Cracker Jack
Get ready to indulge in the perfect nostalgic treat with this irresistible homemade Cracker Jack recipe! Featuring fluffy popped popcorn and crunchy roasted peanuts, all coated in a rich, buttery caramel sauce made from brown sugar, light corn syrup, and a hint of vanilla, this snack brings sweet and salty together in every bite. Baked to golden perfection for an irresistible crisp, this Cracker Jack is easy to make and perfect for movie nights, game days, or gifting. With just 15 minutes of prep and a deep caramel flavor that rivals the classic favorite, this recipe is your ticket to reliving childhood memories—right from your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 10 cups Popped popcorn
- 1 cup Roasted peanuts
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 0.25 cup Light corn syrup
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Place the popped popcorn and roasted peanuts in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt until fully combined.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes without stirring.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The caramel will foam up slightly—this is normal.
Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and peanuts. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat everything evenly.
Spread the coated popcorn mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crispness.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Cracker Jack cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Enjoy your homemade treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
396 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.0 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.2 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 52 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 219 mg | 10% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.1 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.1 g | ||
| Protein | 4.5 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 38 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 179 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
