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5 from 2 votes
Autumn Caramel Popcorn in a mason jar and scattered around on a plaid towel with candy corn.
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Autumn Caramel Popcorn (Spicy!)
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
27 mins
 

This sweet, spicy popcorn has just the right amount of fall seasonings in the mix. Crunchy, buttery, popcorn and nuts means while the kids are out trick or treating, the grown-ups can indulge in a sweet and salty treat of their own!

Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: caramel popcorn
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 772 kcal
Author: Cathy Roma | What Should I Make For...
Ingredients
  • 3.5 oz lightly salted popcorn, popped (1 bag)
  • 1 cup dry roasted peanuts (heaping)
  • 2 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 3 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions

  1. Combine popcorn, peanuts, and cereal in a large, heat-proof bowl and set aside. Line two sheet pans with non-stick foil, set aside.

  2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, and water in a medium, heavy bottom saucepan over medium/high heat. Stir until butter is melted and attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan.

  3. Boil until the candy thermometer reaches 295 degrees, about 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and stir in salt and spices.
  5. Pour caramel over the popcorn mixture and carefully stir to combine using a wooden spoon. Make sure the caramel is evenly distributed over the popcorn.
  6. Work quickly before caramel hardens and pour the popcorn out on to the prepared sheet pans to cool.

  7. Allow to completely cool and then break into pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes
  • When making the caramel, stir it only until the butter melts, then leave it alone. Keep an eye on your heat so it doesn't burn. 
  • Keep a watchful eye as it approaches the 295 degree mark, and remove it from heat as soon as it hits the mark.
  • When you're working with caramel you need to work quickly and carefully. Caramel will burn, so take precautions so it doesn't splatter on your skin. Once the caramel is poured over the popcorn mixture, work quickly to stir and coat. 
  • Allow the caramel to cool completely before you break it into pieces to serve of store. The caramel popcorn will keep for several days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Autumn Caramel Popcorn (Spicy!)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 772 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 1496mg65%
Potassium 303mg9%
Carbohydrates 146g49%
Fiber 7g29%
Sugar 113g126%
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 620IU12%
Vitamin C 2.6mg3%
Calcium 72mg7%
Iron 7.7mg43%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.