Name: Creepy Caramel Popcorn
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups popped popcorn; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup corn syrup; 1 cup candy corn; 1/2 cup peanuts

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Creepy Caramel Popcorn is my go-to Halloween snack when I want something sweet, crunchy, and a little spooky. The warm caramel coating hugs every piece of popcorn, while the candy corn and peanuts bring just the right mix of sweet and salty. It’s the kind of treat I can set out for a party, movie night, or just when I want to snack on something festive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick to put together and uses simple ingredients I usually already have on hand. The caramel sauce is smooth and buttery, coating the popcorn with that perfect golden crunch. The addition of candy corn makes it festive, and the peanuts balance out the sweetness with a little salty bite. It’s also a recipe I can easily double if I’m hosting or wrap up in little bags for gifting. Creepy Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

10 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 cup candy corn
1/2 cup peanuts

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 250°F (120°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat. Then I stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup, letting it come to a gentle boil. I cook it for about 4–5 minutes without stirring.
I carefully pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn in a large bowl, tossing to coat evenly.
Next, I spread the coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
I bake it for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes so the popcorn stays crisp and doesn’t clump too much.
Once baked, I remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before mixing in the candy corn and peanuts.
After it cools completely, it’s ready to serve or store.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings. From start to finish, it takes roughly 1 hour, including baking and cooling time.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the candy corn for Halloween-colored chocolate candies or drizzle the cooled popcorn with melted white or dark chocolate. If I want more crunch, I add pretzels or extra nuts. For a spookier twist, I even use black and orange sprinkles right before the caramel sets.

storage/reheating

I keep the Creepy Caramel Popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature, where it stays fresh for up to a week. I don’t recommend reheating because the caramel can harden or burn, but if the popcorn gets slightly sticky, I just spread it on a baking sheet and pop it back in the oven at 250°F for about 10 minutes to crisp it up again. Creepy Caramel Popcorn

FAQs

Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?

Yes, I can use plain microwave popcorn, but I avoid buttered or flavored varieties since they can make the caramel too greasy or salty.

Do I need to stir the caramel while it cooks?

No, I let it boil without stirring so it doesn’t crystallize. I only stir when I add it to the popcorn.

Can I make this without peanuts?

Absolutely, I skip the peanuts if I want it nut-free or replace them with pretzels, pumpkin seeds, or almonds.

How do I keep the caramel popcorn from sticking together?

I make sure to stir the popcorn several times while it bakes. Once it cools, I break apart any clumps with my hands.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day or two in advance. Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh and crunchy.

Conclusion

Creepy Caramel Popcorn is one of my favorite fall treats because it’s easy, festive, and addictively delicious. I love the balance of sweet caramel, crunchy popcorn, and the seasonal flair of candy corn. It’s a snack that never fails to bring smiles (and sticky fingers) at any Halloween gathering.