If you’re craving an irresistible snack that combines cozy autumn flavors with a satisfying crunch, this Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn Recipe is exactly what you need. Think about the subtle warmth of pumpkin spice dancing with rich caramel coating every fluffy kernel, topped off with the delightful crunch of roasted pumpkin seeds. It’s a perfect treat for chilly evenings, festive gatherings, or whenever you want to cozy up with a movie and something truly delicious. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to snack to celebrate fall any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing this wonderful blend of flavors. Each item plays a special role in creating the texture, sweetness, and signature pumpkin spice taste that makes this popcorn stand apart.
- 10 cups popped popcorn: Freshly popped for maximum crunch and volume, the base for absorbing all that luscious caramel goodness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness and helps create the smooth caramel coating.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brings deep molasses flavor and a perfect balance of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup corn syrup: Keeps the caramel glossy and prevents it from crystallizing for smooth coverage.
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice: The star seasoning blend—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger—that transforms simple caramel into autumn magic.
- 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds: Provides a toasty, nutty crunch that complements the caramel’s sweetness and echoes the pumpkin theme.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This low temperature ensures that the popcorn gets evenly coated and crisped without burning. Parchment paper makes clean-up a breeze and stops the popcorn from sticking.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add brown sugar, corn syrup, and pumpkin spice. Stir constantly as the mixture comes to a boil—this helps dissolve the sugar thoroughly and blends in the warm spices beautifully. The aroma at this point is pure fall comfort!
Step 3: Remove Caramel from Heat
After the mixture has boiled and thickened, take the saucepan off the heat. This prevents the caramel from cooking too long and turning bitter while you prepare to coat the popcorn.
Step 4: Coat the Popcorn with Caramel
Pour the hot caramel carefully over your popped popcorn. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently stir and toss, making sure every kernel is well covered with that flavorful caramel glaze.
Step 5: Bake for Crispy Perfection
Spread the coated popcorn evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the caramel bakes evenly and the popcorn crisps up perfectly. This step is what gives you that delightful snap in every bite.
Step 6: Add Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Pull the popcorn out of the oven and while it’s still warm, sprinkle the roasted pumpkin seeds on top. The seeds add a beautiful textural contrast and deepen the autumn-inspired flavors of the snack.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the popcorn cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. This allows the caramel to harden just right, so your Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn Recipe delivers that perfect combination of crunch and flavor every time.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and texture, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving—this balances the sweetness beautifully. You can also add extra cinnamon powder or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a festive twist.
Side Dishes
This popcorn pairs incredibly well with warm beverages like spiced apple cider, hot chocolate, or pumpkin latte. It’s also a delightful match alongside a cheese platter featuring creamy brie or sharp cheddar, elevating your snack experience to party-worthy status.
Creative Ways to Present
Package individual servings in clear cellophane bags tied with orange or brown ribbons for gifts. Alternatively, serve it in rustic bowls at your Thanksgiving table, or use decorative paper cones to create charming, handheld snack portions perfect for movie nights or outdoor gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and crisp for up to a week, making it a handy snack to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, you can freeze the popcorn in a freezer-safe bag or container. When well-sealed, it will keep for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw at room temperature before opening to prevent condensation from softening the popcorn.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, spread the popcorn on a baking sheet and warm it in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes. This simple step refreshes that perfect crunch while keeping the caramel intact.
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use unflavored, unsalted microwave popcorn so the caramel and pumpkin spice flavors shine through without interference from pre-seasoned corn.
What can I substitute for corn syrup?
If you don’t have corn syrup, light golden syrup or a mild honey can work as alternatives. They both help maintain the caramel’s smooth texture, although honey may add a slightly different flavor note.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a vegan-friendly sweetener. Just keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor profile but still deliciously capture the essence of pumpkin spice and caramel.
How spicy is the pumpkin spice in this recipe?
The 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice offers a warm, inviting hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves without being overpowering. You can always adjust to taste if you prefer it milder or with a bit more kick.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this popcorn?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries complement the pumpkin spice and caramel flavors wonderfully. Just toss them in with the roasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn Recipe that makes it a standout snack. It’s warm, sweet, and perfectly crunchy, capturing everything you love about fall in a bowl. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find there’s no better way to celebrate cozy moments or impress guests with a homemade treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Print
Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Caramel Popcorn recipe combines the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with sweet caramel to create a deliciously crunchy treat. Perfect for cozy fall gatherings or a sweet snack, it features crisp popcorn coated in a buttery caramel glaze, enhanced with aromatic pumpkin spice, and topped with roasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Popcorn and Toppings
- 10 cups popped popcorn
- 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and pumpkin spice. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly to ensure it combines smoothly and doesn’t burn.
- Remove from Heat: Once it reaches a boil, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat to stop the cooking process and prevent the caramel from burning.
- Coat Popcorn: Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the popped popcorn. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the popcorn pieces with the caramel sauce.
- Bake Popcorn: Spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning.
- Add Pumpkin Seeds: Remove the popcorn from the oven and sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the popcorn to cool completely before serving so the caramel can harden slightly and provide a satisfying crunch.
Notes
- Use fresh popped popcorn to ensure the best texture.
- Stirring the popcorn every 15 minutes during baking is crucial to prevent the caramel from clumping or burning.
- Roasted pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch and complementary flavor, but you can omit them for a nut-free version.
- Store leftover popcorn in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- You can adjust the amount of pumpkin spice to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder flavor.
