Easy Pecan Almond Popcorn Crunch Recipe

Easy Pecan Almond Popcorn Crunch Recipe: The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

Craving something sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible? This Easy Pecan Almond Popcorn Crunch Recipe is your answer! A blend of crunchy almonds, pecans, and freshly popped popcorn all coated in a luscious caramel sauce—this treat is perfect for family movie nights, holiday gifting, or as an anytime snack. And the best part? It’s easy to make, using simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

According to a study by Statista, popcorn remains one of the top snacks in America, with over 232 million Americans consuming popcorn in 2020 alone. Pairing popcorn with nuts like almonds and pecans not only enhances its flavor but also boosts its nutritional value. Nuts are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making this sweet treat a snack you can feel good about!

Easy Pecan Almond Popcorn Crunch Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: Approximately 10 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts popped popcorn (approximately 8 cups)
• 1-1/3 cups (160g) pecans, coarsely chopped
• 2/3 cup (80g) slivered almonds
• 1-1/3 cups (267g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120ml) corn syrup

Expert Tips:

• Fresh Popcorn is Key: Always use freshly popped popcorn for the best texture.
• Toast the Nuts: Lightly toasting the pecans and almonds before adding them enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• Handle with Care: Be cautious when working with the caramel mixture—it gets extremely hot!

Instructions for the Easy Pecan Almond Popcorn Crunch Recipe

1. Prepare Popcorn and Nuts:

Pop 2 quarts of popcorn (about 8 cups) and place it on a large, greased cookie sheet. Add your coarsely chopped pecans and slivered almonds on top of the popcorn.

2. Make the Caramel Sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, vanilla extract, unsalted butter, and corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture turns a light caramel color, which should take 10-15 minutes.

3. Mix Ingredients Together:

Carefully pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn, pecans, and almonds. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat everything evenly.

4. Spread to Cool:

Spread the coated popcorn mixture evenly across the cookie sheet. Allow it to cool and harden completely before breaking it into clusters.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once cooled, your Easy Pecan Almond Popcorn Crunch is ready to serve! Break it into bite-sized pieces and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors.

Storage and Leftovers

• Store your Pecan Almond Popcorn Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Pro tip: To maintain its crunch, add a small packet of silica gel or a few grains of uncooked rice to the container to absorb moisture.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?
A1: While microwave popcorn will work, using freshly popped popcorn gives you the best texture and flavor. You can air-pop or stovetop-pop your popcorn for the ideal crunch.

Q2: Can I swap the nuts for something else?
A2: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cashews, walnuts, or even peanuts for a different flavor profile. Mix and match based on your taste preferences.

Q3: How far in advance can I make this snack?
A3: You can make this popcorn crunch a few days ahead of time. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Craving more scrumptious and easy snack recipes? Dive into my Pinterest board for a treasure trove of culinary inspiration! And if you’re looking to up your cooking game, don’t miss out on my cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens: 100 Easy Recipes to Learn the Basics. It’s packed with simple, delicious recipes that will transform your kitchen experience. Grab your copy today and start whipping up tasty dishes like a pro!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have this delicious treat ready in no time.
• Perfect for Gifting: This popcorn crunch makes a thoughtful homemade gift, especially when packaged in decorative jars or holiday-themed gift bags.
• Customizable: Swap out the nuts or even drizzle some chocolate on top for an extra indulgent touch.