How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Popcorn

Caramel apples offer the perfect balance of sweet and tarty. Caramel corn delivers golden, crunchy goodness with every bite.  

But what really takes the cake (or should we say, the popcorn bowl) is caramel apple popcorn! Imagine freshly popped popcorn from your Popper coated in homemade apple-spiced caramel and topped with dried apple chips. It’s a yummy treat you can enjoy year-round.

Check out the recipe below:

Caramel Apple Popcorn Ingredients

• ½ cup kernels

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil 

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ¼ cup corn syrup

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon apple pie spice

• 1 cup apple chips, chopped into small bits

• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Caramel Apple Popcorn Directions

Step 1: Preheat Stove

Set your stove to medium heat and let your Popper preheat for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Oil and Kernels

Pour oil into the Popsmith and toss 3 kernels. When the first kernel pops, add the remaining ones and cover the pop 

Step 3: Turn

Crank the Popper clockwise while the kernels pop to prevent burning. You don’t have to do this the entire time — a couple spins every now and then will do the trick. 

Step 4: Remove

When popping slows to 1 to 2 seconds between pops, take the Popper off the heat, remove the lid, and pour the popcorn into a huge bowl.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

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

Step 6: Make Caramel Apple Popcorn Sauce

Combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and stir occasionally. Once boiling, let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes or until it reaches 240°F (aka soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda, vanilla, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. 

GOOD TO KNOW: The caramel mixture might foam up slightly, but this is normal. Just keep stirring until it becomes smooth.

Step 7: Combine

Pour the caramel apple mixture over the popcorn and use a spatula to coat it evenly. Add the dried apple chips and nuts if you’re using them and fold again until well distributed.

Step 8: Bake

Spread the popcorn onto the baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes for a nice, even coating. 

Step 9: Serve

Allow your caramel apple popcorn to cool completely on the baking sheet. Then break into clusters once cooled and enjoy! 

More Caramel Apple Popcorn Tips

• Want a stronger apple flavor? Add about ½ teaspoon of apple extract to the caramel sauce.

• Don’t have a candy thermometer? No problem. You can use the cold water test. Simply drop a piece of caramel into cold water. It should form a ball that flattens when you remove it from the water and press it between your fingers.

• If you’re making caramel apple popcorn as a party favor or gift, line a mason jar with parchment paper, fill the jar with popcorn (leaving some room on the top), cover it, and tie twine or ribbon around it. Pair with a bottle of apple cider or mulled spices for an extra special touch.

• Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container and eat it within a week (if it lasts that long, which we doubt).

Apple-solutely Delicious Any Day of the Year

Whether you’re making it for yourself on movie night or saving it for a special, this caramel apple popcorn doesn’t disappoint. It’s sweet but not too sweet, with a hint of tartness from the apples and spice from the cinnamon. Plus, you get bragging rights for making your own caramel from scratch. 

Want more popcorn recipes? You’ll find plenty of inspiration in our blog. Check out our posts on zebra popcorn, Chicago-style popcorn, and more today!