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Ridiculously Easy Pecan Pie Caramel Corn (with free printable labels for gifts!)

By Chris Scheuer | Updated on June 3, 2024
5 from 13 votes
This Ridiculously Easy, Microwave Pecan Pie Caramel Corn has all the flavor of the beloved Southern pie with sweet buttery caramel corn and crunchy glazed pecans!
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This Ridiculously Easy, Microwave Pecan Pie Caramel Corn has all the flavor of the beloved Southern pie with sweet buttery caramel corn and crunchy glazed pecans. The free printable labels make it PERFECT for gifts!

Once again, I was inspired by a bag of caramel corn from a local gourmet popcorn company. Scott and I were browsing at a favorite kitchen store a few weeks ago when I noticed a new variety of caramel corn. I put a bag of the Southern Pecan Pie Popcorn in my basket and closed my eyes when the clerk rang it up ($11 for a small bag!). I was quite certain that it would be as delicious as all their other varieties. We didn't even get out of the parking lot before I discovered my assumption to be correct! When we returned home I began playing around with ingredients to create this Pecan Pie Caramel Corn.

Horizontal photo of a white serving bowl of Ridiculously Easy Pecan Pie Caramel Corn.

I already had a great (and super easy) recipe for caramel corn that's quite failproof. I've used it for our Ridiculously Easy Sea-Salted Popcorn and several other other delicious renditions. So it was just a matter of playing around with ingredients to create a flavor reminiscent of the beloved classic dessert, pecan pie.

Vertical photo of a white scalloped bowl of Ridiculously Easy Pecan Pie Caramel Corn.

What's the best popcorn to use for this Pecan Pie Caramel Corn?

Although you can find many brands and varieties of popcorn kernels, there are only two basic shapes, mushroom and butterfly. Mushroom kernels produce large round popcorn while butterfly kernels pop in whimsical, unpredictable shapes, with lots of "wings" protruding this way and that. Butterfly popcorn is more common, the type you find pre-popped at grocery and convenience stores. It's also the kind that's used in microwave popcorn packets.

Your choice!

I tried both mushroom and butterfly and felt like the mushroom popcorn held up better in the process of making caramel corn. Also, because the mushroom pops round kernels, they have a larger surface to hold the caramel coating. A win-win!

That being said, you could use microwave or stovetop popcorn and mushroom or butterfly kernels for this Pecan Pie Caramel Corn recipe. The caramel corn you see in the pictures in this post is mushroom popcorn kernels popped on the stovetop. I've experimented with several brands and have had the most success with this one. It may seem a bit pricey but it's a large quantity and will make TONS of caramel corn, still infinitely cheaper than the fancy (little) bags from the gourmet shops!

Horizontal extreme closeup photo of a batch of Ridiculously Easy Pecan Pie Caramel Corn.

An important secret

One simple trick that I've learned to ensure big beautiful mushroom popcorn: the oil needs to be very hot before you add the popcorn. I love using a Whirley Pop Stovetop Popper (this would make a fabulous gift for any popcorn lovers in the family!) to make my popcorn. The simple steps; heat the oil until it sizzles a bit, then add ¾ cup of the mushroom popcorn. Quickly cover the pot with the lid and start turning the stirring crank. Within minutes you'll have a full pot of beautiful round popcorn, enough for one batch of this Pecan Pie Spice Caramel Corn (15 cups) plus an extra bowlful for nibbling.

Vertical closeup photo of a bowl full of Ridiculously Easy Pecan Pie Caramel Corn.

Corn syrup confusion

If you check the ingredient list for this recipe, you'll notice corn syrup. Corn syrup is important when making candies and some other treats with sugar. Why? Corn syrup prevents sugar from crystalizing which causes graininess. It's a scientific reaction that you can read more about here. Other syrups like maple syrup and honey sadly do not work the same way.

This is NOT high fructose corn syrup that you hear lots of controversy about. Corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup are two different products. The Kitchn, a popular recipe site, explains it this way; "both products are made from corn starch, but regular corn syrup is 100 percent glucose, while high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has had some of its glucose converted to fructose enzymatically." The article goes on to say, "Scientists are examining the potentially negative effects of consuming large amounts of fructose in the form of HFCS, but regular corn syrup is not part of that consideration, as it does not contain fructose".

