Go Back
- 8 cups popcorn (popped, unsalted) - 1 cup mixed nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, and almonds) - 1 cup dried cranberries - 1 cup candy corn - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt The key to a great Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix is in the ingredients. Each one adds a unique touch. You can use popped, unsalted popcorn as your base. Next, add mixed nuts for crunch. I love using pecans, walnuts, and almonds together. They create a lovely, nutty flavor. Dried cranberries bring a sweet-tart taste that balances the mix. Candy corn adds a fun, festive touch. The caramel sauce is the star. It ties all the flavors together. You can buy it or make your own if you prefer. If you want to change things up, consider these swaps. Instead of mixed nuts, use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. For the caramel sauce, you can try maple syrup or honey. This will give a different sweetness. Dried fruits like raisins or apricots also work well in place of cranberries. For the best caramel corn, choose your popcorn wisely. Air-popped popcorn is light and fluffy. It has no added oil or salt, which is great if you want to control flavors. If you prefer less work, microwaved popcorn is quick. Just make sure it’s unsalted. You can also use pre-buttered popcorn. It adds a rich flavor, but be careful with salt. Too much salt can overpower your mix. 1. Preheating the oven: First, you need to preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low heat will help the caramel corn become crunchy without burning. 2. Preparing the baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps the caramel corn from sticking, making it easier to clean up later. 1. Combining popcorn and add-ins: In a large bowl, mix 8 cups of popped popcorn, 1 cup of mixed nuts, 1 cup of dried cranberries, and 1 cup of candy corn. Toss everything together until it’s mixed well. 2. Making the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan, warm 1 cup of caramel sauce over low heat. Stir it constantly until it is pourable. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir well to blend the spices into the sauce. 1. Baking time and monitoring: Drizzle the caramel mixture over the popcorn mix. Use a spatula to fold it in gently. Spread the coated mix evenly on the baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Stir it every 10 minutes. This helps ensure even coating. 2. Achieving perfect crunchiness: When the baking time is up, take it out and let it cool on the baking sheet. This cooling step is key to getting that perfect crunch. Once cooled, break it into pieces and enjoy your Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix! For the full details, check out the Full Recipe. To avoid a sticky mixture, make sure to warm your caramel sauce gently. If it gets too hot, it can clump and become hard. Stir it well, so it stays smooth. Drizzle the warm caramel over the popcorn mix evenly. This step helps coat everything nicely. For even distribution of caramel, use a spatula to fold the popcorn mix. Be gentle but thorough. You want every piece to get a taste of that sweet goodness. Remember to stir the mixture every ten minutes while baking. This helps the caramel coat all the popcorn. You can serve caramel corn in many fun ways. Try using small paper bags for easy grabbing. This works great for parties or movie nights. You can also fill a large bowl for sharing. Add a festive touch with autumn-themed decorations. Pair your caramel corn with drinks like apple cider or hot cocoa. These flavors match well with the sweetness. For a salty-sweet combo, serve it with cheese or pretzels. This mix of flavors will leave everyone coming back for more. To add different spices, try mixing in a dash of pumpkin spice. It adds a warm, cozy taste perfect for fall. You can also use a pinch of ginger for a bit of zing. Incorporating seasonal flavors is easy too. Dried fruits like apples or pears can give a nice twist. You can swap out the cranberries for a fun change. Just remember to keep the balance between sweet and salty. This way, every bite is a delight. {{image_2}} You can boost the flavor of your Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix by adding seasonal spices. Pumpkin spice is a great choice. Just add about one teaspoon to your caramel sauce. This gives your mix a warm, cozy taste. You can also try adding autumn-themed mix-ins. Some good options are mini marshmallows or pieces of dried apple. These add fun textures and flavors that fit the season. If you need a gluten-free version, it’s easy. Use certified gluten-free popcorn and check your caramel sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free options. For nut-free alternatives, simply skip the mixed nuts. You can replace them with seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They add crunch and nutrition without the nuts. Want to try something new? Consider making chocolate-covered caramel corn. After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled corn. It adds a rich taste that pairs well with caramel. You can also explore savory variations. Mix in cheese powder for a cheesy kick. Or add a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist. These ideas make your snack more exciting and unique. To keep your Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic bins work great. Make sure the containers are clean and completely dry. This helps prevent moisture from ruining your snack. Store it in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. At room temperature, the caramel corn mix lasts about one week. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it. In the fridge, it stays fresh for about two weeks. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before eating. If your caramel corn mix becomes stale, you can refresh it. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the mix on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes. This helps restore its crunchy texture. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Enjoy your tasty snack with a satisfying crunch! Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix is a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors. It combines popcorn with crunchy nuts, chewy dried cranberries, and colorful candy corn. The mix is then coated in a rich caramel sauce, spiced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. This treat captures the essence of fall and makes a perfect snack for cozy nights. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the caramel corn mix and store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to one week. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing. This way, you can enjoy it later or serve it at a party. Making homemade caramel sauce is simple. Here’s a quick recipe: 1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup of sugar over medium heat. 2. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a golden color. 3. Carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously. 4. Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup of butter and a pinch of salt. 5. Let it cool before using it for your caramel corn mix. This sauce is sweet, creamy, and perfect for drizzling over your snack. Yes, this recipe is great for large gatherings. It yields about 12 servings, making it perfect for sharing. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. Serve it in large bowls or individual bags for a fun party treat. Everyone will love it! This blog post showed you how to make delicious caramel corn. We covered the key ingredients, helpful tips, and fun variations. You learned about ingredient swaps, baking tips, and how to keep it fresh. Remember, you can make it your own with different flavors or dietary changes. Enjoying this treat can be easy and exciting. So gather your ingredients and try making caramel corn today!

Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix

Indulge in the festive flavors of Fall with this delicious Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix! This easy recipe combines popcorn, mixed nuts, dried cranberries, and candy corn, all drizzled with a warm caramel sauce. Perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings, it’s a delightful treat that captures autumn's spirit. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and make your fall celebrations even sweeter!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 cups popcorn (popped, unsalted)

1 cup mixed nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, and almonds)

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup candy corn

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

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

    In a large bowl, combine the popped popcorn, mixed nuts, dried cranberries, and candy corn. Toss to mix evenly.

      In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the caramel sauce to make it pourable, stirring constantly.

        Once the caramel is warmed, add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt to the sauce, stirring well to combine.

          Drizzle the caramel mixture over the popcorn mix, using a spatula to gently fold the mixture and coat it evenly.

            Spread the caramel-coated popcorn mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

              Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even coating and crunchiness.

                Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into pieces.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12