Irresistible Halloween Popcorn Mix with Candy Corn and Pretzels
A quick and easy sweet and salty snack mix combining popped popcorn, pretzels, and candy corn coated in a brown sugar and butter mixture. Perfect for Halloween parties or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 cups popped popcorn (air-popped preferred)
- 2 cups pretzel sticks or twists, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 to 2 cups traditional candy corn
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn and aim for about 12 cups. Remove any unpopped kernels and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Let cool slightly.
- Break pretzel sticks into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the popcorn. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan until liquid but not browned.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar and vanilla extract to form a paste-like consistency.
- Pour the melted butter over the popcorn and pretzels. Add the brown sugar and vanilla mixture. Gently fold everything together with a silicone spatula to coat evenly without crushing ingredients.
- Add the candy corn to the bowl and gently toss to distribute. Be careful not to break the candy corn.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using, toss one last time, and serve immediately.
Notes
If the brown sugar clumps, you can pop the mix in the oven at 200°F for 10 minutes to dry it out and crisp the pretzels. Ensure the butter is warm but not hot when adding it to prevent melting the candy corn. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free popcorn and pretzels. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Halloween, popcorn mix, candy corn, pretzels, sweet and salty snack, easy recipe, party snack, fall treats