Caramel Candy Apple Popcorn Mix

# What You'll Need:

→ Popcorn

01 - 1/2 cup popcorn kernels or 10 cups plain popped popcorn

→ Caramel Sauce

02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter

03 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

04 - 1/4 cup light corn syrup

05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

06 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

07 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Candy and Mix-Ins

08 - 1 cup dried apple rings, chopped

09 - 3/4 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces

10 - 1/2 cup salted peanuts, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

02 - Pop popcorn using your preferred method. Place in a large mixing bowl and discard any unpopped kernels.

03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil.

04 - Allow mixture to boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla extract until bubbling subsides.

05 - Immediately pour caramel sauce over popcorn. Using a spatula, gently toss to coat all popcorn evenly.

06 - Spread coated popcorn onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes for even coating.

07 - Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Break apart any large clumps.

08 - Once completely cool, mix in dried apples, candy-coated chocolates, and peanuts if using.

09 - Transfer to an airtight container until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It's ridiculously easy to make but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.
The mix of textures—crispy, chewy, crunchy—keeps every handful interesting.
People actually ask for the recipe, which never gets old.

02 -

Don't skip the parchment paper or you'll spend twenty minutes scraping caramel off your baking sheet with the kind of frustration that ruins a good afternoon.
The baking soda step is non-negotiable—it's what makes this light and crispy instead of dense and hard like old-fashioned brittle.

03 -