I use Karo brand corn syrup for this Microwave Caramel Corn which does not contain fructose. Its ingredient list includes, "corn syrup, salt, vanilla". To be safe, I recommend checking the label of the corn syrup you purchase.

Gifts!

This Pecan Pie Caramel Corn makes a super fun and delicious gourmet gift and you can make it for significantly less than any caramel corn from the fancy shops! We're offering a set of free printable labels to dress up your gifts.

Horizontal photo of jars and a bag of Ridiculously Easy Pecan Pie Caramel Corn with custom labels for gift giving.

To receive the PDFs for the labels, simply let us know in the comment section below this post that you'd like to receive them. We'll send the labels with instructions on how to use them as well as links for the gift jars and bags pictured above and below.

Vertical closeup photo of a plastic lidded jar filled with Ridiculously Easy Pecan Pie Caramel Corn and decorated with a gold bow and a custom label for gift giving.

If you're wondering what to give that new neighbor, beloved teacher, favorite hairdresser, helpful co-worker, faithful mail or delivery person - anyone on your list... this Pecan Pie Caramel Corn is sure to please!

Vertical closeup photo of a large and a small bowl of Ridiculously Easy Pecan Pie Caramel Corn.

Cafe Tips for making this Ridiculously Easy Pecan Pie Caramel Corn

  • As mentioned above, you can use any kind of popcorn for this recipe however, I think mushroom popcorn popped on the stovetop yields the best results. Here are a few tips for great stovetop popcorn:
    • Use fresh kernels
    • Use a good heavy bottom pot or a popper that's specially designed for making popcorn, like a Whirley Pop Popper.
    • Use enough heat. The oil should be starting to bubble just a tiny bit before you add the popcorn.
    • Once the first kernels start popping shake the pan vigorously on the burner or, if using a Whirley Popper, stir continuously until the popping stops. This will redistribute the kernels and prevent burning.
    • Immediately transfer the popcorn to a large bowl to allow the steam to escape.
  • Start requesting paper bags (instead of plastic) at the grocery store! They are the perfect vehicles to use for this microwave caramel corn. There's no mess except in the bag which can be disposed of after use.
  • You'll need a large microwave-safe bowl (at least 2-quart) for making the caramel this recipe as the mixture will bubble up. A microwave-safe bowl won't melt or heat up when used in the microwave. For this recipe, it's nice to have one with a handle as you need to remove the bowl from the microwave several times to stir. I love this Pyrex microwave-safe bowl and use mine ALL the time. The handle does not get the slightest bit warm.
  • To ensure that a bowl is microwave-safe, check the bottom. It should have this symbol:

Stock symbol of a microwave

  • This recipe calls for a small amount of corn syrup. Corn syrup keeps sugar from crystalizing when making candy. However, If you live in the UK or other areas of the world where corn syrup is unavailable, I tested this recipe using an equal amount of Lyle's Golden Syrup instead of corn syrup with successful results. On the other hand, I also tried subbing maple syrup and honey for the corn syrup with disastrous results. The sugar crystalized, made the syrup grainy and didn't coat the popcorn well.
  • Either light or dark corn syrup will work for this recipe!
  • If you decide to use microwave popcorn, I recommend a natural type without any additional flavoring. I like Orville Redenbacher Natural microwave popcorn. It's lightly salted but additional ingredients are minimal.
  • Whether you make your popcorn on the stovetop or in the microwave, it's important to transfer it to a bowl and gently lift and lightly shake the popcorn to allow any old maids (unpopped kernels) to sink to the bottom of the bowl. No one wants to bite into a delicious handful of caramel corn only to find a hard, unpopped kernel adhered to it.
  • I like to use a combination of light and dark brown sugars but 100% light brown sugar will also work. I don't recommend using all dark brown sugar as I've found that the syrup can get grainy.
  • Every microwave is a little different regarding the way they heat as well as the power level. These instructions work well on my microwave which is 900 Watts. If your microwave has a lower wattage, you may want to go an additional minute or two. If it's a higher wattage, you may want to shake the bag every 45 seconds instead of every minute as directed.
  • If you finish making this Pecan Pie Caramel Corn and it's completely cooled and you find it's not as crisp as you'd like, simply return it to a clean paper bag and microwave it for another minute or two, shaking well in between and after each additional minute.

