Today, we’re revisiting one of my most nostalgic childhood treats: Cracker Jack. This snack is the ultimate combination of sweet, buttery, and crunchy. A favorite at baseball games, this sweet snack has been around since 1869 and thanks to one very famous song I don’t think it will ever go out of style. Whether you’re looking for a stroll down memory lane or just craving a sweet and salty snack, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
What sets Cracker Jack apart from other caramel corn is the addition of molasses. It adds a hint of smoky flavor that truly elevates the caramel sauce to new levels. A handful of Spanish peanuts adds an extra crunch and just the right amount of nutty flavor. All that combined with fresh popcorn is certainly a treat!
The Homemade Cracker Jack will bake for about 40 minutes, and you’ll want to stir it halfway through to ensure even baking. The smell that fills the kitchen at this point is nothing short of heavenly! Onced baked, allow the cracker jack to fully cool before storing it in an airtight container so it stays nice and fresh. Whether you’re making it for your next get together or a cozy movie night, this treat is sure to be a hit!
Homemade Cracker Jack
Ingredients
- 2 (3.29 oz) packages natural popcorn, popped
- ⅔ cup Spanish peanuts
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup dark corn syrup
- 2 tablespoon molasses
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Pour popcorn and peanuts onto the prepared baking sheets and spread into an even layer.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, add brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, molasses, and salt. Bring mixture to a simmer over low heat, then remove from heat and add baking soda.
- Immediately pour caramel over the popcorn and peanuts and use a greased spatula to toss until well coated.
- Bake for 40 minutes, stirring popcorn halfway through.
- Allow cracker jack to fully cool, then store in an airtight container.
Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com