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Easy Homemade Apple Cider Caramel Popcorn Bites

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These cozy apple cider caramel popcorn bites are quick, easy, and perfect for last-minute desserts or cozy nights. Made with simple ingredients, they combine sweet caramel and tart apple cider for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 cups plain popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider (optional, for apple cider powder)

Instructions

  1. Pop the popcorn using your preferred method. Pour into a large bowl and pick out any unpopped kernels. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until reduced to about 1/4 cup (about 10-12 minutes), until thick and syrupy.
  3. To the reduced cider, add brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, corn syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir over medium heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Once boiling, stop stirring and let boil undisturbed until it reaches 250°F (120°C) on a candy thermometer (firm ball stage), about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove caramel from heat. Carefully stir in baking soda (it will foam), then add vanilla extract and stir until combined.
  5. Pour hot caramel over popped popcorn in a large bowl. Gently fold to coat as many pieces as possible without crushing the popcorn.
  6. Let mixture cool for 2-3 minutes until cool enough to handle. Lightly butter your hands, then form small handfuls into bite-sized clusters (about golf ball size). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Allow popcorn bites to cool completely on the baking sheet (about 20-30 minutes) until firm.

Notes

Don’t skip the apple cider reduction—it concentrates flavor and prevents soggy caramel. Work quickly once caramel is made; it sets fast. Humidity can make popcorn bites soft; store in an airtight container. For best texture, let cool completely before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider, caramel popcorn, popcorn bites, fall dessert, easy dessert, last-minute dessert, cozy treat

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-homemade-apple-cider-caramel-popcorn-bites/