Go Back
- 8 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels) - 1 cup finely chopped apples (Granny Smith for tartness) - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 cup light corn syrup - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, like pecans or walnuts) - You can add mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist. - Try using caramel bits instead of making your own sauce. - Dried cranberries or raisins can add a nice chew. - For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. - Use maple syrup in place of light corn syrup for a unique flavor. - If you can't find Granny Smith apples, any tart apple works well. First, you need to pop the popcorn. You can use an air popper or stovetop method. If using the stovetop, heat a pot with oil and add the kernels. Once popped, transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Remember to check for unpopped kernels and remove them. You don't want any hard surprises in your clusters. For the caramel sauce, grab a medium saucepan. Over medium heat, mix granulated sugar, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir it continuously as it heats. When it boils, let it bubble without stirring for about 4-5 minutes. Watch closely until it turns a light golden color. Once it's ready, carefully take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the baking soda slowly. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious! Then, add pure vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Now, it’s time to combine the popcorn and caramel. Quickly pour the hot caramel over the popped popcorn. Use a rubber spatula to fold and mix gently. Make sure every piece gets coated in that sweet caramel. Next, add the finely chopped apples to the mix. If you want some crunch, toss in chopped nuts too. Fold everything gently, so the apples and nuts are spread throughout the popcorn. Once combined, pour the mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Spread it out evenly for uniform baking. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) and bake for 30 minutes. Stir the popcorn every 10 minutes to keep it from burning. When the baking time is up, take it out and let it cool completely. Once cool, break it into clusters and store them in an airtight container. Enjoy your tasty caramel apple popcorn clusters! To make great caramel, you need to watch the heat. Keep the heat on medium. If it gets too hot, your caramel will burn. Stir constantly at first. Once it boils, stop stirring. Let it bubble for about 4-5 minutes. Look for a light golden color. This means it’s ready. Adding baking soda helps it bubble and gives a nice texture. Be careful when adding it; it can bubble up quickly. When you mix your popcorn with the caramel, be gentle. Use a rubber spatula to fold the caramel over the popcorn. This helps coat each piece evenly. Add the chopped apples and nuts last. Fold them in slowly so they don’t break apart. If you mix too hard, you might end up with popcorn dust instead of clusters. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet to help it bake evenly. For a fun way to serve your caramel apple popcorn clusters, try using clear cellophane bags. Tie them with decorative ribbons. They make great gifts or party favors. You can also put them in a colorful bowl for a festive touch. This will make your snack stand out during movie night or at a party. {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavors in your caramel apple popcorn clusters. Try adding peanut butter for a nutty twist. Mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweet touch. You can even use spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth. Each option gives a new spin to this tasty treat. For a healthier snack, use air-popped popcorn instead of stove-popped. This cuts down on extra fat. You can also substitute coconut oil for butter. For sweetness, try using honey or maple syrup. Choose unsweetened apple sauce instead of sugar for a fruity twist. Change the recipe with the seasons! In fall, add pumpkin spice for a cozy flavor. During winter, add crushed peppermint for a festive touch. In summer, replace apples with fresh berries. These seasonal twists keep your popcorn clusters exciting all year long. To keep your caramel apple popcorn clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep the clusters crunchy and tasty. You can use a glass jar, a plastic container, or a resealable bag. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air and moisture. When stored properly, caramel apple popcorn clusters last for about one week. They taste best within the first few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature. You don’t really need to reheat these clusters. They taste great at room temperature. If you want them warm and gooey, you can place them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C) and heat them for about 5 minutes. This will help the caramel soften without burning. Enjoy your snack! Yes, you can use flavored popcorn! Caramel apple popcorn clusters work well with flavors like cheddar or kettle corn. Just keep in mind that strong flavors may change the taste. I suggest trying a light flavor, like butter or vanilla. This way, the caramel and apples can shine through. Experimenting with flavors can make your clusters unique and fun! I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They are tart and add a nice contrast to the sweet caramel. Tart apples balance the sweetness and make each bite exciting. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter option. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix well with the popcorn. Yes, you can make these clusters in advance! They store well in an airtight container. I suggest making them a day or two ahead of time for parties or events. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just make sure they cool completely before storing. This keeps them crunchy and delicious! In this article, we explored how to make caramel apple popcorn clusters. We discussed all the key ingredients and offered ideas for variations and substitutions. The step-by-step guide showed you how to prepare popcorn and make the caramel sauce. We shared helpful tips for getting perfect caramel and mixing it well. Finally, we covered how to store these tasty treats and answered common questions. Enjoy creating your caramel apple popcorn clusters, and have fun experimenting with flavors!

Caramel Apple Popcorn Clusters

Indulge in a delicious treat with these Caramel Apple Popcorn Clusters! This easy recipe combines popped popcorn, tart apples, and a rich caramel sauce for a sweet snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple steps, you can create mouthwatering clusters in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and surprise your friends and family with this delightful treat! #CaramelApplePopcorn #SnackRecipes #SweetTreats #FallFavorites
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 cups popped popcorn (approximately 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels)

1 cup finely chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith for tartness)

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)

Instructions
 

Pop the Popcorn: Begin by popping the popcorn using an air popper or the stovetop method. Once the popcorn is popped, transfer it to a large mixing bowl, being mindful to remove any unpopped kernels to avoid surprises in your clusters.

    Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

      Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir the mixture continuously as it heats. Once it begins to boil, allow it to bubble without stirring for about 4-5 minutes, keeping an eye on it until it reaches a light golden hue.

        Add Flavor to the Caramel: Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the baking soda (be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up). Then, add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

          Combine Popcorn and Caramel: Immediately pour the hot caramel over the popped popcorn. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold and mix to ensure each piece of popcorn is evenly coated. Next, add the chopped apples and nuts (if you’re using them), folding gently to distribute them throughout the mixture.

            Spread for Baking: Pour the popcorn mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer for uniform baking.

              Bake for Perfect Clusters: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Stir the mixture every 10 minutes to help with even coating and to prevent burning.

                Cool and Break Into Clusters: Once the baking time is complete, remove the sheet from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. When cooled, break the mixture into clusters and transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: For a special touch, serve the popcorn clusters in clear cellophane bags tied with decorative ribbons for gifting, or present them in a colorful bowl to add a playful element to your party spread.