Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn

Welcome to a recipe that embodies the essence of fall with every crunchy bite – Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn. This delightful treat combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the rich sweetness of caramel, creating a snack that is perfect for cozy movie nights or thoughtful edible gifts. The aroma of spices and the satisfying crunch of homemade popcorn make this recipe a seasonal favorite that will have your friends and family coming back for more.

Crafted with 10 cups of freshly popped plain popcorn and a decadent blend of butter, brown sugar, and a hint of pumpkin spice, this Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn is a true crowd-pleaser. The addition of roasted pumpkin seeds not only adds a delightful crunch but also a subtle earthiness that elevates this snack to something truly special. Whether you’re enjoying it at a gathering, packaging it up for loved ones, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to bring joy and comfort with every bite.

Indulge in the nostalgia of caramel popcorn with a modern twist by combining it with the beloved flavors of pumpkin spice. Whether you’re making a batch for a holiday celebration or a simple weekend treat, this Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn is a delightful way to savor the flavors of autumn. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create a snack that captures the essence of the season in a perfectly crunchy and sweet package.

Quick Benefits

• Perfect blend of cozy fall flavors and satisfying crunch
• Makes a thoughtful edible gift for loved ones
• Simple to store and can last up to a week
• Versatile recipe with options for ingredient swaps

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn Recipe

• Perfect blend of cozy fall flavors and satisfying crunch
• Ideal for a weekend movie night or as a thoughtful edible gift
• Each bite delivers the essence of autumn, no matter the season
• A hit at gatherings – always disappears quickly
• Crunchy pumpkin seeds elevate the snack to something truly special
• Can be stored for up to a week without losing its crispiness
• Versatile recipe with ingredient swap suggestions for customization
• Great for homemade gifts or serving at parties
• Drizzling with white chocolate adds an extra indulgent touch
• Combines classic caramel popcorn with the modern twist of pumpkin spice
• Freezer-friendly for longer storage while keeping the caramel crunchy
• Offers a taste of pure autumn spirit with every bite
• Baking in the oven ensures even texture and helps set the sweet coating
• Flexibility to use a mix of spices if pumpkin spice is not available
• Storage in an airtight container maintains freshness and crunchiness
• Plain, unsalted popcorn recommended for the best results
• Optional addition of pumpkin seeds for a nutty crunch or replacement with other seeds or nuts

Ingredients for Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn

Main

• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 10 cups freshly popped plain popcorn

Pro Tips for Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn

For a perfectly crunchy texture, bake the caramel-coated popcorn in the oven. This step not only ensures an even coating but also helps set the sweet caramel for a delightful crunch that lasts.

If you’re missing pumpkin spice blend, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that cozy fall flavor. Be creative with your spice blends to customize the popcorn to your taste preferences.

To keep your pumpkin spice caramel popcorn fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its texture and flavor for several days, making it a convenient go-to snack or a delightful homemade gift. Remember to use plain, unsalted popcorn for the best results, and feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or seeds for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet

Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and pumpkin spice. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.

Step 3: Combine Popcorn and Caramel

Take the saucepan off the heat, then pour the hot caramel over the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix to ensure all pieces are coated with the caramel.

Step 4: Bake Coated Popcorn

Spread the coated popcorn onto the lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even coating and crispness.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin Seeds and Cool

Take the popcorn out of the oven and sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seeds. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking into clusters for serving.

Storage Tips

To store the Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn, ensure that it has fully cooled before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, divide the popcorn into individual bags or jars for convenient grab-and-go snacks. Make sure the caramel coating is fully set before storing to maintain the crisp texture of the popcorn.

For freezing the Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn, spread the cooled popcorn on a baking tray and freeze it until solid. Then, transfer it to large freezer-safe bags and store for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let the frozen popcorn come to room temperature before serving. The caramel will stay crunchy and fresh even after freezing, providing a delightful treat reminiscent of autumn in every bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a different flavor profile, you can swap out the pumpkin spice blend with apple pie spice or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This substitution can give your caramel popcorn a unique twist, especially if you’re looking for a late summer or holiday-inspired variation.

If you don’t have roasted pumpkin seeds on hand, you can easily replace them with roasted pecans, walnuts, or any other nuts or seeds of your preference. This substitution allows you to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences or accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have.

When making the caramel, if you prefer not to use light corn syrup, you can substitute it with honey for a slightly different flavor profile. Additionally, using salted butter as a replacement for unsalted butter is an option, but you may need to adjust the amount of additional salt added to the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. These simple ingredient swaps can still yield delicious results while allowing you to work with what you have available in your pantry.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and festive way to serve your Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn, consider creating individual popcorn cones by rolling parchment paper into cone shapes and filling them with the sweet and crunchy treat. Tie each cone with a colorful ribbon for a charming presentation at parties or movie nights. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle the popcorn with melted white chocolate before it cools, adding a deliciously decadent twist to this already delectable snack.

Another creative serving suggestion for your Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn is to package it in cute cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, making them perfect homemade gifts for friends and family. Whether for a fall potluck, Thanksgiving trip, or as a holiday treat at work, these bags of caramel-coated goodness are sure to be a hit. Feel free to customize the recipe by swapping pumpkin seeds for roasted pecans or walnuts, or by adding in dried cranberries or chopped dried apples for a unique and flavorful twist.

FAQs for Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn

Can I use a different type of syrup instead of corn syrup?

You can swap honey for corn syrup, but expect a softer, stickier caramel. Maple syrup can also be used for a deeper flavor twist.

How should I store the pumpkin spice caramel popcorn?

Once fully cooled, transfer the popcorn to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, divide into individual bags or jars for grab-and-go snacks. Make sure the caramel is fully set before storing to keep the popcorn crisp.

Can I freeze the pumpkin spice caramel popcorn?

Spread the cooled popcorn on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Then store in large freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Let it come to room temperature before serving, and the caramel will stay crunchy and fresh.

What can I use instead of pumpkin seeds?

You can replace pumpkin seeds with roasted pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you can skip the seeds altogether or use another seed or nut of your choice.

Conclusion

As you dive into making this delightful Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn recipe, remember that the joy of creating and sharing delicious treats is what truly makes it special. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy movie night or packaging it as a heartfelt gift, this popcorn embodies the essence of fall in every crunchy bite.

Embrace the warmth and nostalgia of classic caramel popcorn with a modern twist by infusing it with the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice. The sweet and buttery flavors combined with the satisfying crunch of popcorn will surely make it a favorite among your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations, such as adding your favorite nuts or seeds, to make this recipe your own.

So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and let the aroma of Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn fill your kitchen. Spread the love by sharing this delightful treat with your loved ones, and savor the moments of joy and connection that come with every delicious bite. Happy snacking, and enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with this irresistible Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn!

Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn

“Indulge in the essence of autumn with this crunchy Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn, a perfect blend of cozy flavors for movie nights and homemade gifts.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 min

Cook Time45 min

Total Time55 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings10 Servings (10 cups caramel popcorn)

Ingredients

Main

• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 10 cups freshly popped plain popcorn

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and pumpkin spice. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
3. Combine Popcorn and Caramel: Take the saucepan off the heat, then pour the hot caramel over the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix to ensure all pieces are coated with the caramel.
4. Bake Coated Popcorn: Spread the coated popcorn onto the lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even coating and crispness.
5. Add Pumpkin Seeds and Cool: Take the popcorn out of the oven and sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seeds. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking into clusters for serving.