Candy corn is a classic Halloween treat that has been around since the 1880s. The original candy corn was made to look like actual kernels of corn and had a harvest theme. Today, candy corn is available in a wide variety of colors and flavors beyond just the traditional white, orange, and yellow. Candy corn harvest mixes provide an assortment of candy corn varieties all together in one bag or box.
Traditional Candy Corn
The most recognizable candy corn variety is traditional candy corn. This is the classic white, orange, and yellow candy corn that most people think of. Traditional candy corn kernels have a white base, an orange middle, and a yellow tip. The white portion typically makes up approximately 50% of the candy, while the orange and yellow parts each make up about 25%. This gives the kernels their signature triangular shape.
The traditional candy corn flavor has been described as sweet with notes of vanilla, honey, butter, and marshmallow. The white base tends to be the sweetest, the orange has a bit more warmth and spice, while the yellow tip provides more butter and vanilla flavors.
Traditional candy corn is made primarily from sugar, corn syrup, wax, coloring, and flavorings. It has a firm, smooth, waxy texture perfect for biting off the different colored layers one at a time. Traditional candy corn is an essential part of any candy corn harvest mix.
Indian Corn
Indian corn candy corn has the colors of fall leaves instead of resembling actual corn kernels. While traditional candy corn is white, orange, and yellow; Indian corn candy corn comes in orange, red, brown, yellow, and green colors. Just like traditional candy corn though, the colors are layered on top of each other in a triangular shape.
Indian corn candy corn has a similar flavor profile to traditional candy corn but may have more molasses or brown sugar flavors to complement the autumnal colors. The colors are typically achieved using natural colorings derived from ingredients like beets, turmeric, annatto, and chlorophyll.
The rich fall colors and flavors make Indian corn candy corn perfect for harvest and Halloween candy mixes. A candy corn mix would not be complete without a few kernels of Indian corn to add festive fall flair.
Buttercream Candy Corn
Buttercream candy corn has a smooth, creamy texture thanks to the addition of buttercream. The kernels are made with a buttercream base rather than the standard waxy candy corn texture. Buttercream candy corn comes in the classic candy corn colors of white, orange, and yellow.
In addition to having a softer, creamier texture, buttercream candy corn also has a richer, more decadent flavor. There are strong, sweet notes of butter, vanilla, and buttercream frosting. The orange and yellow layers bring the traditional candy corn warmth and spice.
Buttercream candy corn provides a new twist on classic candy corn with its indulgent flavor and texture. It adds delicious variety to any harvest mix.
Candy Corn with Peanuts
What could be more perfect for fall than candy corn combined with peanuts? Candy corn with embedded peanut pieces provides a delightful salty-sweet combination. The peanuts add crunch and savoriness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of candy corn.
Candy corn with peanuts typically contains traditional white, orange, and yellow candy corn kernels. Mini peanut pieces are pressed into the white base layer, so you get a bit of peanut with every bite. The peanuts complement the vanilla, honey, and butter notes in the candy corn.
Salted, roasted peanuts work best and bring out the candy corn flavors. Candy corn with peanuts merges two classic fall treats into one kernel for a harvest mix.
Candy Corn with Chocolate
What could make candy corn even better? Adding chocolate, of course! Candy corn with a chocolate layer provides an indulgent twist. The chocolate candy corn contains a layer of chocolate coating the bottom of the kernel under the white layer.
Each bite starts with a burst of chocolate before getting into the sweet vanilla and spice candy corn layers. The chocolate also helps balance out the sweetness of the candy corn. Dark chocolate works best and pairs nicely with the flavors in candy corn.
Chocolate candy corn brings together chocolate and candy corn, two beloved Halloween treats. It adds rich chocolate decadence to any harvest candy corn assortment.
Candy Corn with Caramel
Caramel is another delicious way to enhance candy corn for fall. Candy corn with caramel contains a layer of sweet, creamy caramel on the bottom of the kernel below the white candy corn base. Each bite unveils the chewy caramel underneath.
The rich, buttery caramel provides sweetness while also cutting some of the sugary taste of the candy corn. It provides a nice contrast in texture too with its soft chewiness compared to the firm crunch of candy corn. The caramel pairs well with vanilla and butterscotch notes in the candy corn.
Candy corn with caramel covers two classic fall flavors in one kernel. It’s the perfect addition for caramel lovers to any harvest candy corn mix.
Pumpkin Spice Candy Corn
Pumpkin spice flavors are the ultimate taste of autumn. Pumpkin spice candy corn incorporates seasonal pumpkin pie flavors into candy corn Kernels. The kernels have the traditional shape and colors but pack an autumnal pumpkin punch.
