Pumpkin Spice Popcorn is a sweet and salty fall snack made with warm spices and crunchy popcorn. This easy recipe is perfect for movie nights, parties, or cozy autumn cravings.
Pumpkin Spice Popcorn is a delightful fall snack that combines the crunch of popcorn with the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. It’s a perfect treat for movie nights, parties, or simply enjoying the flavors of autumn at home.
Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, this pumpkin spice popcorn will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
I have been making Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe and White Chocolate Popcorn for years. This new recipe with pumpkin does not disappoint.
For more pumpkin flavor, make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, Pumpkin Cheesecake Cupcakes and Crustless Pumpkin Pie. Our family also loves Pumpkin Lasagna.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This
- Perfect Fall Flavor: Combines the warm, cozy spices of pumpkin with crunchy popcorn for a delicious seasonal treat.
- Sweet and Spicy Balance: Offers the ideal mix of sweetness and spice that keeps you coming back for more.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes, making it a convenient snack for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Kid and Adult Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy, from kids to grown-ups.
- Customizable: Easy to add your favorite toppings like caramel, chocolate, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- Salt: Adds the perfect balance by enhancing the sweet flavors with a touch of saltiness.
- Butter: Use real butter for the richest, creamiest taste in your popcorn.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract gives the recipe a warm, natural sweetness.
- Popcorn: Feel free to use air-popped, microwave, or even pre-popped store-bought popcorn. Whatever you prefer or have on hand.
Get the complete list of ingredients at the bottom of the page.
Variations
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in chocolate chips for a rich and melty surprise throughout the popcorn.
- Butterscotch Chips: For a sweeter twist, add butterscotch chips that melt into delicious pockets of flavor.
- Melted White Chocolate: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the popcorn, let it set, then break into clusters for a beautiful and tasty treat.
- Seasonal M&M’s: Brighten up your snack with festive Fall-colored M&M’s that add both color and crunch.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or cashews for a satisfying crunch that complements the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
- Step 1. Preheat the oven and pop the popcorn. Place the popped popcorn in a very large bowl. We used microwave popcorn, but you can use any variety you prefer.
Step 2. Melt the butter and add the spices. Stir in the sugar, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Continue to cook and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Then remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3. Then pour the sauce over the popcorn. Toss to coat all the popcorn with the butter mixture.
Step 4. Next, place the popcorn in two large shallow baking dishes or pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You will need to stir every 5 minutes.
Step 5. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Then break into pieces. The mixture will be hot, so it is important for it to cool.
Storage
Store pumpkin spice popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. For best taste and texture, enjoy within 3 to 5 days.
Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make the popcorn soggy. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the popcorn in a sealed bag for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pro Tips
- Homemade Pumpkin Spice. You can use store bought or make this easy homemade pumpkin spice recipe.
- Remove Popcorn Kernels. Make sure that you remove any unpopped popcorn kernels before coating in the pumpkin spice mixture.
- Allow to set before breaking into pieces. The popcorn should be totally set before breaking into pieces. It will be sticky and hard to manage if not given enough time.
- Line the baking sheet. Prepare the baking sheet by lining with wax paper before adding the popcorn. It will make clean up easier as the mixture is sticky.
FAQs
The butter mixture needs to be completely melted and evenly distributed on the popcorn. If it is not well combined, there may be clumps that can result in soggy popcorn.
We used microwave popcorn, and it turned out great. You can also use stove top popcorn, store bought or a popcorn machine.
Any of these varieties would work great in this recipe. Feel free to use whatever is most convenient for you. However, we do prefer plain popcorn and not flavored in this recipe.
More Flavored Popcorn Recipes
Give this Pumpkin Popcorn a try. Then come back and leave a comment and star rating.
Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 cups popcorn popped approximately 3 bags
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (95 degrees C). Place popped popcorn in a very large bowl.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved (3-4 minutes).
- Remove from the heat and then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Then pour the sauce over the popcorn and stir it to coat all the popcorn with the butter mixture.
- Then place the popcorn in two large shallow baking dishes/ or pans and bake in a preheated oven, for approximately 20-25 minutes (stirring every 5 minutes).
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
- Then the pumpkin is ready to serve and enjoy!
