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- 8 cups popcorn (popped, unsalted) - 1 cup mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds) - 1 cup dried cranberries - 1 cup candy corn The base of your mix starts with popcorn. I love using unsalted popcorn. It lets the sweet and salty flavors shine through. Mixed nuts add crunch and good fats. I often choose pecans, walnuts, and almonds for their great taste. Dried cranberries bring a fruity burst, while candy corn adds a nostalgic sweet touch. - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Caramel sauce is the star of this mix. You can buy it or make it at home. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. A pinch of sea salt enhances the sweet flavor. This balance of sweet and salty makes each bite special. - Seasonal spices (cloves, allspice) - Chocolate chips - Variety of dried fruits Feel free to get creative with add-ins! Seasonal spices like cloves can give an extra fall vibe. Chocolate chips add a fun twist, and other dried fruits can enhance the mix. Make it your own! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. - Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). - Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a big bowl, combine 8 cups of popped popcorn, 1 cup of mixed nuts, 1 cup of dried cranberries, and 1 cup of candy corn. Gently toss to mix. - In a small saucepan, warm 1 cup of caramel sauce over low heat. Stir it constantly until it's smooth and pourable. - Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to the warm caramel. Stir well to blend the flavors. - Drizzle the spiced caramel over your popcorn mix. Use a spatula to fold everything gently. Make sure the caramel coats everything well. - Spread the caramel-coated popcorn mix evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake it for 25-30 minutes. Stir the mix every 10 minutes to get that perfect crunch. Once you try this full recipe, you'll have a delicious snack ready for any fall gathering! To ensure even caramel coating on your popcorn mix, drizzle the warm caramel slowly. Start from one side and move across the mix. Use a spatula to fold gently. This will help coat all pieces without breaking them. For a crispy texture, bake the mix at a low temperature. Stir it every ten minutes to keep it from burning. Serve your fall harvest caramel corn mix in festive bowls or mason jars. You can add a fun touch by sprinkling a few extra cranberries or nuts on top. This adds color and texture. Wrapping jars with twine gives a charming rustic look that is perfect for fall gatherings. If your caramel is too sticky, you can fix it easily. Simply heat it for a bit longer. This helps it thin out. For adjusting flavors, taste the caramel before mixing. Add more salt or spices if needed. This way, you can create a flavor that suits your taste perfectly. {{image_4}} To make your caramel corn mix even more fun, try these flavors: - Pumpkin spice caramel corn: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to your caramel. This gives it a warm, autumn flavor. You can use pumpkin spice mix or create your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. - Apple cider-infused caramel mix: Replace half of the caramel sauce with apple cider. Heat until it thickens, and add a pinch of cinnamon. This will give your mix a sweet, tangy twist that screams fall! If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this treat. - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free popcorn. Most brands are naturally gluten-free. Just check the label to be sure. - Nut-free alternatives: Swap mixed nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. These will still add crunch without the nuts. Adding seasonal treats can make your mix special. - Incorporating fall candies: Toss in some chocolate-covered pretzels or mini marshmallows. These sweets add texture and fun flavors to your caramel corn. - Holiday-themed add-ins: For a festive touch, sprinkle in some holiday candies like chocolate Santas or red and green M&Ms. This makes your mix great for parties or gifts. These variations can help you create a unique snack. Try them out and share your favorites! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To keep your fall harvest caramel corn mix fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. These containers help block moisture and air, keeping your snack crisp. You can enjoy your mix for up to two weeks if stored properly. If your caramel corn mix becomes stale, you can revive it. Spread the mix on a baking sheet. Heat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. This will warm up the caramel and make it crispy again. If you notice an off smell or taste, it’s best to throw it away. It's always safer to enjoy fresh snacks! To make caramel sauce, heat sugar in a pan. Stir it until it melts. Once it turns golden brown, add butter and cream slowly. Mix until smooth. Be careful; hot sugar can burn. This simple sauce tastes great and makes your caramel corn shine. Yes, you can use microwave popcorn. Just make sure it is unsalted and unbuttered. It saves time and makes this recipe even easier. I often use it when I'm in a hurry. The flavor and texture still work well with the caramel. Serve your caramel corn in festive bowls or mason jars. You can also put it in small bags for guests to take home. Add a sprinkle of nuts or dried fruit on top for flair. This makes each serving look pretty and inviting. Absolutely! This caramel corn mix is a perfect gift. Package it in jars or cellophane bags. Tie a nice ribbon around them for a cute touch. Friends will love this tasty treat during the fall. It’s a fun way to share joy! Yes, you can make this caramel corn mix ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about a week. Making it early gives you more time to enjoy the season. Just keep it cool and dry to keep the crunch! This blog post covered how to make a tasty fall harvest caramel corn mix. You learned about the key ingredients, like popcorn, nuts, and dried fruit. I shared simple steps for mixing and baking your caramel corn. You also got tips for perfecting texture and presentation, plus fun variations. Remember, with a few tweaks, you can make this treat your own. Enjoy making this sweet snack for gatherings or as gifts. It’s all about using seasonal flavors and having fun in the kitchen. Happy snacking!

Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix

Create a delicious Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix that's perfect for autumn snacking! This easy recipe combines popcorn, mixed nuts, dried cranberries, and candy corn, all drizzled with spiced caramel for a sweet treat. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in, this mix will delight your taste buds. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and make your fall gatherings even sweeter!
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Ingredients
  

8 cups popcorn (popped, unsalted)

1 cup mixed nuts (a delightful blend of pecans, walnuts, and almonds)

1 cup dried cranberries (for a fruity punch)

1 cup candy corn (for sweetness and nostalgia)

1 cup caramel sauce (either store-bought or homemade)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warmth)

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for an earthy flavor)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt (to enhance sweetness)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will help the caramel mix evenly without burning. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

    Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the popped popcorn, mixed nuts, dried cranberries, and candy corn. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure that each handful has a nice mix of crunchy, sweet, and chewy components.

      Heat the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, over low heat, warm the caramel sauce. Stir it constantly to ensure even heating, making it pourable and easy to drizzle over your popcorn mix.

        Flavor the Caramel: Once the caramel sauce is warm, add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and sea salt. Stir vigorously until all the spices are well incorporated into the sauce, enhancing its flavor profile for your mix.

          Combine Caramel and Popcorn: Drizzle the spiced caramel mixture over the popcorn blend. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture, ensuring that the caramel coats the popcorn, nuts, cranberries, and candy corn evenly without crushing the popcorn.

            Bake the Mixture: Spread the caramel-coated popcorn mixture in an even layer onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps it bake uniformly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remember to stir the mix every 10 minutes to ensure that all pieces achieve that delightful crunch and caramel coating.

              Cool and Break Apart: Once baked, carefully remove the tray from the oven and let the caramel corn cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling process allows the caramel to harden, making it easier to break into bite-sized pieces.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve your fall harvest caramel corn mix in festive bowl or mason jars. For an added touch, sprinkle a few more cranberries or nuts on top for color, and consider wrapping jars with twine for a charming rustic look!