Sometimes, the best treats are the ones that bring us straight back to crisp autumn days and cozy evenings at home. That’s exactly what this Maple Pumpkin Spice Popcorn delivers. Sweet, crunchy, and warmly spiced, it’s the kind of snack that makes movie nights extra special and holiday gatherings feel just a little more magical.
With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can whip up this nostalgic, fall-inspired popcorn in no time. It’s beginner-friendly, kid-approved, and makes your whole kitchen smell like autumn.
Recipe Info
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories (approx. per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snack/Dessert | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 8 | ~210 kcal |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 cups plain popped popcorn (about ½ cup unpopped kernels)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Pop the popcorn. Use an air popper or stovetop method to pop your kernels. Place popcorn in a large mixing bowl and set aside. (Tip: Remove unpopped kernels before adding syrup!)
- Make the maple syrup coating. In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, butter, and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the spices. Stir in pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Let the mixture bubble for another 1–2 minutes for flavor to deepen.
- Finish the coating. Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will foam up—this is normal and helps create a light, crunchy coating.
- Coat the popcorn. Immediately pour the hot maple mixture over the popcorn. Toss gently with a spatula until popcorn is evenly coated.
- Bake for crunch. Spread popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy. Let the popcorn cool completely so it becomes crisp and crunchy. Break into clusters and serve!
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Check for unpopped kernels before coating—no one likes a tooth surprise!
- For extra crunch, make sure to bake the popcorn after coating, not just air-dry it.
- Storage: Store cooled popcorn in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Sweetness level: If you prefer less sweet, reduce brown sugar to ⅓ cup.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in toasted pecans or almonds before baking for extra richness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate for a festive touch.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a sweet-spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for movie nights with a big cozy blanket.
- Package in small treat bags for holiday gifts or party favors.
- Serve in a big bowl at fall gatherings, game nights, or after school snacks.
Conclusion
This Maple Pumpkin Spice Popcorn is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl—warm, cozy, and full of autumn flavor. Whether you’re making it for family movie night, gifting it to friends, or sneaking a sweet handful for yourself, it’s a recipe that brings joy with every crunchy bite.