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Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix – Whiskful Cooking

Caramel corn is already a timeless snack—sweet, crunchy, and impossible to resist. But when autumn arrives, it’s time to dress it up with festive mix-ins to create something even more magical. This Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix takes classic caramel corn and transforms it into a seasonal celebration of sweet, salty, and colorful flavors. Packed with candy corn, chocolate candies, pretzels, and festive sprinkles, this mix is ideal for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving snack tables, or cozy family movie nights. It’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for gifting in mason jars or treat bags. Every bite is crunchy, colorful, and full of fall cheer!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12 cups

Ingredients
  

Base:
  • 8 cups caramel popcorn store-bought or homemade
  • 2 cups mini salted pretzels
Festive Add-Ins:
  • 1 ½ cups candy corn
  • 1 cup candy pumpkins optional
  • 1 ½ cups fall-colored M&Ms
Optional Toppings:
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips melted, for drizzle
  • 2 tbsp fall-themed sprinkles

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Saucepan (if making homemade caramel corn)
  • Airtight containers for storage

Method
 

Step 1: Prep Caramel Popcorn Base
  1. Place caramel popcorn and pretzels in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Add Festive Candies
  1. Fold in candy corn, pumpkins, and M&Ms until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Optional Drizzle
  1. Melt white chocolate chips in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over the caramel corn mixture.
Step 4: Add Sprinkles
  1. While chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with fall-colored sprinkles.
Step 5: Cool & Set
  1. Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet.
  2. Allow chocolate to harden at room temperature (or refrigerate 10 minutes).
Step 6: Serve & Store
  1. Break into clusters and transfer to a serving bowl or package into treat bags.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in airtight containers for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in zip-top bags for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Not necessary—just thaw and enjoy.
🥄 Variations
Nutty Harvest Mix: Add roasted peanuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Toss popcorn with 1 tsp pumpkin spice before adding candies.
Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or chunks of Hershey’s bars.
Kid-Friendly: Add gummy worms or candy eyeballs for Halloween fun.
Holiday Swap: Replace fall candies with red/green M&Ms and sprinkles for Christmas.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use plain popcorn instead of caramel corn?
Yes, but caramel corn gives the sweet, sticky base that makes this mix special.
Do I need to drizzle chocolate?
No, it’s optional but adds extra sweetness and helps bind everything.
Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely—just omit nuts and check candy labels.
Can I use microwave popcorn?
Yes, though caramel corn gives the best texture and flavor.
How far ahead can I make this for a party?
Up to 3 days in advance, stored in an airtight container.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Definitely—it’s perfect for kids to stir and sprinkle candies.
Can I use candy melts instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, candy melts are great and come in fun fall colors.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use an extra-large mixing bowl and two baking sheets.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 1 month.
What’s the best way to gift this mix?
Package in mason jars, decorative tins, or clear treat bags tied with ribbon.
🏁 Conclusion
This Fall Harvest Caramel Corn Mix is the ultimate seasonal snack—sweet, crunchy, colorful, and festive. With caramel popcorn, pretzels, candy corn, M&Ms, and a touch of white chocolate drizzle, it’s a no-bake recipe that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please.
Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or cozy nights at home, this snack mix doubles as a delicious edible gift. Whip up a big batch and watch it disappear—because one handful is never enough!