Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn

Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn

You guys, I just made the best snack—Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn! It’s crunchy, sweet, and just the right amount of spice.

The pumpkin flavor is warm and cozy, and the spices? Total perfection. Every bite is like a little fall party in your mouth.

Honestly, I couldn’t stop munching on it. I know you’re going to love it too.

Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to make this easy, delicious treat right at home. You’re going to want it all season long!

Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor-packed and cozy: The combination of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and white chocolate is the epitome of fall flavors. It’s like a warm, spiced dessert in popcorn form!
  • Super simple to make: You’ll only need a few ingredients, and the process is quick and easy. It takes no more than 15-20 minutes from start to finish!
  • Perfect for a crowd: Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn makes an excellent snack for movie nights, fall parties, or just when you want to cozy up with a good book.
  • Customizable: You can tweak the spices to your liking, add nuts for extra crunch, or even drizzle more white chocolate for that extra sweetness.
  • Seasonal fun: This is the perfect treat to make as the fall season rolls in. The warm pumpkin spice flavors are perfect for snacking during the cool weather.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have the following kitchen tools handy:

  • Large mixing bowl: You’ll need a big bowl to toss the popcorn with the spiced pumpkin mixture.
  • Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler: For melting the white chocolate wafers.
  • Baking sheet: To lay out the popcorn while it cools and hardens slightly.
  • Measuring spoons: For accurate measurement of spices and other ingredients.
  • Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat: To line your baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Ingredients

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible treat:

  • About 4 cups of popped popcorn: You can pop the popcorn yourself using a popcorn maker or microwave popcorn, or you can use pre-popped popcorn. Just make sure there are no unpopped kernels!
  • 15-20 white chocolate melting wafers: These are great for coating the popcorn with a creamy, sweet finish. You can use chocolate chips or any other melting chocolate if you prefer.
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as it can be too sweet and contain extra spices.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the popcorn mix.
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Another warm spice that complements the cinnamon and pumpkin flavor.

Variations for Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some variations to consider:

  • Add nuts: Toss in some roasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor. It also adds a bit of savory to balance out the sweetness.
  • Use dark chocolate: If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, swap it out for dark chocolate. The bitterness of dark chocolate can pair beautifully with the spices and pumpkin flavor.
  • Drizzle with caramel: For an even richer treat, drizzle some caramel sauce over the finished popcorn.
  • Add a little sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt can create a perfect balance between the sweet and savory notes of this popcorn.
  • Spicy kick: If you like things a little spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the mix to give it an extra bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pop the Popcorn

First, you need about 4 cups of popped popcorn. You can make your own using a popcorn maker or a microwave popcorn bag. If you’re popping it yourself, aim for plain popcorn (no butter or salt), as the pumpkin and white chocolate will provide plenty of flavor. If you’re using pre-popped popcorn, ensure that it’s fresh and not stale.

Read Also  Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars: The Perfect Fall Dessert

Once your popcorn is popped, pour it into a large mixing bowl. Gently break apart any larger pieces so that the coating will stick more evenly.

2. Melt the White Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt your white chocolate melting wafers. If you’re using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it’s completely melted and smooth.

Be sure not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn. You want a creamy, smooth consistency that’s easy to pour over your popcorn.

3. Add the Pumpkin Spice Mixture

While the chocolate is melting, mix together the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined. You can also adjust the spices to your taste. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add more cinnamon! If you want more of a nutmeg kick, add a little more of that spice.

Once the white chocolate is ready, pour the melted chocolate into the pumpkin spice mixture. Stir the two together until the pumpkin puree and spices are completely incorporated into the chocolate.

4. Coat the Popcorn

Now, pour the spiced chocolate mixture over your popped popcorn. Using a spatula or spoon, gently stir the popcorn to ensure every kernel gets coated with the spiced white chocolate. Be gentle so that you don’t crush the popcorn!

Make sure that the chocolate is evenly distributed, and feel free to add more white chocolate if necessary. You want a nice coating, but not so much that the popcorn becomes soggy.

5. Let It Cool and Harden

Once your popcorn is well-coated, spread it out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent it from sticking to the sheet as it cools.

Allow the popcorn to cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. The white chocolate will harden, giving the popcorn a delightful crisp texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the baking sheet in the fridge for a faster cooling time.

Read Also  Pumpkin Crunch Parfaits

6. Break Apart and Serve

Once the popcorn has cooled and the chocolate has hardened, break it apart into smaller pieces. You can now serve it immediately or store it for later.

Serving and Decoration

Serving and Decoration

This spiced pumpkin popcorn can be served in several ways:

  • On its own: Serve it as a sweet and savory snack for a cozy movie night or while you’re relaxing at home.
  • In a bowl: Display it in a large bowl for a crowd to grab during parties, gatherings, or fall festivities.
  • Gift it: Package the popcorn in cute jars or gift bags with a little ribbon for a homemade fall treat that’s perfect for friends, family, or coworkers.
  • As part of a dessert table: It makes a perfect addition to your holiday or fall-themed dessert spread, paired with cookies, brownies, or other sweet treats.

Storing Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store your Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn for future snacking:

  • In an airtight container: Keep the popcorn fresh by storing it in an airtight container. It will last for 3-4 days.
  • In a cool, dry place: Store the popcorn in a cool, dry area to prevent the chocolate from melting.
  • Avoid refrigeration: While you can refrigerate the popcorn, it’s best kept at room temperature to maintain its crunchy texture.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition information for Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn per serving (based on a 1/4 cup serving size):

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories150
Fat7g
Carbohydrates23g
Fiber2g
Sugar13g
Protein1g

(Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients used.)

Conclusion

If you’re craving something sweet, spicy, and cozy, Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn is the ultimate treat. It’s the perfect combination of fall flavors, with just enough sweetness and spice to satisfy any craving. It’s easy to make, and with its festive flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite fall snack for you and your family!

So, what are you waiting for? Pop some popcorn, melt that white chocolate, and get ready to indulge in this delicious, spiced treat. Whether you’re hosting a fall party, watching a cozy movie, or just need a snack to enjoy during the season, this Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn will become a go-to recipe for all your fall snacking needs!

Spiced Pumpkin Popcorn

Recipe by Nancy SmithCourse: Uncategorized
Servings

4

cups
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

150

kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups popped popcorn

  • 15-20 white chocolate melting wafers

  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

  • Pop the popcorn and pour it into a large mixing bowl.
  • Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
  • Mix the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
  • Pour the melted white chocolate into the pumpkin spice mixture and stir well.
  • Pour the spiced chocolate over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
  • Spread the popcorn onto a baking sheet and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
  • Once cooled, break the popcorn into pieces and enjoy!

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