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.
Servings: 15 servings
Calories: 404kcal
Ingredients
- 15 cups air popped popcorn popped
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 cups butter
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- 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, 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!
Notes
Storing instructions: store Cracker Jacks in an airtight container in a cool place at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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