Caramel Candy Popcorn

By ladygourmet

This caramel candy popcorn recipe is sweet, savory, tart and salty -- all of the flavors in one delicious snack! Be careful making the caramel sauce so you don't burn the sugar.

Ingredients

• CARAMEL SAUCE:
• 1/2 cup peanuts
• 1/2 cup craisins
• 1/2 cup mini pretzels
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate M&Ms
• 3/4 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup cooking oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice, optional
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup whipping cream

Details

Servings 12
Preparation time 5mins
Cooking time 30mins
Adapted from livingthegourmet.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 250°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a bowl, toss together peanuts, craisins, pretzels and M&Ms. Divide the mixture between the two baking sheets. Set aside.

In a large cast iron pot, heat cooking oil over high heat with one kernel inside. Once the kernel pops, add about ¾ cup popcorn kernels. Once the popping reduces, lower the heat to medium-low. When all the kernels have popped, remove the pot from stove and let it rest with the lid on.

In the meantime, prepare your caramel sauce. Add the sugar to a medium size saucepan over high heat. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and begins to boil, add butter and whisk. When the butter has melted and the mixture is now thick, slowly add the whipping cream. Be sure to add the cream slowly as it will boil and may splatter.

Whisk until a thick caramel sauce forms. Remove from heat.

Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice, then pour the caramel over the popcorn and toss until the popcorn is completely coated with caramel. Divide the popcorn between the prepared baking sheets with the peanuts, craisins, pretzels and M&Ms.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Just until the caramel has set and all the ingredients have warmed. Be sure not to burn the popcorn.

Transfer to a serving bowl sprinkle with salt if desired, and enjoy!