Thought for the day:

Rejoice always, pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What we're listening to for inspiration:

Gratitude 

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Ridiculously Easy Pecan Pie Caramel Corn

Chris Scheuer
This Ridiculously Easy, Microwave Pecan Pie Caramel Corn has all the flavor of the beloved Southern pie with sweet buttery caramel corn and crunchy glazed pecans!
5 from 13 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 17 1 cup servings
Calories 310
PRINT PIN COMMENTS

Ingredients
 
 

  • 15 cups popped popcorn, see post for types of popcorn
  • ¾ cup butter, I use salted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • ⅓ cup corn syrup, not high fructose corn syrup - I use Karo
  • 1 teaspoon molasses
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • sea salt, I love Maldon

Instructions
 

  1. Prepare a work surface by laying out two 3-feet long pieces of parchment paper, overlapping slightly.
  2. After popping the popcorn, transfer it to a bowl. Lift the popcorn with your hands and shake the bowl lightly so the unpopped kernels fall to the bottom. Lift the 4 quarts of popcorn out of the bowl and transfer to a large brown paper grocery bag. (I like to place the grocery bag on a clean towel in my sink. This is a better height than on the countertop to pour in the caramel sauce.)
  3. Combine the butter, brown sugars, corn syrup, maple syrup, molasses and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Place in the microwave and heat on high power for 2 minutes. Stir to combine. If the butter is not completely melted, return to the microwave for another 30-60 seconds.
  4. After stirring, return to the microwave for 1 minute. The mixture should be bubbling up furiously by this point. Remove bowl and stir well then return to the microwave for another minute. Repeat this cooking and stirring for a total of 3 minutes.
  5. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the vanilla and baking soda. Stir well until all of the baking soda is well incorporated. Add the pecans and stir for 30 seconds to ensure that the pecans are well coated with the caramel.
  6. Pour the hot mixture right into the center of the popcorn in the bag. Fold the top of the bag down once and shake, shake, shake to distribute syrup through the corn.
  7. Microwave on high power for 1 minute. Remove the bag and hold it at the top and one of the bottom corners. Shake well the return to the microwave for another minute. Repeat cooking and shaking two more times for a total of 4 minutes. Turn the popcorn out onto the prepared parchment paper. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Allow to cool completely.
  8. Store in an airtight container. The caramel corn will keep well for 1-2 weeks.

Notes

See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips to ensure success.
If you prefer to use Metric measurements there is a button in each of our recipes, right above the word “Instructions”. Just click that button to toggle to grams, milliliters, etc. If you ever come across one of our recipes that doesn’t have the Metric conversion (some of the older recipes may not), feel free to leave a comment and I will add it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 208mgPotassium: 134mgFiber: 3gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 277IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg
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Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American

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261 Comments

  1. May I please have these fun labels! Thanks, Mecca Love Love Love your Blog. So easy to follow and such a wonderful diverse selection of fabulous & exciting recipes. I want to make all of them !! Thank you both for this wonderful
    BLOG and dthe great ideas!! Mecca

    Reply

  3. I haven't tried this, but does the whole paper bag fit in a microwave?? Also my microwave automatically rotates. Should I turn that function off?? Thank you

    Reply

    1. Hi Mary Ellen, just turned the bag down a couple times and it’ll fit in your microwave. And do leave the turntable on, that will prevent any issues because the caramel corn will be evenly cooked. I know the whole thing sounds strange, but it really works!

      Reply

    1. Hi Mari, it would be difficult to shake the mixture in a large bowl. It has to be vigorously shaken in between stints in the microwave in order to coat the popcorn with the hot caramel mixture. To ensure success, it would be best to request a paper bag for your groceries next time you shop or pick up some large paper bags. https://amzn.to/4gOKpPG

      Reply

    1. Hi JR, this particular method has been designed for the microwave. To ensure sucess, it would be better to go with a recipe designed for the stovetop and oven.

      Reply

  10. Hello Chris,
    I have loved making the other caramel
    corn recipes and sharing with family and friends. Would love the label for the pecan pie caramel corn! What a treat!
    Thanks,
    Gayle

    Reply

  11. I am looking forward to making all of the caramel corn recipes. I'd love the labels for the pecan version, plus any others you can send. All of your recipes turn out so well!

    Reply

    2. I would love the labels for the pecan caramel corn and the regular caramel corn. Really looking forward to trying this

      Reply

  16. I just came upon this while looking for a caramel corn recipe. This looks amazing. I'm making it tomorrow. Please send labels. Thank you!

