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    Home » Desserts

    Cracker Jacks

    By Jill Baird · Published October 14, 2022 · Updated December 22, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    Homemade cracker jacks recipe, cracker jack recipe, crackerjacks.

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    the best cracker jack recipe
    easy crackerjacks recipe
    homemade cracker jacks recipe
    caramel coated popcorn and peanuts, cracker jacks recipe

    This copycat Cracker Jacks recipe is just as buttery, sweet, and delicious as the Cracker Jack original. It’s a simple snack made with fresh popcorn and crunchy peanuts coated in a thin layer of brown sugar caramel.

    Jump to:
    • Homemade Cracker Jacks 
    • Ingredients in Cracker Jacks
    • How to Make Homemade Cracker Jacks
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Storing CrackerJacks
    • Cracker Jacks Recipe
    • More Of Our Favorite Snack Recipes

    Homemade Cracker Jacks 

    Our homemade version of the over 120 years old Crack Jack brand treat will bring you right back to your childhood. This Cracker Jacks recipe uses just a few ingredients to make caramel coated popcorn and peanuts that taste just like the original. All that’s missing in the little box and prize!

    Below, you’ll find instructions on how to cook a simple caramel, coat the freshly popped popcorn and peanuts, and finish it all up in the oven. Homemade Crackers Jacks make great gifts, halloween party treats, or even just a tasty snack to have for weekend movie nights. Once it’s all finished, feel free to toss in other candies and snacks like M&Ms, pretzels, and more.

    And if you love popcorn recipes, be sure to try our Caramel Popcorn Recipe, Peanut Butter Popcorn, Peppermint Popcorn, and our Marshmallow Popcorn Recipe.

    A baking sheet full of Cracker Jacks Popcorn recipe. jacks crackers.

    Ingredients in Cracker Jacks

    • Popcorn - our favorite popcorn to use is plain freshly popped popcorn.  Microwave popcorn and bagged popcorn can be used, but won’t be as crisp and fresh as freshly popped popcorn.  Plus, they usually have added salt and other ingredients.
    • Brown Sugar - I’ll usually use light brown sugar for this recipe, but dark brown sugar will also work.  Dark brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor.
    • Butter - you can use salted or unsalted butter depending on your flavor preference.
    • Corn Syrup - corn syrup or Karo syrup helps to keep the caramel soft and prevents the sugar from crystallizing while it cooks.
    • Baking Soda - this also keeps the caramel nice and soft.
    • Vanilla Extract - pure vanilla extract tastes best and gives these Cracker Jacks a little added flavor boost.
    • Peanuts - you can use dry roasted or raw peanuts.  They will bake slightly in the oven, but since they’ll be covered in caramel they won’t roast fully.  It’s up to what you like the best.
    A large pot full of caramel cooking, cracker jack ingredients, to make homemade cracker jack popcorn recipe.

    How to Make Homemade Cracker Jacks

    1. Cook the caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Bring to a rapid boil while stirring frequently, then continue to boil for 5 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 250 degrees F on a candy thermometer. 
    2. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Remove from heat, stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and peanuts (if using), and pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn. Stir gently to coat.
    3. Bake. Transfer the caramel coated popcorn in a thin, even layer onto a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in an oven preheated to 325 degrees F for about 20 minutes, stirring every 7-8 minutes.
    4. Cool. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.  Once cooled, break the Cracker Jacks apart into smaller pieces.
    5. Serve. Serve in a large serving bowl, or individual serving cups. Store leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place for 3-5 days. Enjoy!
    Small individual cups full of Crackers Jacks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why are my Cracker Jack’s so sticky?

    If your Cracker Jack’s turn out a little on the sticky side, most likely you didn’t cook the caramel mixture long enough.  Make sure you let it boil for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches 250 degrees on a candy thermometer.  This allows enough water to evaporate and for the sugar to reach the soft ball stage.

    Can I make Cracker Jacks without nuts?

    Sure!  It won’t be quite the same as Cracker Jacks, but it will still be absolutely delicious.

    How long do Cracker Jacks last?

    As long as you store them in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool spot, your Cracker Jacks should stay fresh for up to 5 days. Avoid storing them in the fridge which will introduce too much moisture and make them stale.

    Storing CrackerJacks

    • Room Temperature: store Cracker Jacks in an airtight container in a cool place at room temperature for up to 5 days.  
    Homemade cracker jacks recipe, cracker jack recipe, crackerjacks.
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    Cracker Jacks Recipe

    This copycat Cracker Jacks recipe is just as buttery, sweet, and delicious as the Cracker Jack original. It’s a simple snack made with fresh popcorn and crunchy peanuts coated in a thin layer of brown sugar caramel.
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes minutes
    Servings 15 servings
    Calories 404kcal
    Author The Carefree Kitchen

    Ingredients

    • 15 cups Popcorn popped
    • 2 cups Brown Sugar
    • 2 cups Butter
    • ½ cup Corn Syrup
    • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • 2 cups Peanuts

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
    • Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
    • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Bring to a rapid boil while stirring frequently, then continue to boil for 5 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 250 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
    • Remove from heat, stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and peanuts (if using), and pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn. Stir gently to coat, then transfer the caramel coated popcorn in a thin, even layer onto a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
    • Bake in your oven for about 20 minutes, stirring every 7-8 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, break the Cracker Jacks apart into smaller pieces.
    • Serve in a large serving bowl, or individual serving cups. Store leftovers in an airtight container in a cool place for 3-5 days. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 284mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 778IU | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

    More Of Our Favorite Snack Recipes

    • Fall Party Snack Mix
    • Apple Nachos
    • Pumpkin Fluff Dip
    • Zucchini Chips
    • Corn Salsa
    • Pretzel Toffee
    • Candied Pecans
    • Pizza Pinwheels
    • Mini Veggie Cups
    • More Fall Recipes
    • More Easy Desserts

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you. It helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest, feel free to leave a comment and photo there too. Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

    This homemade Cracker Jacks recipe is a simple snack made with caramel coated popcorn and peanuts. It tastes just as delicious as the original Cracker Jack brand and is easy to make at home.

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