Homemade "Cracker Jack"

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Homemade Cracker Jack combines crunchy popcorn with sweet caramel coating and salty peanuts, creating a nostalgic snack perfect for parties, movie nights, or satisfying sweet and savory cravings.

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Ingredients

  • 10 cups plain popped corn
  • 1 1/2 cups peanuts
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup dark brown corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix together the popped corn and peanuts in a large bowl or a roast pan.
  2. Keep warm in a 250° oven.
  3. Melt margarine in a 2-quart saucepan.
  4. Stir in the light brown sugar, dark brown corn syrup, and salt.
  5. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
  6. Boil without stirring for 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in baking soda and vanilla.
  8. Quickly pour the caramel mixture over the warm popped corn and peanuts while tossing until well coated.
  9. Bake at 250° for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to coat evenly.
  10. Turn out onto aluminum foil and let cool.
  11. Store in a tight container.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

553 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.6g 11% DV
Total Fat 25.9g 33% DV
Carbs 74g 27% DV
Fiber 22g 78% DV
Sugar 47.4g 95% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 16930.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 143.8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1mcg
Calcium 59mg 5% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

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