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Easy Halloween Popcorn Mix with Candy Corn

Easy Halloween Popcorn Mix with Candy Corn - featured image

This Easy Halloween Popcorn Mix with Candy Corn is a sweet and salty treat that combines buttery popcorn, chewy candy corn, and crunchy pretzels with a glossy caramel coating. It’s quick to make, perfect for Halloween parties, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels or one 3.3 oz bag of plain microwave popcorn)
  • 1 cup candy corn (classic Brach’s recommended)
  • 1 cup mini pretzel twists (or pretzel sticks broken in half)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus a pinch for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Pop the popcorn using an air popper, stovetop, or microwave. Spread on the prepared baking sheet and remove any unpopped kernels.
  3. Sprinkle the mini pretzels and candy corn evenly over the popcorn. Gently toss to distribute.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir constantly until butter is melted and mixture is smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Bring to a gentle boil and let boil for 2 minutes without stirring.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Quickly stir in baking soda; mixture will foam and lighten in color.
  6. Working quickly, drizzle the hot caramel evenly over the popcorn mixture. Gently fold with a silicone spatula until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Spread the coated mixture back onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then stir gently. Bake for another 5-7 minutes until caramel is set and popcorn is lightly golden.
  8. Let cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes without touching. The caramel will harden as it cools.
  9. Once cool, break into clusters. Serve or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Don’t overbake to prevent candy corn from melting. Work quickly with caramel after adding baking soda. Use a light touch when mixing to avoid crushing popcorn. Let cool completely for crunchy texture. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween popcorn mix, candy corn popcorn, easy Halloween treat, sweet and salty popcorn, caramel popcorn with candy corn