Critters in the Hay Recipe

Name: Critters in the Hay
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cup sugar; 1 cup light corn syrup; 2 tbsp. butter; 1-1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice; 1 tsp. vanilla; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. green food coloring (optional); 3-1/2 qt. popped popcorn, with any unpopped kernels removed; 1 cup candy corn; Black licorice ropes; Wooden picks; Sm. black gum drops; other black candies; Red decorating icing; Tiny red jaw-breakers; Worm-shaped candies

Servings: persons

1-1/2 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
2 tbsp. butter
1-1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. green food coloring (optional)
3-1/2 qt. popped popcorn, with any unpopped kernels removed
1 cup candy corn
Black licorice ropes
Wooden picks
Sm. black gum drops
other black candies
Red decorating icing
Tiny red jaw-breakers
Worm-shaped candies

1
In Dutch oven, bring sugar, corn syrup and butter to a boil; boil 2-1/2 minutes.
2
Stir in pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, salt and food coloring (if desired).
3
Mix until evenly colored.
4
Add popcorn and toss until evenly coated.
5
Spread popcorn mixture in a single layer on greased sheets of foil and allow to cool and harden.
6
Break into bite-sized pieces and mix with candy corn in a wide shallow bowl; set aside.
7
To make spiders, cut licorice into 2-inch lengths.
8
To make legs, starting at one end, make three 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch cuts to make four legs.
9
Repeat cuts at opposite end.
10
Leave 1/2 inch in center uncut.
11
Gently pull legs apart and curl down.
12
Push wooden pick through center of body, leaving 1/4 inch exposed on top.
13
Push one gumdrop onto exposed pick to make a body.
14
Using writing tip of decorating icing, squeeze two small dots of icing into gumdrops.
15
Press jaw-breakers into icing to make eyes.
16
Place spiders and worm-shaped candies in popcorn.
17
Remove wooden picks before eating.

318

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1-1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, 2 tbsp. butter, 1-1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, and more.

Yes, Critters in the Hay falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Critters in the Hay

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions