Ridiculously Easy Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn (with free printable labels for gifts)

By Chris Scheuer | Updated on June 3, 2024
5 from 10 votes
This Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn comes together in under 45 minutes with minimal labor and no mess. It tastes like it comes from a fancy gourmet shop and the free printable labels make it perfect for gifting!

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This Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn comes together in under 45 minutes with minimal labor and no mess. It tastes like it comes from a fancy gourmet shop and the free printable labels make it perfect for gifting!

If you've made our Ridiculously Easy Sea Salted Caramel Corn or our Caramel Apple Caramel Corn, you're going to LOVE this Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn, If you aren't familiar with these ridiculously easy, crazy delicious recipes, you're in for a wonderful treat!

The inspiration for this recipe came from a local popcorn company. A few weeks ago, Scott and I were browing through one of our favorite gift/houseware stores in Asheville, not far from where we live. We always enjoy checking out the gourmet popcorn selection and noticed a new seasonal variety called Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn.

A small bag was quite pricey ($10!) but we purchased one for "inspiration" purposes. A few nibbles of the delicious fall-inspired treat got my mind rolling and I decided to adapt my microwave caramel corn recipe to include pumpkin pie spice, knowing that would be super easy and cost WAY less.

A labor of love

Making caramel corn the old-fashioned way is a labor of love involving lots of dirty dishes, careful monitory of the caramel on the stovetop and a long slow stint in the oven with lots of stirring. This Ridiculously Easy Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn truly is ridiculously easy as it's all done in the microwave with just one bowl and a large paper grocery bag.

Ridiculously Easy

Besides the fact that this Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn comes together quickly with minimal mess and effort, there's another reason that we add "ridiculously easy" to the title. It's because we have an entire collection of recipes with this moniker.

To qualify for this unique category, a recipe has to have certain characteristics. You can read all about the guidelines for our Ridiculously Easy recipes in this post and view the whole RE collection here but my condensed description is "these are the recipes that make you look like a kitchen rock star with minimal effort on your part". This Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn definitely qualifies!

Best Popcorn for Caramel Corn

Although there are many brands and varieties of popcorn kernels, there are two basic shapes, mushroom and butterfly. Mushroom kernels will 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, being the type you usually find pre-popped at grocery and convenience stores. It's also the kind that's used in microwave popcorn packets.

I tried both mushroom and butterfly and felt like the mushroom popcorn held up better in the stirring (shaking in the case of microwave caramel corn) and coating process. Also, because the mushroom pops round kernels, they have a larger surface to hold caramel coating. That's a win, win!

All that being said, you could use microwave or stovetop popcorn and mushroom or butterfly kernels for this Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn recipe. My preference and 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 gourmet stuff!

One caveat that I've learned about mushroom popcorn. The oil needs to be very hot before you add the popcorn. I really like using a Whirley Pop Stovetop Popper. I heat the oil until I see it starting to sizzle a bit then add ¾ cup of the mushroom popcorn, cover the pot with the lid and start turning the stirring crank. Within minutes I've got a full pot of beautiful round popcorn, enough for one batch of Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn (16 cups) plus an extra bowlful for nibbling.

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 hearl ots 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 would recommend checking the label of the corn syrup you purchase.

Give it away!

We love giving gifts from the kitchen to friends, neighbors, clients, teachers, co-workers - the list could go on and on. Because this Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn is so "giftable", we've created a fun, cheerful label to adorn your boxes, bags, jars... however you decide to package this epicurean delight.

To receive the free, printable PDF for these labels plus instructions on how to use them, simply leave us a comment below at the very bottom of this post letting us know you'd like them. We'll email you the labels, instructions and links for the boxes and ribbon in the photos.

One last thing...

Just a little heads up. When you make this delicious gourmet treat, be sure to stash a little bowl away for yourself. Once you set it out for family, friends, guests, etc. it will disappear before you can say Ridiculously Easy Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn!

