Cranberry Pecan Popcorn Crunch

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cranberry Pecan Popcorn Crunch.

1. Step 1

   Start by lining your baking sheets with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup a breeze and keep your popcorn crunch from sticking.

2. Step 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the 15 cups of fluffy popped popcorn, 1 cup of dried cranberries, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup of colorful candy-coated milk chocolate pieces. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together evenly.

3. Step 3

   Now, let’s create that irresistible caramel coating! In a heavy saucepan, stir together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a boil. Once boiling, let it bubble away for 2 minutes without stirring. This is where the magic happens!

4. Step 4

   After 2 minutes, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of white vinegar. This will add a nice tang and help the caramel set.

5. Step 5

   Pour the hot caramel mixture over your popcorn blend, making sure to coat every piece. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix it all together until everything is evenly coated in that sweet, buttery goodness.

6. Step 6

   Spread the coated popcorn mixture onto your prepared baking sheets in an even layer. Allow it to cool completely; this will help it crisp up and make it easier to break into pieces later.

7. Step 7

   Once cooled, break the popcorn crunch into bite-sized pieces and store them in an airtight container. Enjoy your delicious snack anytime!