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Classic Homemade Cracker Jack Recipe Easy Caramel Corn with Peanuts and Prize

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A nostalgic and easy homemade caramel corn recipe with peanuts and a surprise prize, delivering a perfect crunchy, buttery treat reminiscent of classic Cracker Jack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (100g) unpopped popcorn kernels
  • 1 cup (140g) dry roasted, unsalted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Small plastic toys or trinkets (optional prize)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup popcorn kernels and cover with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Shake the pot gently every 15 seconds to prevent burning. When popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops, remove from heat and transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Remove unpopped kernels. (About 5-7 minutes)
  2. Stir in 1 cup dry roasted peanuts to the popcorn.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil without stirring for 4-5 minutes or until it reaches 250°F (121°C) on a candy thermometer (firm-ball stage). (About 10 minutes)
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up.
  5. Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and peanuts. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently fold and coat everything evenly. Work quickly to prevent the caramel from hardening too soon.
  6. Spread the coated popcorn mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. If adding a prize, tuck it into the pile now. Let cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or until the caramel hardens completely.
  7. Once cooled, break the caramel corn into clusters and serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer to reach the firm-ball stage (250°F/121°C) for perfect caramel texture. If caramel is too soft, bake coated popcorn at 250°F (120°C) for 10-15 minutes. Store in airtight containers at room temperature to avoid stickiness. Substitute maple syrup or honey for corn syrup for a natural alternative. For vegan version, use plant-based butter and syrup alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cracker Jack, caramel corn, peanuts, homemade snack, caramel popcorn, easy caramel corn, nostalgic snack

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/classic-homemade-cracker-jack-recipe-easy-caramel-corn-with-peanuts-and-prize/