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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Butterscotch Popcorn

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Butterscotch Popcorn

What do you get when you combine the following?

  • Freshly popped popcorn
  • A DIY pumpkin spice mix
  • Easy 5 ingredient butterscotch sauce

Answer: An absolutely addictive, tasty, snackable sweet and warmly spiced popcorn! Plus, this recipe only takes about 15 minutes to prepare from scratch before crisping it up in the oven to create satisfying crunchy popcorn.

Two bowls filled with homemade pumpkin spice butterscotch popcorn on a wooden platter.

Years ago, we inherited an old popcorn popper from my mother-in-law. The thing has got to be over 30 years, but it still works like a charm; I love those purchases that keep on giving.

One of the best things about homemade popcorn is the quantity of snack you can get out of such a small amount of kernels.

It also provides the perfect medium for experimenting with flavour combinations. Seeing as how fall is right around the corner, I’m feeling a pumpkin spice vibe.

My homemade pumpkin spice mix (or pumpkin pie spice mix if you prefer) uses cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, but many recipes use cloves as well or in place of the allspice.

Feel free to substitute the allspice with an equal amount of clove if you have that in your pantry. All the spices have distinct flavours, but are complementary since they have a sweet and spicy flavour profile. They all work together to warm your body (and soul).

Bowls of popcorn kernels, pumpkin spice mix, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.

All the ingredients for the popcorn! Amounts listed in the “Ingredients” list below.

Homemade butterscotch sauce in a small saucepan.

This butterscotch sauce takes a few minutes to make. The pumpkin spice is mixed in too.

Overhead view of homemade pumpkin spice butterscotch popcorn in three bowls.

The butterscotch sauce, which is sweet, caramel flavoured goodness is made with five ingredients that are available in most grocery stores or that you already have in your kitchen pantry or refrigerator.

I enjoy this method of preparing the butterscotch sauce because it’s really easy and fast. It just requires you to stir the ingredients into a saucepan for a few minutes until it thickens.

Then you add the vanilla extract, salt,and spices at the end,and you have a really delectable sauce that’s perfect for the fall season!

I suddenly have an urge to put on my favourite cozy scarf, some clunky boots, and enjoy the colourful falling leaves outside… it’s still summer weather here, but I can imagine for now.

Close-up side view of homemade pumpkin spice butterscotch popcorn in a white bowl.

Anyway, the yummy sauce coats each piece of popcorn getting into the little crevices before baking, which makes each crunchy bite full of delicious flavour that will satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

Perfect for snacking while you watch one of your favourite shows or movies.

Does anyone else like watching Food Network while eating food and then critiquing/drooling over the food that you see on TV?

This recipe is easily scalable, so you can make as much or little popcorn you would like! I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Side view of homemade pumpkin spice butterscotch popcorn in a three bowls with popcorn scattered everywhere.
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Butterscotch Popcorn

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Butterscotch Popcorn

Yield: 10 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

A perfect fall snack! Try this flavourful sweet, spiced popcorn with scratch made pumpkin spice mix and butterscotch sauce!

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels*

For the butterscotch sauce:

  • ¾ cup (packed) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (2 oz.) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the pumpkin spice mix:

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice

Instructions

  1. Using a popcorn maker, pop the popcorn kernels into a large bowl, making 10 cups of popcorn. In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin spice ingredients together. Set both bowls aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, brown sugar, and milk (in that order). Whisk continuously, until the butter melts completely and the sauce begins to bubble and thicken, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce the heat if the sauce bubbles up too much; it should be a gentle boil.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and pumpkin spice mix, until well combined. The sauce will be thickened, but easily pourable, and dark brown in colour.
  4. Pour the warm sauce over the popcorn. Using a spatula, gently toss to evenly coat the popcorn with the sauce.
  5. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. On a large baking sheet or two, spread the popcorn into an even layer and then bake in the oven for 40 minutes, flipping the popcorn halfway through. Enjoy!

Notes

  • *½ cup of unpopped popcorn kernels makes around 10 cups of popped popcorn.
  • Sauce will thicken as it cools so pour over the popcorn when it is still warm.
  • Best served right away or same day. Store popcorn in an airtight container.
  • Calories are based on one cup servings.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 112Total Fat: 5gCarbohydrates: 17.2gProtein: 0.4g

Sharing is caring!

heather (delicious not gorgeous)

Wednesday 6th of September 2017

i'm perpetually on edge whenever i make caramel, no matter how many times i make it. this butterscotch sounds just as tasty, without the paranoia (; and do you have an airpopper? those things are magical!

Marie | Yay! For Food

Wednesday 6th of September 2017

I do! It's a super old one I've inherited from my mother-in-law. Works like a charm!

Karl @ Healthy Kreation

Tuesday 5th of September 2017

I love the fact that this recipes takes only 15 minutes from start to finish to prepare. Unfortunately, that will mean that I'll be able to make this far to easily for something so addicting. Thanks for this recipe!

Marie | Yay! For Food

Tuesday 5th of September 2017

You're welcome, Karl! :)

Karly

Tuesday 5th of September 2017

OMG, talk about addicting! This is going to be the perfect snack for cozy fall movie nights. Can. Not. Wait!

Marie | Yay! For Food

Tuesday 5th of September 2017

I agree. Perfect to snack on while watching movies at home. Thanks for stopping by, Karly!

Agata

Monday 4th of September 2017

I love homemade popcorn but I've never tried any other flavour but salty or sweet... time for a change...

Marie | Yay! For Food

Monday 4th of September 2017

Yes! I hope you give this recipe a try, Agata!

Amy | The Cook Report

Monday 4th of September 2017

Wow, that a fab snack for autumn! Will definitely be giving this a try

Marie | Yay! For Food

Monday 4th of September 2017

I hope you enjoy the recipe! :)

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