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Easy Halloween Candy Corn Pretzel Popcorn Mix

Easy Halloween Candy Corn Pretzel Popcorn Mix - featured image
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A festive and addictive Halloween snack featuring a balance of salty pretzels, crunchy popcorn, and chewy candy corn, all coated in a rich homemade caramel glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 cups popped popcorn (plain, not buttery)
  • 2 cups broken pretzel sticks or pretzel rods
  • 1.5 cups standard candy corn
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prep workspace: In a large mixing bowl (approx. 6-quart), toss together the popped popcorn, pretzel pieces, and candy corn until evenly distributed. Ensure popcorn is cool.
  2. Melt butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the butter. If using a microwave, heat on high for 30 seconds and stir. If using a stove, melt over medium-low heat without browning.
  3. Add sugar and syrup: Stir in the brown sugar and light corn syrup until mostly dissolved. If using a microwave, heat for another 60 seconds and stir. The mixture should be bubbling and hot.
  4. Boil caramel: If using a stove, bring the mixture to a gentle boil for exactly 1 minute. If using a microwave, heat for another 30 seconds and stir. The mixture should be a glossy, amber color.
  5. Add vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Be careful of steam.
  6. Combine: Pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn and pretzel mix. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Spread and cool: Spread the mix onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or back into the large bowl. Let cool for at least 15 minutes until the caramel hardens.
  8. Serve: Break up any large clumps if needed and serve at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use fresh popcorn to ensure crunchiness. If the caramel is too thick, microwave for 10 more seconds; if too thin, it may have been boiled too long. The flavors meld and improve if made a day ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If pretzels soften due to humidity, bake at 200°F for 10 minutes to crisp up.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween snack, candy corn, pretzel popcorn, caramel popcorn, easy party snack, fall treats, sweet and salty snack

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/easy-halloween-candy-corn-pretzel-popcorn-mix/