Name: Easy Caramel Corn Mix Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
Ingredients: 1 (2.69 ounce) bag microwave popcorn, about 12 cups popped (preferably no butter or lightly buttered); 1 cup mini pretzel twists; 1/2 cup roasted almonds; 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

The most delicious Quick and Easy Caramel Corn Mix of caramel corn, pretzels, peanuts and almonds is ready in 10 minutes. A sweet and salty treat you just can’t resist!

A white bowl of caramel corn mix with peanuts, pretzels and almonds on a white marble counter.

A Girl’s Night Snack

Monday nights are girls’ nights here at my house. And you have girl’s night to thank for this Caramel Corn Mix recipe.

I look forward to it as much as I look forward to the weekends. It all started after I had the twins. My dear friend, Robin, would bring me an extra-thick chocolate almond milkshake (nursing & survival fuel) and help me with the twins while we watched The Bachelor.

Even after the twins were on a good schedule and I no longer needed that extra help and those big thick milkshakes, Robin continues to come over and watch The Bachelor with me along with our other dear friend, Meredith.

On Monday nights, we laugh a lot, cry a little, support each other in this crazy stage of motherhood, craft occasionally, do our nails, analyze and make fun of every dramatic event on The Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor in Paradise, and indulge ourselves in something sweet. It’s the absolute perfect way to start the week!

Robin still brings milkshakes every once in a while, but I’ve started using Monday nights to test recipes on them.

I usually bake brownies, cookies or experiment with homemade blizzard mix-ins, but this past Monday we had The Bachelor and The Grammys to watch so we needed something a little more snacky. A caramel corn craving set in, but the girls were coming over in less than an hour so it had to be quick and easy. My family has a couple caramel corn-like recipes that I combined to create this no-bake version of such a favorite sweet treat.

Caramel corn mix with peanuts and pretzels on a sheet pan.

Easy As Can Be

It’s as easy as can be. Microwave popcorn, pretzels, roasted almonds and dry roasted peanuts are tossed in a quick microwaved caramel sauce and then laid out to cool or indulge in while still warm and sticky. Mmmm…mmmm!

As seen from above, a bowl of caramel corn mix on a white marble counter.

Only Takes 10 Minutes

We’re crazy about this caramel corn mix and love that I can have it ready to serve in about 10 minutes if people don’t mind a sticky finger or two. The longer it sets, the crunchier the coating gets. After it’s set for about an hour, it should no longer leave your fingers sticky.

I have no doubt this mix will be making a reappearance at girls’ night as well as holiday get-togethers, game days or just a Friday movie night with the fam. It’s sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy, and nothing short of snackalicious!

Oh, and I just learned February is National Snack Food Month so go ahead and get your snack on with this yummy caramel corn mix. Enjoy!

A white bowl of caramel corn mix on a white marble counter.

Ingredients and Supplies

(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)

Ingredients:

Microwave popcorn (preferably no butter or lightly buttered) or Stovetop Popcorn
Mini pretzel twists
Roasted almonds
Dry roasted peanuts (For peanut allergies, feel free to omit or replace with chopped pecans.)
Unsalted butter
Light brown sugar
Light corn syrup
Vanilla extract
Baking soda

Supplies:

Ingredients to make caramel corn mix in small glass dishes on a white marble counter.

How to Make Caramel Corn Mix

Pop popcorn according to package directions.
Place in a bowl so unpopped kernels go to the bottom and transfer all popped kernels to a large mixing bowl.
Add pretzels, almonds and peanuts to the popcorn in the large mixing bowl.
In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter, brown sugar and corn syrup for 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Remove and whisk until smooth.
Return to microwave for 30 seconds and remove and whisk again. Return to microwave for another 30 seconds until bubbling.
Remove from microwave and immediately whisk in vanilla and baking soda. Allow caramel sauce to set for about 3 minutes.
Pour caramel sauce over popcorn mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Spread mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let set for 30 minutes. Stir mixture around and let set another 30 minutes before transferring to an airtight container or baggie. Mix can be served while still warm, if desired.

If you make this Easy Caramel Corn Mix, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,