Homemade Cracker Jack's

This recipe makes 13 cups of the iconic American snack. This crunchy treat is salty, sweet, and even better than the packaged version. 


TOOLS: 

Metal mixing bowl, wooden spoon, parchment paper, baking sheet, candy thermometer, sauce pan



 INGREDIENTS: 

  • 12 cups salted popped popcorn 
  • ½ cup roasted, salted peanuts
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, chopped into pieces
  • 1 packed cup light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons of  molasses
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt plus another ½ teaspoon for sprinkling on top

DIRECTIONS: 


  • Preheat the oven to 250F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large heatproof bowl, mix the popcorn and the peanuts. 
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, molasses, and salt. Stir constantly until the butter melts. 
  • Attach candy thermometer to the pan and leave the mixture undisturbed until the temperature reaches 248F. 
  • Immediately remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda. 
  • Immediately pour it over the popcorn and stir with a wooden spoon until evenly coated. 
  • Pour the mixture into the parchment lined baking sheets, spreading evenly. 
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes the popcorn feels dryer.
  • Sprinkle additional salt. 
  • Allow the popcorn to cool completely. 
  • Serve immediately or within 3 days. 

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