Pumpkin spice candy corn has a dominant flavor of pumpkin and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. There are also notes of vanilla and honey like standard candy corn. The orange and yellow tips tend to taste extra pumpkiny and sweet.
Pumpkin spice candy corn evokes all the flavors of Thanksgiving and autumn in candy corn form. It captures the fall season in one harvest candy corn kernel.
Candy Corn Flavor Palettes
Candy corn harvest mixes contain diverse flavor palettes to please all taste buds. Here is an overview of some of the most popular candy corn flavor assortments:
Flavor Palette | Flavors |
---|---|
Fruit Flavors | Cherry, grape, lemon, lime, orange, raspberry, strawberry |
Sweet Flavors | Butterscotch, caramel, cotton candy, marshmallow, peanut butter fudge, peppermint |
Fall Flavors | Apple cider, caramel apple, maple, pumpkin spice, peanut |
Tropical Flavors | Banana, coconut, mango, pineapple, pina colada |
Sour Flavors | Lemon, lime, blue raspberry, cherry, watermelon, green apple |
With so many flavors to choose from, you can find a candy corn palette to please any candy craving. The variety makes candy corn harvest mixes fun and interesting.
Fun Shapes and Sizes
In addition to flavors, candy corn harvest mixes also feature fun new shapes and sizes. Some examples include:
- Mini candy corns – tiny bite-sized candy corn kernels
- Giant candy corn – extra-large candy corn up to ten times bigger than regular kernels
- Candy corn pumpkins – candy corn shaped into pumpkins for Halloween
- Candy corn ghosts – ghost-shaped candy corn for Halloween
- Candy corn skulls – skull-shaped candy corn for Day of the Dead
- Candy corn blobs – amorphous pumpkin orange blobs of various sizes
Varying the shapes and sizes adds novelty and visual appeal to candy corn mixes. The new forms give candy corn a fresh look while still delivering the classic sweet candy corn taste.
The Best Candy Corn Harvest Mixes
Here is a round up of some of the best and most popular candy corn harvest mixes on the market:
Brach’s Make’Em Mallows Candy Corn
This candy corn mix features traditional candy corn plus mallows shaped like Halloween characters like mummies, vampires, and monsters. The combo of smooth mallows and crunchy candy corn makes for nice contrast.
Brach’s Autumn Mix
A blend of chocolate and peanut butter coated candy corn, pumpkins, leaves, and autumn-colored regular candy corn. It has classic flavors with a fun fall mix.
Brach’s Caramel Apple Candy Corn
Candy corn kernels with a caramel apple flavor. A perfect balance of apple tartness and sweet caramel.
Brach’s Turkey Dinner Candy Corn
This special edition contains candy corn flavored like Thanksgiving dinner: roast turkey, green beans, sweet potato pie, and cranberry sauce. A fun and unique take on candy corn.
Candy Corn from Itsugar
Gourmet candy corn from Itsugar with unique flavors like banana, Dr. Pepper, and popcorn. Made with cane sugar and natural flavors.
Candy Corn Jelly Belly
Jelly Belly jelly beans shaped and colored like candy corn kernels. Jelly Belly’s signature chewy jelly bean texture makes for a different take on candy corn.
How to Make Your Own Candy Corn Mix
Making your own custom candy corn trail mix can be easy and fun. Here are some tips:
- Buy packages of different flavored and shaped candy corn to mix together
- Add other candies or snacks like peanuts, pretzels, or chocolate to the mix
- Use fall colored candies like caramels, jelly beans, or sprinkles
- Incorporate some of your other favorite treats like cookie pieces or marshmallows
- Mix everything together in a large bowl or jar
- Adjust proportions based on your taste preferences
Customizing your own candy corn trail mix lets you create a personalized harvest flavor palette. Feel free to get creative and try unique combinations.
Tips for Storing Candy Corn Mixes
To maintain freshness and texture, here are some tips for storing candy corn mixes:
- Keep unopened packages in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- After opening, transfer mix to an airtight container or resealable bag
- Opened candy corn mixes will stay freshest for 1-2 months
- To maximize freshness, store in the refrigerator or freezer
- Allow to come to room temperature before eating for best texture
With proper storage, you can enjoy your candy corn harvest mix for months to come and have it ready to delight trick-or-treaters!
Conclusion
Candy corn harvest mixes provide a fun assortment perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the fall season. They contain diverse candy corn varieties including flavors like caramel apple, pumpkin spice, and chocolate. Mixes feature colored kernels, creative shapes, and popular seasonal flavors. Crafting a DIY candy corn trail mix can give you a personalized harvest treat. With proper storage, these festive mixes can be enjoyed for months. Candy corn harvest mixes are a unique way to get in the spirit of the fall season.