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Best Easy Apple Cider Caramel Popcorn Bites

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These apple cider caramel popcorn bites are a quick and easy crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings. The apple cider adds a tangy-sweet brightness to the caramel, creating a unique and delicious snack that stays crunchy for days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 cups popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
  • 1 cup apple cider (reduced to about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for sprinkling)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Pop the popcorn to yield about 10 cups. Remove any unpopped kernels.
  3. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until reduced to about 1/4 cup (10-12 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a large pot, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and reduced apple cider. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted and mixture is smooth.
  5. Stop stirring and bring to a full boil. Cook until mixture reaches 250°F (120°C) on a candy thermometer (firm ball stage), about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixture will bubble and become frothy.
  7. Pour hot caramel over popcorn in a large bowl. Gently fold until evenly coated.
  8. While still warm, lightly grease hands with butter or cooking spray. Shape mixture into compact golf ball-sized bites and place on prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through.
  10. Cool completely on baking sheets for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh apple cider and reduce it properly. If caramel hardens while shaping, reheat pot on low for a minute. Bites taste even better the next day. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider, caramel popcorn, popcorn bites, fall snack, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser, gluten-free

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/best-easy-apple-cider-caramel-popcorn-bites/