Sweet caramel, popcorn, dried apples merge in these chewy, crunchy bars—perfect as snacks or a dessert treat.
# Components:
→ Popcorn & Fruit
01 - 8 cups plain popped popcorn (about 1/3 cup kernels, air-popped or lightly salted)
02 - 1 cup dried apple rings, chopped
→ Caramel
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
04 - 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
05 - 1/4 cup light corn syrup
06 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Optional Topping
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/2 cup white or dark chocolate chips, melted for drizzling
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, mix popped popcorn with chopped dried apples; set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes without stirring.
04 - Remove saucepan from heat; stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon if using.
05 - Immediately pour hot caramel over popcorn and apple mixture. Use a spatula to gently toss until evenly coated.
06 - Quickly press mixture into prepared pan, smoothing surface with a greased spatula or parchment paper.
07 - Drizzle melted chocolate chips over top, if desired.
08 - Allow bars to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour until set.
09 - Remove slab from pan using parchment paper and slice into 12 bars.
