There’s something undeniably charming about the cozy fall season, with its crisp air and warm colors. To celebrate the arrival of autumn, try making these delicious Candy Apple Popcorn Balls. These sweet and crunchy treats are perfect for snacking on while enjoying a chilly evening or for bringing to a Halloween gathering. The combination of sticky caramel, juicy apples, and fluffy popcorn will create a delightful treat that everyone will love.
**Ingredients:**
– 12 cups of popped popcorn (about ½ cup of unpopped kernels)
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– ½ cup of unsalted butter
– 1/3 cup of corn syrup
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 cup of chopped dried apples
– ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon of salt
– 12 red candy apples, chopped into small pieces
**Instructions:**
1. Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, dried apples, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has melted and the ingredients are well combined.
4. Continue to cook the mixture, without stirring, until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
5. Once the mixture has reached the desired temperature, immediately remove it from the heat.
6. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the popped popcorn in the mixing bowl.
7. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, quickly stir the caramel into the popcorn until it is evenly coated.
8. Add the chopped candy apples to the caramel popcorn mixture and gently fold them in.
9. Working quickly while the caramel is still warm, form the mixture into 12 golf ball-sized balls, pressing firmly to ensure they hold their shape.
10. Place the formed popcorn balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper to cool and set.
11. Allow the Candy Apple Popcorn Balls to cool completely before serving.
12. Store any leftover popcorn balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Create these Candy Apple Popcorn Balls as a fun and festive treat to enjoy during the fall season. Whether you’re hosting a harvest party or just looking for a creative way to enjoy the flavors of autumn, these popcorn balls are sure to be a hit. The crunchy popcorn pairs perfectly with the gooey caramel and tart candy apples, creating a unique and irresistible snack that captures the essence of the season. Enjoy making these delicious treats and sharing them with your friends and family!
