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Lighter Apple Cider Caramel Popcorn Bites: Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe

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These lighter apple cider caramel popcorn bites are a quick and easy fall treat made with just five simple ingredients. They come together in under 25 minutes and are perfect for potlucks, parties, or cozy movie nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups popped popcorn (plain, air-popped or lightly buttered)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch for sprinkling
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (optional)
  • Dried apple chips, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pop the popcorn: Pop 6 cups of popcorn using an air popper or stovetop method. Remove any unpopped kernels and let cool completely.
  2. Reduce the apple cider: Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/4 cup and syrupy.
  3. Make the caramel: In a separate large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup packed brown sugar and stir until combined. Pour in the reduced apple cider and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until smooth and bubbling gently.
  4. Combine with popcorn: Remove caramel from heat. Stir in vanilla extract if using. Pour caramel over the popcorn in a large bowl and gently fold until all kernels are coated.
  5. Form into bites: Scoop spoonfuls of caramel-coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use lightly greased or slightly wet hands to press into small clusters about the size of a golf ball.
  6. Sprinkle with salt: While still warm, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over each bite.
  7. Cool and set: Let the popcorn bites sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes until firm but still slightly chewy.

Notes

Don’t rush the apple cider reduction; keep at a gentle simmer to avoid scorching. Work quickly once caramel hits popcorn as it sets fast. On humid days, let bites cool in a dry spot or warm in a 200°F oven for 5 minutes to crisp up. Use room temperature popcorn to prevent sogginess. Double the batch if sharing.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider caramel popcorn, lighter caramel popcorn, fall snack, easy popcorn recipe, 5-ingredient recipe, gluten-free snack, healthy caramel corn

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/lighter-apple-cider-caramel-popcorn-bites-easy-5-ingredient-recipe/