Apple Pie Bourbon Flavored Popcorn Mix Recipe

The Most Finger-Licking Apple Pie Bourbon Popcorn Mix Recipe

Mouthwatering apple pie bourbon flavored popcorn mix creates an unexpected twist on classic movie night snacks.

Sweet caramel notes dance with warm cinnamon undertones in this tempting treat.

Crisp kernels get coated with rich bourbon-infused glaze that tingles your taste buds.

Fragrant spices weave through each delectable handful, promising pure indulgence.

Comfort meets sophistication in this irresistible snack that blends traditional dessert profiles with playful crunch.

Complex layers of flavor emerge with every delightful bite.

Come experience a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary popcorn into an extraordinary sensation.

Bourbon Popcorn Mix That’s Perfect For A Party

  • Elevate Game Night Snacking: This gourmet popcorn mix transforms ordinary snacking into an extraordinary experience with sophisticated bourbon-infused flavors.
  • Impress Guests Effortlessly: Whip up this elegant treat in under an hour, delivering complex tastes that look professionally crafted without complicated techniques.
  • Weekend Party Perfect: Designed for adult gatherings, this recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and boozy notes that elevate any social event.
  • Simple Gourmet Technique: Using basic kitchen tools and straightforward steps, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality snack that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Popcorn Mix Ingredients for Bourbon Apple Pie Version

Nuts and Spices:
  • Pecans: Sweet and crunchy base for the bourbon flavoring, select fresh, whole pecans for best texture.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement apple pie flavor, use freshly ground for maximum aroma.
Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide rich caramelized sweetness, choose high-quality pure cane sugar.
  • Corn Syrup: Creates smooth caramel coating, helps prevent crystallization.
Popcorn Base:
  • Popcorn Kernels: Light and crispy foundation, choose fresh, high-quality kernels for best popping.
Liquid Enhancers:
  • Bourbon: Adds deep, complex flavor, select a smooth drinking bourbon for best taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness, use pure vanilla for authentic flavor.
Baking Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind caramel, use unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Baking Soda: Creates foamy texture in caramel, helps with browning.
Additional Flavoring:
  • Apple Pie Spice: Captures classic apple pie essence, can substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg blend.

Apple Pie Bourbon Flavored Popcorn Mix Recipe – How to Make

Step 1: Roast Nutty Bourbon Treats

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Sugar
  • Spices
  • Bourbon

Gently fold in pecans until they’re totally coated.

Spread the nutty mixture onto a silicone mat-covered baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Give them a gentle stir around the 10-minute mark and then every 5 minutes afterward.

Once done, let the pecans cool down completely and get crispy.

Step 2: Prepare Caramel Popcorn Base

Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper.

Spread popcorn evenly across both pans.

Set your oven to a low 250°F.

In a saucepan, meld together:
  • Butter
  • Pie spice
  • Brown sugar
  • Corn syrup

Cook on medium-high heat, stirring until everything melts and starts bubbling.

Set a timer for 2 minutes and let it bubble without touching.

After the timer dings, kill the heat and stir in baking soda and bourbon – watch it foam up magically!

Drizzle this liquid gold evenly over the popcorn.

Bake for 15 minutes, giving it a quick toss halfway through.

Pull out and let cool completely.

Step 3: Create Bourbon Popcorn Magic

Once everything has cooled down, tumble the bourbon-kissed pecans and caramel popcorn into a large bowl.

Gently toss until perfectly combined.

Your decadent snack is ready to devour!

Popcorn Mix Tips With Apple Bourbon Spin

  • Stir nuts every 5 minutes during baking to ensure even, golden-brown color without burning.
  • Watch the bourbon caramel closely while bubbling to prevent scorching and achieve the perfect sticky texture.
  • Spread popcorn in a single layer on baking sheets to maintain crispness and allow even coating.
  • Mix bourbon pecans and caramel popcorn gently to distribute spices and ensure each bite has a delicious blend of sweet and nutty notes.
  • Keep the popcorn mix in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunch and prevent moisture absorption.

