well. Once you have your popcorn, make sure to place it in a large, greased bowl. This helps prevent sticking. Check for unpopped kernels, and remove them. If you like, add some chopped pecans for extra crunch. Next, let’s make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir this mixture over medium heat. Keep stirring until it starts to boil gently. When it boils, let it do so without stirring for 4-5 minutes. This helps it reach the right temperature. After boiling, take it off the heat. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract, pumpkin spice blend, and baking soda. Be careful, as it will bubble up. Now, it’s time to combine everything. Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula to mix it gently. Make sure every kernel gets a good coat of caramel. This is key for delicious flavor. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the caramel-coated popcorn on a lined baking sheet. Make sure it’s in an even layer. Bake it for about 30 minutes. Remember to stir every 10 minutes. This ensures even coating and crunchiness. After baking, take the popcorn out of the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once it’s cool, break apart any clumps. Now, your Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn is ready to serve. Enjoy this sweet, crunchy fall treat! For the full recipe, check the recipe section. To make great caramel, temperature matters. Use a candy thermometer for best results. Aim for the soft-ball stage, around 240°F (115°C). This gives a rich, gooey texture. Burning caramel can ruin your treat. To avoid this, cook on medium heat. Stir often at the start, but stop once it boils. Let it bubble without stirring. Store your homemade popcorn in an airtight container. This keeps it crispy and fresh. Glass jars or heavy-duty bags work well. To extend freshness, add a piece of bread to the container. The bread absorbs moisture, keeping popcorn crunchy longer. Pair your popcorn with warm apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes. This combo enhances the fall flavors. For parties, serve in festive bowls or bags. You can also layer it in mason jars for a cute display. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a nice contrast. For the full recipe, check out the Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn section. Enjoy your fall treat! {{image_2}} You can change the spice blend to fit your taste. Try adding some chai spices for a warm twist. If you want a kick, use cayenne pepper. You can also keep it simple with just cinnamon. Mix sweet and savory by adding some cheese powder. This makes a fun contrast with the caramel. You could even add some crushed pretzels for a salty crunch. This mix of flavors can make your popcorn unique. Nuts and seeds can add amazing texture. Use chopped almonds or walnuts for a nutty flavor. Pumpkin seeds also add a nice crunch. You can even mix in sunflower seeds for a different taste. For a sweet touch, add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. They pair well with the caramel. If you're a chocolate lover, try adding chocolate chips. Just sprinkle them in right after baking. If you want to save time, look for flavored popcorn in stores. Many brands sell pumpkin spice popcorn during fall. Some popular brands include Popcornopolis and Garrett Popcorn. Read reviews to find the best options. Some brands use real pumpkin spice, while others rely on artificial flavors. Always check the ingredient list for quality. You want the best taste without any weird additives. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn. This caramel pumpkin spice popcorn is tasty and has useful nutrients. Each serving has about 150 calories. The popcorn gives you fiber, while brown sugar adds energy. The pumpkin spice mix contains spices with antioxidants, like cinnamon and nutmeg. If you need gluten-free options, use plain popcorn kernels. They do not contain gluten. For a vegan diet, swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also skip the pecans if you want a nut-free treat. Serving size matters. A small bowl is great for snacking. If you want dessert, use a bigger bowl. This treat is sweet and filling, so enjoy it in moderation. You can share it with friends or save some for later! To make your popcorn less sticky, you can adjust the caramel recipe. Use less butter and sugar to create a drier caramel. You can also bake it a bit longer. This helps the popcorn dry out and become crunchier. Stir the popcorn more often while baking to get even coverage. Yes, you can use microwave popcorn. Just pop the popcorn according to the package instructions. Measure out 12 cups of popped popcorn for this recipe. Use a bowl to mix the popcorn with the caramel. This makes it super easy and quick! Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for a longer time. You can also add a small piece of bread to keep moisture in check. Just remember to take it out before you enjoy your snack! To scale the recipe for parties, just double or triple the ingredients. You’ll need more popcorn kernels and caramel sauce. Make sure to use a bigger bowl for mixing. You can also bake it on multiple trays. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat! For the full recipe, check the main section. This blog post covered the complete process of making Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Understanding variations, nutrition, and storage keeps your popcorn delicious and fresh. Remember, you can always adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with add-ins for a fun twist. Now, you can create this sweet treat for any occasion and impress your friends and family!

Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn

Indulge in the deliciousness of Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn, the perfect treat for fall! This easy recipe combines crunchy popcorn with a sweet caramel sauce infused with warm pumpkin spice flavors. Impress your friends and family with this delightful snack that’s great for parties or cozy movie nights.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup popcorn kernels (or 12 cups popped popcorn)

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Pop the Popcorn: Pop the popcorn using your preferred method (air popper, stovetop, or microwave). Place the popped popcorn in a large, greased bowl, ensuring there are no unpopped kernels. If desired, add chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor.

    Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

      Add Flavorings: Once the mixture is boiling, allow it to boil without stirring for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.

        Combine Caramel and Popcorn: Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the popped popcorn. Use a spatula to gently stir the popcorn until all of the kernels are evenly coated with caramel.

          Bake the Popcorn: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a lined baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even coating and crunchiness.

            Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the popcorn from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break apart any clumps and enjoy your delicious Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn!

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8