Indulge in the nostalgic taste of Cracker Jack with this easy copycat recipe. This homemade version features caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts, offering a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or just satisfying your snack cravings. Follow these simple steps to make a delicious batch of Cracker Jack at home!
Ingredients:
10 cups popped popcorn
1 cup unsalted peanuts
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Prepare Popcorn:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
Place the popped popcorn and peanuts in a large roasting pan and set aside.
2Make Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Allow the mixture to boil without stirring for 5 minutes.
Add Baking Soda and Vanilla:
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up.
Coat Popcorn:
Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and peanuts, stirring to coat evenly.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure an even coating.
Cool:
Spread the caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts onto wax paper to cool completely.
Once cooled, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Serving Tips:
Individual Portions: Serve Cracker Jack in small bowls or paper cones for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.
Movie Night Treat: Pair with a cold drink and enjoy as a classic movie night snack.
Topping: Use Cracker Jack as a crunchy topping for ice cream, yogurt, or even a sweet addition to your favorite salad.
Gift Idea: Package in decorative bags or jars for a homemade gift idea for friends and family.
Storage Tips:
Airtight Containers: Store Cracker Jack in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness. Exposure to air can make the popcorn stale and the caramel coating sticky.
Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry place to prevent the caramel from melting or becoming too sticky.
Avoid Humidity: Humidity can cause the caramel coating to soften. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a container with a tight seal and storing it in a cooler area.
Shelf Life: Properly stored, Cracker Jack can stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks. However, it’s best enjoyed within a few days for maximum freshness and crunch.
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FAQs:
Can I use microwave popcorn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use microwave popcorn, but make sure to choose a plain, unsalted, and unbuttered variety. The additional flavors from microwave popcorn can alter the taste of the final product. If you use buttered popcorn, reduce the amount of butter in the caramel sauce slightly.
Can I substitute the peanuts with another type of nut?
Absolutely! You can use other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans. Ensure they are unsalted and roasted for the best flavor. Alternatively, you can mix different types of nuts for a unique twist.
Is there a way to make this recipe without corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with an equal amount of honey, maple syrup, or a homemade sugar syrup (made from sugar and water). However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the caramel coating.
How can I make the caramel coating less sticky?
If you find the caramel coating too sticky, ensure the popcorn and nuts are thoroughly coated and bake for the full hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This helps the caramel set properly and gives the Cracker Jack a crunchy texture. Additionally, make sure to allow the caramel-coated popcorn to cool completely before storing it.
Conclusion:
This Cracker Jack copycat recipe brings the classic, nostalgic taste of caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts right to your kitchen. It’s an easy and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this sweet snack with friends and family!
📖 Recipe:
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Cracker Jack Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create your own Cracker Jack at home with this easy recipe featuring caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts. This nostalgic treat is perfect for movie nights or as a sweet snack. Enjoy the classic taste with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
10 cups popped popcorn
1 cup unsalted peanuts
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Popcorn: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Place popped popcorn and peanuts in a large roasting pan.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils. Let boil without stirring for 5 minutes.
- Add Baking Soda and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up.
- Coat Popcorn: Pour caramel sauce over the popcorn and peanuts, stirring to coat evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
- Cool: Spread onto wax paper to cool completely. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
Nut Alternatives: Substitute peanuts with almonds, cashews, or a mix of nuts for a different flavor profile.
Sweetener Substitutes: Corn syrup can be replaced with honey, maple syrup, or homemade sugar syrup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: Approx. 150 kcal per serving
