Holiday Caramel Corn Mix Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery
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Introduction

Holiday Caramel Corn Mix is a delightful treat that combines the crunch of popcorn and nuts with sweet caramel, chocolate, and festive candies. It’s perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying as a special snack.

A white bowl is filled with a mix of popcorn covered in a shiny caramel layer and colorful candy-coated chocolates in red, blue, green, and yellow. Dark brown chocolate is drizzled over the top in thin ribbons, giving a glossy texture that contrasts with the caramel. Some popcorn pieces have a more puffy white look while others are covered in the rich caramel, and the candies are scattered evenly throughout. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with small nuts and candies scattered around, along with soft yellow fairy lights adding a warm glow. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 10 cups popped popcorn
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (melted)
  • 1 cup mixed nuts
  • 1/2 cup holiday candy (like M&Ms)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the popped popcorn and mixed nuts.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and place it in the oven for 15 minutes to set the caramel.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated popcorn.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle the holiday candy on top. Allow the mix to cool completely before serving to let the chocolate and caramel harden.

Tips & Variations

  • Use salted nuts to add a savory contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate.
  • Substitute holiday candy with dried cranberries or pretzel pieces for a different twist.
  • For a thicker caramel coating, gently warm the caramel sauce before drizzling.

Storage

Store the caramel corn mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain the crunch. If it softens, you can reheat it briefly in a low oven (200°F/95°C) to crisp it up again.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with white popcorn mixed with colorful red, blue, green, and yellow candy-coated chocolates scattered throughout, topped with drizzles of shiny brown chocolate and smooth golden caramel sauce layered over the popcorn, creating a textured and vibrant snack. The bowl is light beige with a dark rim and is set on a white marbled surface, surrounded by scattered nuts and candies, and small warm fairy lights adding a cozy touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mix a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.

What kind of caramel sauce works best?

Use a thick, creamy caramel sauce for the best coating. Store-bought or homemade caramel both work well, as long as it’s pourable but not too runny.

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Holiday Caramel Corn Mix Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 119 reviews
  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 10 minutes plus cooling time
  • Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
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Description

A festive Holiday Caramel Corn Mix featuring crunchy popcorn, sweet caramel, melted chocolate, mixed nuts, and colorful holiday candy. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for holiday gatherings, gifts, or enjoying any time during the season.

Ingredients

Scale

Popcorn and Nuts

  • 10 cups popped popcorn
  • 1 cup mixed nuts

Sauces and Toppings

  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (melted)
  • 1/2 cup holiday candy (such as M&Ms)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) to keep the popcorn mix warm while it sets.
  2. Combine Popcorn and Nuts: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the 10 cups of popped popcorn with 1 cup of mixed nuts to distribute the crunchy elements evenly.
  3. Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the popcorn and nut mixture. Toss gently but well to ensure every piece is coated in caramel.
  4. Drizzle Melted Chocolate: Melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and drizzle this melted chocolate over the caramel-coated popcorn and nut mix for added sweetness and flavor.
  5. Add Holiday Candy: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of holiday candies such as M&Ms over the top to add color and festive flair.
  6. Cool and Set: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet or leave in the bowl and allow it to cool at room temperature or in the warmed oven until the caramel and chocolate have set completely before serving.

Notes

  • For crispier caramel corn, after tossing in caramel, spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes at 250°F, stirring every 15 minutes.
  • You can substitute mixed nuts with your favorites such as pecans, almonds, or cashews.
  • Melt chocolate chips gently using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning.
  • Store leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Adjust candy type or amount based on your preference or dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel corn, holiday snack, popcorn mix, festive treat, caramel popcorn, holiday candy mix, easy snack

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