This fun treat mixes sweet popcorn with the taste of apple pie and a hint of bourbon. It’s crunchy, tasty, and perfect for movie nights or a cozy get-together!
I love making this popcorn when friends visit. The smell is amazing, and it’s hard to resist just one handful. It’s like a party in your mouth! 🍏🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Popcorn: You’ll need about 10 cups of popped popcorn. You can pop your own using kernels or use microwave popcorn as a time-saver. Just make sure it’s plain to keep the flavors true to the recipe.
Pecans: These add a nutty crunch. If you can’t find pecans, walnuts work too! You could even skip the nuts if you prefer a nut-free snack.
Bourbon: This gives the popcorn a unique flavor, but if you want a non-alcoholic version, try using apple juice or apple cider for a fruity twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. You can also substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter if you’re dairy-free.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring the apple pie flavor. For a bit more warmth, add a pinch of ground ginger! If you don’t have these spices, apple pie spice mixes are a great alternative.
How Do You Ensure the Caramel Coats Evenly?
The caramel sauce is essential for tasty popcorn, and making it right is key. Here’s how to get that perfect coating:
- Keep the heat on medium while melting the ingredients. This prevents burning.
- Once boiling, don’t stir! Let it bubble for several minutes to develop that caramel texture.
- When adding the baking soda, mix quickly and carefully. It will puff up, so be prepared!
- Pour over the popcorn immediately for the best coverage, then toss gently to coat without crushing the popcorn.
Remember to stir the popcorn every 15 minutes while baking to ensure that each piece gets that yummy caramel layer. This will create clusters of deliciousness!
How to Make Apple Pie Bourbon Popcorn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Popcorn:
- 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- 1/2 cup pecans
For the Caramel Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful snack takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus another 50 minutes to bake. Allow some time for cooling afterward. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a cozy night in or a fun movie night with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). While that’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help keep your popcorn from sticking.
2. Mix the Popcorn and Pecans:
In a very large mixing bowl, add in your popped popcorn and the pecans. Give them a little mix just to combine. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the caramel coating.
3. Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, bourbon, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Keep stirring as you bring this mixture to a boil.
4. Boil the Mixture:
Once it starts boiling, stop stirring and let it boil for about 4-5 minutes. You want it to get nice and thick, like a caramel. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
5. Add the Baking Soda and Vanilla:
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Be careful as it will bubble up a bit!
6. Coat the Popcorn:
Quickly pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and pecans. Use a spatula to gently toss everything together, making sure every piece of popcorn gets coated. You want it all evenly covered!
7. Bake the Popcorn:
Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and coating.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will harden as it cools, turning your popcorn into delightful clusters!
9. Enjoy Your Creation:
After it has cooled, break the popcorn into clusters and serve! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it crunchy. Enjoy your festive Apple Pie Bourbon Popcorn, bursting with the warm flavors of apple pie spices and a little bourbon kick!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pecans or prefer something else, walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts can work well. Just make sure they are roasted for added flavor and crunch!
How Do I Store Leftover Popcorn?
Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, but I doubt it will last that long!
Can I Omit the Bourbon?
Yes! If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version. This will still give you a lovely apple flavor without the alcohol content.
What If My Caramel Doesn’t Thicken?
If your caramel sauce hasn’t thickened properly, it may need a few more minutes of boiling. Ensure you’re boiling it on medium heat without stirring. If it still doesn’t reach a caramel-like consistency, try simmering it a little longer. Just be careful not to burn it!