Cafe Tips for making this Ridiculously Easy Pumpkin Pie Spice 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 this recipe as the caramel mixture will bubble up. A microwave-safe bowl is one that won't melt or heat up when used in the microwave. For this recipe, it's really 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.
  • 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 not available, I tested this recipe using an equal amount of Lyle's Golden Syrup in lieu 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.
  • 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 Pumpkin Pie Spice 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:

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:8-10

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Ridiculously Easy Pumpkin Pie Spiced Caramel Corn

Chris Scheuer
This Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Corn comes together in under 45 minutes with minimal labor and no mess. It tastes like it comes from a fancy gourmet shop and the free printable labels make it perfect for gifting!
5 from 10 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 20 servings
Calories 184

Ingredients
 
 

  • 16 cups popped popcorn, see the post above for types of popcorn
  • ¾ cup butter, I use salted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup corn syrup, (not high fructose corn syrup - I use Karo)
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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 any unpopped kernels fall to the bottom.
  3. Lift 4 quarts of popcorn out of the bowl and transfer to a large brown paper grocery bag.
  4. Combine the butter, brown sugars, corn syrup, pumpkin pie spice 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.
  5. 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 more minutes.
  6. 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.
  7. Pour the hot mixture over the popcorn in the bag. Fold the top of the bag down once microwave on high power for 1 minute. Remove the bag and hold it at the top and one of the bottom corners (if needed use a pot holder to hold the bottom corner. Shake well for about 30 seconds then return to the microwave for another minute.
  8. Repeat cooking and shaking two more times for a total of 4 minutes. Turn the popcorn out onto the prepared parchment paper. Allow to cool completely.
  9. 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

Calories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 207mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 230IUVitamin C: 0.05mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.4mg
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American

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238 Comments

  1. Hi Chris,
    Just downloaded the pumpkin fudge labels - so quick and easy and what a great way to have them available= may I please have the PDF for the Pumpkin Caramel Corn
    LOL - Glynis

    1. Hi Glynis, so glad to hear that! These labels could not be delivered. Could there be an error in your email address?

  2. I would like to get the free printable pdf of the labels for this treat, I look forward to trying this and sharing it with friends and family! Thank you

  3. The first time I made this delicious popcorn I was asked to never bring it to a party again - it was that great!! But I did anyway! The most recent time I used Lyles syrup and I’m afraid it made the caramel very sticky or it could be the humidity we’ve been getting. I gave it to the kids with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips- they gobbled it up. But I’m going back to corn syrup, it’s too good to mess with. Thanks Chris. Happy holidays.

  4. Just signed up for your wonderful site! Can’t wait to make the pecan pie caramel popcorn, my husbands favorite treat is flavored popcorn, please send me the pdf labels, thank you, karen

  5. I adore everything, pumpkin! It takes me back to those blissful days spent visiting local farmstands, savoring fresh-made pumpkin donuts and pies. I can still picture the excitement when my folks would plan a day trip that included a stop at the farmstand and a visit to a nearby state park to enjoy our delicious treats. Mom would always pack two thermoses—one filled with rich coffee for her and Dad and the other with cold milk for my brother and me. Those moments are what great memories are made of! I’d love to add your lovely label to my pumpkin goodies to make this trip down memory lane even more special. Thank you for helping me cherish these beautiful times!

  6. Hi Chris!
    I can’t wait to make and gift your Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel Popcorn. I would so appreciate receiving tthe lavels. Thank yoo!

    Could you also send the Apple Popcorn labels?

  7. I love your recipe for caramel corn. I would love to try this one. Who doesn't like pumpkin pie.
    Please send me the labels.
    Thank you!

  8. Can’t wait to make this to sell at our church fall bazaar. May I have the label down load please? Thank you!

    Sharron

  9. It's June!!! Great time to start planning for Christmas. Can I please have the labels for this popcorn recipe please.

  10. Hello, I hope I'm not too late to get the PDF and links as I loved this recipe and plan on giving it as Christmas gifts this year. Thanks so much.

  11. Hi Chris,
    I've made your regular caramel corn and loved how easy it was, and so delicious to give as a gift! Today I am planning on making your pumpkin pie spice caramel corn. Would it be possible to get the printable labels, please?

    1. I would love the free labels if still available. This brings back memories of my Mom making homemade caramel corn with a brown paper bag when I was a child in the 70s. I'm definitely going to give this a try! Thank you.

  12. You will wow your friends when you show up with a big bowl of this delicious popcorn. It’s easy to make in the microwave with minimal fuss. I’ll be making a few batches for quick holiday events. I can’t wait to try the pecan pie version.

    1. This popcorn looks so delicious! I would love to get the PDF so I can share them with my family for Easter.

  13. May I have the PDF printable label? Thank you so much. My Thanksgiving table will have a beautiful and delicious favor.

