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- 1 cup popcorn kernels or 12 cups freshly popped popcorn - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 cup light corn syrup - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans To make the best Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn, you need quality ingredients. Start with fresh popcorn kernels or already popped popcorn. This is your base. Next, the caramel needs brown sugar for sweetness. Unsalted butter gives a smooth texture, while light corn syrup adds the right stickiness. For flavor, pure vanilla extract brings depth. The pumpkin spice blend gives that warm, cozy taste. A pinch of baking soda helps the caramel puff up and become lighter. Fine sea salt adds balance. If you want extra crunch, add chopped pecans. They give a nice texture and nutty flavor. These ingredients create a snack that is hard to resist. For the full recipe, follow along to see how to put it all together! Start by popping the popcorn. You can use an air popper, stovetop pot, or microwave bag. Each method works well. Once popped, put the popcorn in a large bowl. Carefully check for unpopped kernels and remove them. If you want added crunch, toss in some chopped pecans. They add great flavor and texture. Now, let’s make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, unsalted butter, corn syrup, and salt. Heat it on medium. Stir the mixture gently until it starts to bubble. Keep an eye on it. Once it bubbles, let it boil for about 4-5 minutes without stirring. Timing is key for a great sauce! After boiling, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in pure vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, and baking soda. Expect some bubbling as you mix it. This part adds all the fall flavors! Next, pour the warm caramel sauce over the popcorn. Use a large spatula to mix well, coating each kernel with that delicious caramel. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly on it. Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This helps the popcorn get that perfect crunch. When baked, take the popcorn out of the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, break apart any large clumps. Now you have a tasty treat to enjoy! For the full recipe, refer to the complete guide above and get ready to share your delightful Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn! To make great caramel, you need to avoid a few common mistakes. First, always watch your heat. Too high a heat can burn the sugar, ruining your sauce. Stir the mixture gently, but do not stir too much. Let it bubble and boil without interruption for the best results. If you want to adjust the sweetness or spice levels, you can easily do that. Try adding less brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet taste. For more spice, add a bit more pumpkin spice blend. Taste as you go to find your perfect mix. You can serve Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn in many fun ways. Use clear glass jars or festive bowls. This makes it easy to share at events or gatherings. Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combo. This popcorn pairs well with warm apple cider or a cozy cup of hot cocoa. Offer it as a snack during movie nights or fall parties. It makes a great treat to enjoy with friends and family. Preparing popcorn in advance is simple. Just pop it and store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy for a few days. Make your caramel sauce right before serving to keep that great taste. To maintain freshness, avoid mixing popcorn with the caramel too early. Wait until you are ready to serve. This way, the popcorn stays crispy and delicious. If you want to make it in advance, store the popcorn and caramel separately, then combine them just before serving. {{image_4}} You can make your Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn even more fun. One easy way is to add chocolate. Drizzle some melted dark or white chocolate over the popcorn. This gives it a sweet and creamy layer. You can also mix in other spices. Try a dash of cayenne for some heat. Or add a pinch of allspice for more depth. The choice is yours! If you want a healthier treat, swap out sugar with natural sweeteners. Honey or maple syrup can work well. You can also use sugar substitutes like stevia. For those counting calories, try using less butter. You can use coconut oil instead. This keeps the flavor while lowering the calories. Making this popcorn fit different diets is easy. To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free popcorn. You can also make a vegan version. Instead of butter, use vegan butter or coconut oil. This keeps it creamy without dairy. You can have fun with flavors while keeping everyone happy. To keep your Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn fresh, choose the right container. I recommend using airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids work great. Avoid using paper bags or boxes, as they let air in. This air can make your popcorn chewy, which we want to avoid. Store your popcorn in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. This helps maintain its crunchiness. When stored properly, your popcorn can last about two weeks. After this time, it may lose its taste and texture. Look for signs of spoilage, like a stale smell or an off taste. If it feels soft or loses its crunch, it's time to toss it. Always check the popcorn before you dig in! If your popcorn goes stale, don't worry! You can easily revive it. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the popcorn on a baking sheet and heat it for about 10 minutes. This helps bring back its crispiness. Make sure to stir it halfway through. After this, let it cool before munching again. To keep the texture fresh after storing, avoid exposing it to moisture. Enjoy your tasty treat! Yes, you can use microwave popcorn. It saves time and is easy. However, there are pros and cons. The pros include quick preparation and less mess. The cons are that the flavor may not be as fresh. Plus, microwave popcorn can have added salt and butter. This might change the taste of your caramel popcorn. To make this recipe nut-free, simply skip the pecans. You can replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. These options give a nice crunch without the nuts. You can also add some extra popcorn for texture. You can find pre-made Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn at many stores. Look in the snack aisle or seasonal section. Online shops like Amazon often have this treat too. Specialty popcorn shops may offer unique flavors as well. Yes, you can make this popcorn ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about a week. For best results, make it no more than two days before your party. This keeps it crunchy and tasty. You can try different flavors to spice up your popcorn. Adding chocolate or caramel drizzle can enhance the taste. Other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also work well. Get creative and mix your favorite flavors! You can find more ideas in the Full Recipe. Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn is a fun treat that's perfect for fall. We covered the key ingredients, from popcorn to spices, and detailed steps for making it. You learned tips for a perfect caramel sauce and ways to store your popcorn. Feel free to experiment with flavors and adjust to your taste. This recipe is easy to make ahead, ensuring freshness for any occasion. Enjoy your delicious popcorn and share it with friends and family for a cozy seasonal snack!

Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn

Experience fall flavors with this irresistible Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn! This crunchy, sweet treat is perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings. Made with simple ingredients like brown sugar, butter, and pumpkin spice, it's a delightful snack everyone will love. Discover how to prepare this easy recipe, including tips for that extra crunch. Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your snacking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup popcorn kernels (or 12 cups freshly popped popcorn)

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional for added texture)

Instructions
 

Pop the Popcorn: Start by popping the popcorn using your method of choice—whether that’s an air popper, stovetop pot, or microwave bag. Once popped, transfer the popcorn to a large greased mixing bowl. Make sure to sift through and remove any unpopped kernels, and if you fancy a little nuttiness, add in the optional chopped pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

    Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the packed brown sugar, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and fine sea salt. Gently stir the mixture occasionally until it begins to bubble and reaches a gentle boil.

      Incorporate Flavorings: Allow the bubbling mixture to boil undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. Once the time is up, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, pumpkin spice blend, and baking soda. Expect the mixture to bubble up quite a bit, so be cautious while mixing!

        Coat the Popcorn with Caramel: Promptly pour the rich caramel sauce over the popped popcorn. With a large spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the popcorn to ensure every kernel is beautifully coated with the warm caramel.

          Bake for Crunchiness: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the caramel-coated popcorn evenly across the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to promote an even coating and achieve that perfect crunch.

            Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the caramel popcorn from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. After cooling, break apart any large clumps, and indulge in your delightful Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn!

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

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the popcorn in clear glass jars or festive bowls for a delightful fall-themed treat, perfect for sharing at gatherings!