Save Chewy, sweet, and crunchy, these bars combine buttery caramel, tart dried apples, and popcorn for a fun treat perfect for snacking or dessert.
I first made these Caramel Apple Popcorn Bars for a fall movie night, and everyone loved the chewy texture and bright apple flavor mixed with rich caramel. It quickly became our go-to treat for gatherings when we want something quick yet impressively delicious.
Ingredients
- Popcorn: 8 cups plain popped popcorn (about 1/3 cup kernels, air-popped or lightly salted)
- Dried apple rings: 1 cup, chopped
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup
- Light brown sugar: 2/3 cup, packed
- Light corn syrup: 1/4 cup
- Fine sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Optional ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon
- Optional white or dark chocolate chips: 1/2 cup, melted for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Mix popcorn and fruit:
- In a large bowl, combine the popped popcorn and chopped dried apples. Set aside.
- Make the caramel:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let boil for 2 minutes without stirring.
- Add vanilla and cinnamon:
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (and cinnamon, if using).
- Combine with popcorn mixture:
- Immediately pour the hot caramel over the popcorn-apple mixture. Use a spatula to gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Press into pan:
- Quickly press the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a greased spatula or piece of parchment.
- Optional chocolate drizzle:
- If desired, drizzle melted chocolate over the bars.
- Cool and cut:
- Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour until set. Lift out of the pan using the parchment, and cut into 12 bars.
Save These bars bring back memories of making caramel popcorn with my kids each autumn, and now we swap in dried apples for extra tartness. Sharing them after school has become a new favorite tradition for us.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, medium saucepan, 9x13-inch baking pan, parchment paper, spatula.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter), may contain tree nuts if added. Popcorn and apples are naturally gluten-free, but verify packaging if needed. Corn syrup is generally gluten-free.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 185, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 30 g, Protein: 1 g
Save Enjoy these bars at your next picnic or school event for a portable, crowd-pleasing treat. Their chewy caramel and crisp apple bites are sure to make everyone smile.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use microwave popcorn?
It's best to use unsalted, plain popcorn. Microwave varieties with added flavoring may alter the taste and texture.
- → How do I store these bars?
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness.
- → Can I substitute dried apples?
Yes, dried pears or cranberries work well. Ensure fruit is chopped for even distribution in the bars.
- → Is this treat gluten-free?
Popcorn and dried apples are naturally gluten-free, but check ingredient labels for cross-contamination risks.
- → Are there nut-free options?
The base is nut-free. Nuts can be added for crunch, but you may omit them for an allergen-friendly treat.
- → Does the caramel set firmly?
After cooling for one hour, the caramel sets enough to slice clean bars that hold their shape for serving.