  14. My hubby LOVES this...so I am going to make as gifts (if he let's any out of the house that is)...please send labels...Thank you so much for all your sharing

  15. Hello! Can’t wait to try this, I am a caramel corn fanatic! The mushroom popcorn you linked is sold out. Do you have another suggestion? I didn’t even know there were different kinds or if my local grocery brands label them this way. Also, do you put all 16 cups of popcorn in the brown bag at once and pour the sauce over? You don’t shake before the first time of microwaving then? I’m trying to imagine this fitting in my microwave, which is a normal “over the stove” built-in size. Lastly, I’d love the labels and gift box links! Thanks so much!

  16. Would love to receive these free beautiful gift tags! Can't wait to make this. I plan to give these as gifts to my grandson's preschool teachers 🙂

  17. This looks scrumptious! I would like to receive the labels please. Hoping to make them for parent/teacher gifts. Thank you so much!

  18. Chris, I'm excited about this version & would love labels, please. Like so many others, I used the sea salt version for neighbor Christmas gifts & everyone loved it. Think they would love a new version at Thanksgiving! Thank you so much! your emails are the only recipe site I subscribe too.
    We live at 6800 ft so if you could incorporate any high altitude thoughts on baked goods that would be wonderful.
    Thanks again, Kathy

    1. Hi Kathy, thanks for your kind words. Happy to send the labels!
      Regarding high altitude, I am not an expert. We live at 2700 ft in the mountains on NC and I don't have to make any adjustments.
      I don't thnk you would need to adjust this recipe, since there's no temperature involved.

  19. I often make caramel corn for Christmas gifts.. This fun recipe will work for fall! I'll give Thanksgiving gifts this year!

  20. I love pumpkin pie spice and popcorn. This sounds delicious. I am goanna try this. I would like to receive the labels.

    Thank you, Mr. Dana,

  21. I am so glad to find this recipe. Popcorn is economical and good fiber. I will make with students.please send labels.

  22. Can't wait to try the pumpkin spice popcorn. Would love for you to send me the cute labels.
    Thank you so much!
    Cindy

  23. Love this recipe! It is going to be one of my Thanksgiving treat bags! Please send the label, many thanks.

  24. I love all things pumpkin and can't wait to make this popcorn would love to have the labels thank you!

  25. I'm excited to make the pumpkin spice caramel corn.it sounds delicious and would like to make Thanksgiving gifts. Looking forward to making it and please send the labels for that extra added touch. Thank you. Denise

  26. Hi Chris. My daughter is crazy about all things pumpkin. Could you please send the pdf for the labels so I can mail her this treat?

  27. Hello!! 🙂
    This recipe sounds really good but I was wondering if you have a version that a person could use with puffcorn?

    1. This looks delicious and I love all of your tips and advice to make it as successful as possible. Can't wait to try this first for a Halloween party and then maybe for gifts around Thanksgiving. Great idea! I'd love a copy of your labels for this pumpkin popcorn. Thank you!

  28. Our family just made our Thanksgiving plans and I'm bringing snacks and treats. Your Pumpking Pie Spiced Caramel Corn will be perfect this year. I'm making some for everyone to eat and also some bagged takehome treats. Your pdf labels will be greatly appreciated! Looking forward to more great recipes in the future!

  29. Hi Chris, I'm a fan of everything pumpkin spice and when I saw your post of Pumpkin Spice Popcorn , I've got to make it. I think your labels are awesome and would love to request them. Thank you so much for the recipe. God bless you for sharing all your recipes.

  30. I can’t wait to try your pumpkin pie spice popcorn recipe. My husband and I made your Carmel Apple popcorn last year for Christmas and it was a hit with everyone! We would love to have a copy of the Labels for the pumpkin pie spice popcorn. This would be a great to gift to give with such a lovely presentation. Thank you!

  31. I’m looking forward to gifting this delicious caramel corn to family and friends. Please send the pdf for the labels and the links for the cute packaging. Thanks so much for sharing!

  32. I make caramel corn quite often but have not thought of putting pumpkin spice in it. Looking forward to adding it this time. Thanks for a great idea.! Could I please have the printable labels and instructions.

    1. This recipe looks and sounds delicious! I plan to make it to give to my wonderful kindergarten teaching team, we all love fall and pumpkin spice. Thank you for sharing the recipe and I’m excited to use your pretty gift tags. Where did you find the boxes for packaging that are shown? Thank you and have a blessed day!

  33. I make caramel corn quite often but have not thought of putting pumpkin spice in it. Looking forward to adding it this time. Thanks for a great idea.!

  34. Can't wait to make this. Picked up what I didn't already have today.

    Please send the labels and instructions.

    I'll update once I make this delish sounding treat.