    Reply

  17. Please send me the labels. I have not yet made this recipe, but it sounds delicious so have ordered the mushroom corn! Thank you. We love your recipes and the scripture that accompanies your posts.

    Reply

  18. I am so excited to try your recipe for the Pecan Pie Carmel Corn and look forward to giving some as gifts this Christmas. Please send me the printable pdf label.
    Thanks!

    Reply

    2. Hi Ronni, the labels could not be delivered. Could there be an error in your email address?

      Reply

  30. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes. I would love to have the labels to go with the caramel corn.
    Thanks,
    Phyllis

    Reply

    1. Hi Beth, we're happy to send any of the labels. We ask that you request each one under that particular post as we send out a lot of labels every day and that's how we stay organized. Thanks!

      Reply

  35. I love your recipe caramel corn. I would love to try this one. I am a big fan of pecan pie.
    Please send me the labels.
    Thank you!

    Reply

  42. This popcorn is so delicious my friends have asked me not to bring it because they love it so much and eat so much. I just portion out cups now!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Natalie! I have added that to the recipe. The salt is sprinkled on at the very end, while the popcorn is still warm.

      Reply

  47. Hi, sorry if this has been asked and answered, but I can't find it. The question is can you use a hot air popper? Received the labels thanks..

    Reply

  50. Dear Chris,

    I wrote a couple of days ago but haven’t received the pdf for labels yet. Please try to send them again. Thank you!

    Reply

    2. Hi Sue, it says your email blocked them due to spam content. You may need to change your email settings to receive them.

      Reply

  52. Please send the labels with instructions on how to use them as well as links for the gift jars and bags pictured in the post. Thanks.

    Reply

  53. Please send the labels with instructions on how to use them as well as links for the gift jars and bags pictured in the post. Thanks>

    Reply

  55. This is an awesome recipe... would love to have the labels and where to purchase the containers. Thanks so much! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  56. Can’t wait to make so many of your free iOS for Christmas gift given. Your recipes are always “ on the mark”.

    Please send labels for ;sweet and spicy fig jsorraf, Red pepper jelly, easy raspberry jam, myer lemon orange and ginger marmalade, cranberry sriracha pepper jelly ,
    Mandarin orange and fig conserves.
    Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Margaret, we are happy to send the labels, we just ask that you leave a comment on each post you are interested in. Thanks!

      Reply

  58. Instructions have no mention of molasses, maple syrup & cinnamon. I'm assuming you add to the microwave bowl to cook with butter and sugars?

    Reply

  59. I also would like pdf with instructions for labels as well as links for jars and bags. Thank you so very much! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
    Can this recipe be baked in the oven also?
    Thanks,
    Carol

    Reply

    1. Hi Carol, we are happy to send all that info! As far as the oven, this recipe was developed and tested using the microwave.

      Reply

  61. Oh yes please! I see our homemade gifts for Christmas 2023! May I have the link and labels?

    Also, a question: do you think this sauce/flavor could be adapted to a chex mix?

    Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Hi Tonya, we are happy to send the labels! We've only tested the recipe this way and can't say for sure if it would work as a chex mix.

      Reply

  63. Thanks for all the instructions. I'm looking forward to making this recipe. I would like the labels and link to the packages please.

    Reply

  64. Dear Chris,

    I love your microwave caramel sauce so I can’t wait to try this popcorn recipe when the grandchildren are here this week! Please send the labels. It is so nice that you include links to the bags and boxes. You make it so easy for us!

    Reply

  65. This recipe looks scrumptious. I cannot wait to make this. Would you please send me the PDF labels.

    Happy Holidays and thank you for the recipe!

    Reply

  73. Hello! Love giving food gifts from home during the holidays, so this will be a welcome addition! Please send labels and "Thank you" in advance.

    Reply

  75. This sounds so delicious! I hope to make it for friends and neighbors this holiday season and would appreciate the label information. Thank you!

    Reply

  76. Hello! I love your recipes and have tried many wirh great success! I would love to get the labels for the Pecan Pie Carmel Corn. It looks amazing and what a great gift idea!
    Thank you for all the great recipes!! Happy Holidays!

