Description

This Homemade Caramel Snack Mix is a deliciously addictive treat combining lightly salted popcorn, crunchy pretzels, mixed nuts, chocolate candies, and optional shredded coconut, all coated in a rich, homemade caramel sauce and baked until perfectly crisp. It’s an ideal sweet and salty snack for parties, movie nights, or anytime you crave a satisfying crunch with caramelized sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Snack Mix

4 cups popped popcorn (preferably lightly salted)
2 cups pretzels (mini or traditional)
1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and peanuts)
1 cup M&M’s or similar chocolate candies
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Caramel Sauce

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Combine Snack Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the popped popcorn, pretzels, mixed nuts, M&M’s, and shredded coconut if using, ensuring they are evenly mixed for balanced flavors.
Melt Butter and Mix Caramel Ingredients. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
Boil Caramel Mixture. Allow the caramel mixture to boil without stirring for 4-5 minutes. It will darken slightly, developing a richer caramel flavor and consistency.
Add Vanilla and Baking Soda. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble vigorously, which helps create a lighter caramel coating.
Coat the Snack Mix. Quickly pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to stir thoroughly, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the caramel.
Spread on Baking Sheet. Transfer and spread the caramel-coated snack mix evenly over the prepared baking sheet. This helps it bake evenly and achieve a crisp texture.
Bake and Stir. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Stir the mix every 10 minutes to ensure even caramel distribution and prevent burning on the edges.
Cool and Store. Remove the snack mix from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break into pieces and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

For best results, use freshly popped popcorn that is lightly salted to balance the sweetness of the caramel.
If you prefer a chewier texture, reduce baking time slightly; for a crunchier texture, you can bake a few minutes longer but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Shredded coconut is optional and adds a tropical flavor and texture; omit if undesired or allergic.
Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature; it remains fresh for up to 1 week.
Be cautious when stirring the hot caramel mixture after adding baking soda as it will bubble up rapidly.