Apple Pie Bourbon Popcorn Mix Stays Crisp Overnight

  • Store the apple pie bourbon popcorn mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain crispness and flavor.
  • Seal the mix in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 weeks without losing texture.
  • Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, warm at 250°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crunchiness and revive the caramel coating.
  • Never reheat this mix in the microwave, as it can make the popcorn soggy and destroy the delicate bourbon-spiced caramel texture.

Fun Ideas For Apple Popcorn Mix

  • Sip Bourbon Apple Cocktail: Craft a smooth apple-bourbon cocktail using Woodford Reserve or Maker's Mark, blending the recipe's bourbon notes with fresh apple juice and a cinnamon stick garnish.
  • Pair with Aged Cheddar: Select a sharp, aged cheddar cheese that complements the caramel and bourbon flavors, offering a rich and tangy counterpoint to the sweet popcorn mix.
  • Match with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the popcorn, creating a delightful contrast between the warm bourbon spices and cool, smooth dessert.
  • Enjoy Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider infused with star anise and cloves provides a cozy, complementary beverage that echoes the pie spice and apple essence in the recipe.

Apple Pie Bourbon Flavored Popcorn Mix Recipe Spins

  • Gluten-Free Bourbon Popcorn: Replace regular corn syrup with gluten-free corn syrup and use certified gluten-free popcorn kernels for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Maple Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of corn syrup, and replace pecans with candied walnuts for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining a sweet flavor profile.
  • Alcohol-Free Blend: Remove bourbon completely and replace with apple juice or apple extract to keep the apple pie essence without alcoholic components.

FAQs

  • Why use bourbon in this recipe?

Bourbon adds a rich, warm flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel and the nuttiness of the pecans, creating a more complex and sophisticated taste profile.

  • Can I substitute the bourbon?

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can use apple juice or vanilla extract to maintain a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol content.

  • How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Watch the caramel closely while cooking, use medium-high heat, and set a timer for exactly 2 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent scorching.

  • What makes the popcorn coating crispy?

The combination of brown sugar, corn syrup, and baking soda creates a crisp caramel coating that hardens as it cools, giving the popcorn a crunchy texture.

Print
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Apple Pie Bourbon Flavored Popcorn Mix Recipe

Apple Pie Bourbon Flavored Popcorn Mix Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent apple pie bourbon popcorn mix celebrates classic American dessert flavors with a playful twist. Sweet caramel notes and warm bourbon undertones create an irresistible snack you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Pecans and Nuts:

  • 2 cups pecan halves

Caramel and Sweet Components:

  • 1 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
  • 1 3/4 cups brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup salted butter

Spices and Liquids:

  • 2 teaspoons apple bourbon
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon apple bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
  • 3/4 cup popcorn kernels
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Crafting the bourbon-infused pecans begins with heating the oven to a moderate temperature. Whisk together the sugar, aromatic spices, and bourbon until smoothly integrated.
  2. Gently fold the pecans into the liquid mixture, ensuring each nut is generously coated.
  3. Distribute the pecans across a silicone-lined baking sheet, creating an even layer.
  4. Roast the pecans, rotating periodically to prevent burning, until they develop a deep, caramelized color and fragrant aroma.
  5. Allow the pecans to cool completely, transforming into a crisp, glossy treat that will be stored for later incorporation.
  6. Prepare the popcorn base by spreading kernels across two parchment-lined baking sheets in uniform layers.
  7. Create a rich caramel sauce by melting butter with pie spices, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium-high heat.
  8. Let the caramel bubble without disruption, developing deep, complex flavors.
  9. Remove from heat and rapidly whisk in baking soda and bourbon, which will cause the mixture to dramatically foam and lighten.
  10. Drizzle the bourbon caramel evenly across the waiting popcorn, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  11. Bake the coated popcorn, stirring midway to guarantee uniform crispness and flavor distribution.
  12. Once completely cooled, merge the spiced pecans and bourbon-kissed popcorn in a generous mixing bowl.
  13. Toss the components gently, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

  • Toast pecans carefully to enhance their rich, nutty flavor without burning, which can make them taste bitter and ruin the entire batch.
  • Use freshly ground pie spice for maximum aromatic intensity, creating a more vibrant and complex flavor profile in the popcorn mix.
  • Keep bourbon caramel mixture moving quickly after adding baking soda to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, even coating on the popcorn.
  • Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its crisp texture and prevent staleness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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