    Reply

  77. Really looking forward to making this for Christmas gifts.
    Would love to have the all the printable labels PDF 's. for the pecan popcorn.
    I tried finding the popcorn on amazon.ca . The one you recommend is not in stock. They have the same brand with other popcorns but not the same popcorn name.
    Would they also be the mushroom popcorn? Or can you recommend another brand of mushroom popcorn please.
    Thank you
    Mary

    Reply

    3. Can I please get your labels as well. We are popcorn lovers and we are southern as well and we all love pecan pie. I can't imagine how good this is going to be....I'm excited!!! Thank you

      Reply

      1. I’m excited to try the popcorn recipe. I just ordered the Whitley popcorn maker and the popcorn. Could you please send me the labels. Thanks!

        Reply

        2. Hi Brenda, it says the labels we blocked due to spam content. You may need to update your email settings.

          Reply

  89. I made this last night...This caramel corn is officially my hubby's fav out of all your caramel corn recipes! Please send label so I can share with others. Blessings to you and your family...so much love from your sharing 😉

    Reply

  97. Hi Chris
    I would love to have the labels for your recipe for Pecan Pie Caramel Corn.
    Thank you for your amazing posts and recipes.
    Janet

    Reply

  103. Wonderful homemade gift idea...I would greatly appreciate it if you could include me with the labels..Thank you

    Reply

  104. I can’t wait to try this recipe! Pecan pie anything is a family favorite! Please send me the labels! Thank you so much!

    Reply

  105. You have just helped me to decide what I'm giving my neighbors for Christmas! Please send me a set of labels.

    Thank you!

    Reply

  106. Please send PDF for labels. A great surprise my daughter in law who's gluten free and loves popcorn.
    Have a blessed holiday season.
    Cynthia Dovens

    Reply

  108. Dear Chris, I'd love to have the labels. What a great Christmas gift idea. Thank you for the inspiration.
    Lynne

    Reply

  110. Love this! When I made the sea salted caramel corn last weekend my husband said the only ting missing is nuts! I made this one today and he was in heaven! Shipping this batch to our son in Colorado tomorrow for a Thanksgiving treat.
    Would love the PDF of the labels for the next batches please.
    Thank you and have a most wonderful Thanksgiving.

    Reply

  111. My favorite pie and my favorite snack together in one recipe?! What a fabulous idea! I just happen to have all the ingredients in my pantry. This just got added to my afternoon agenda. Please send the labels. I’ll be sending gifts home tomorrow after dinner 😀

    Reply

  112. Chris,
    You are just a fountain of amazing recipes!! Love them & appreciate you so much!
    Thank you for sending this PDF for the Pecan Pie Caramel corn!
    Did the regular caramel corn for neighbors last year.... may have to do a multi-bag collection this year with the & other new ones!!
    Hope you & your family are blessed with a wonderful Thanksgiving & holiday season to follow!
    Kathy Apostolakos

    Reply

  116. I plan on making this for my annual “food basket” of goodies I give to my wonderful neighbors. I would appreciate if you would send the labels please! Have so many of your recipes in my go to rotation! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

    Reply

  119. Dang! I keep printing your caramel corn recipes and you keep sending out new versions that sound so good! This one sounds like a great overall one for gifts that will appeal to all. Will you please send me the label art? I have mushroom popcorn on order and my whirley pop at the ready, LOL. I will probably try all the ones you have released to pick my favorite for gifts.

    Question for you: I make homemade classic fudge and use some karo syrup AND a little cream of tartar as well to inhibit sugar crystal formation. Have you ever heard/tried that for minimizing crystal formation?

    Reply

    1. Hi Marguerite, hope you enjoy this one and the others!
      Regarding your question, I haven't used cream of tartar with the Karo syrup except when making divinity, however, I have made many batches of caramel corn and haven't had any issue with crystallization.

      Reply

  121. I am making this on Tuesday. Please send me the labels. I have ordered the Mushroom Popcorn.
    this will be fun! Thank you.
    Sandra Lee

    Reply

  122. What a fun and delicious recipe to make for Thanksgiving treats with the grandchildren! I would love a set of the pdf labels for this Pecan Pie Popcorn. Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Candace, this will be fun to make with the kids, just be careful as the caramel gets very hot. Sending the labels now!

      Reply

    1. Hi Pennie Lynn, this entire recipe (both the caramel sauce and the paper bag microwave cooking) was designed for using a microwave. To ensure success, it would be better to use a stovetop/oven caramel corn recipe if you don't have a microwave.

      Reply