    Thank you!

  35. I'm going to make this for our bake sale to send teamsters women to the women's conference. Please send the labels pdf! Thank you

  36. Happy Autumn! I love all kinds of popcorn and I look forward to making,these simple microwave caramel corn recipes. may I please have access to your printable labels for the pumpkin caramel corn?
    Thanks! Linda

    1. Aww,thanks so much Doreen. I'm happy to share the gifts God has given me. Sending the labels your way.

      1. Id like to try this recipe but the instructions are not clear. Says to make 16 cups of popped corn, but only put 4 cups in the paper bag for microwaving. What happens to the other 12 cups?

        1. Hi Kiwijam, Soryy if that was confusing - yes, you make 16 cups of popped corn and use all of that in the bag. It says to put 4 QUARTS in the bag which is 16 cups. Hope you enjoy the caramel corn!

  37. The pumpkin spice popcorn looks beautiful and delicious! Thank you for aharong it. I'd love to have the printable PDF. Thank you!

  38. Hi Chris,
    As always I so look forward to your ideas , recipes ,and great artist talents ! I have used many of your recipes and made the Pumpkin Butter last year was a HUGE hit on my charcuterie board !
    I would Love to have the template for your labels. What size label do I need to order and I look forward to the link for the Fun boxes to put the Carmel corn in !!! Happy Holidays !!! This is truly my favorite time of year !!! And you are helping it to be even more Fun !!!

    1. That's awesome, Nina! Will send the labels now and all the info regarding pringing them up, etc. I love this time of year too!

    2. Looks delicious! I love caramel corn and love an easy recipe! Thank you! Please send me the cute labels, thank you!

  39. I’m anxious to try this to take to Thanksgiving as gifts for family and friends. Please include the printable labels. Thank you.

  40. Beautiful popcorn and labels! I would love to print them please. Thank you for your worship music link! Jesus is King! Always and forever. 🙂

  41. Please send the free printable label instructions s for the Pumpkin Pie Spice Caramel corn. I'm looking forward to making this recipie.

    1. Hi Maria, not sure where you live but I have tested this recipe with Lyles Golden Syrup and that works well.

  42. I've been thinking about making something to give out as a treat to the seniors at our Senior Center. This will be perfect. Please send the labels. Thank you.

  43. Please send the labels.
    I have a friend who always makes goodies for us at Christmas. I've been trying to find unique recipes to make a good goody bag for her this year. I've already made pepper jelly & commented under that post to sent those labels. She is going be so surprised!

    1. Thank you for the Pumpkin Spice Popcorn recipe.
      I would like to receive 2 sets of the labels.
      Looking forward to making this.

  44. Thank you, Chris, for the recipe and for the wealth of information that you include in your recipes! The recipe looks fantastic, as usual! Can't wait to try it and also, could you please send the printable labels? Susan

  45. I have enjoyed reading your recipes but really enjoyed making them for for my family’s.

    Thank you, and yes I would like the labels.

  46. This is a lovely fall gift for friends and neighbors. We’ll munch on it while watching the Golden Bachelor😋. May I please get the labels? Btw-how much un-popped popcorn does it take for 16 cups of popped? I ordered the 1lb bag. Thank you Chris.

    1. Hi Robin, sending the labels now.
      I use ¾ cup of popcorn kernels in my Whirley Popper to result in around 18 cups of popped popcorn.
      Sending the labels your way!

  47. Hi Chris, thank you for all of your delicious recipes! I have made many of them with wonderful results. Do you know if this recipe would turn out with air popped popcorn? I have an old air popper that is probably 40 years old, and also a borosilicate glasss one that is round like a pot with a red silicone top that goes in the microwave. Thank you! Oh, I almost forgot..... what program do you use to create your pretty labels? I am asking, because I made brandied cherries and also pepper jelly during the summer to give as holiday gifts. Labels for these would really make the gifts shine.

    1. Hi Donna, I think this will work great with air popped popcorn.
      Regarding your question, I create my labels on Canva, then use Avery to create a PDF for them.

  48. I am excited to try this recipe! Certainly do appreciate you putting the labels together for us and would love the directions.

  49. Please send me the labels. Thanks so much. Sending away for the mushroom corn. I have heard of this type before and now am going to try using it makking your pumpkin popcorn. Thanks so much.
    Sandra Lee

  50. Please excuse me if I missed this in the post, but where might we purchase the “mushroom” type of popping corn?

    Thanks, I can’t wait to try this!