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
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Popcorn
Pop the Popcorn:
Pop the popcorn according to the package instructions. Once popped, remove any unpopped kernels.
Mix with Peanuts:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the popped popcorn and Spanish peanuts. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Molasses:
Stir in the brown sugar, dark corn syrup, and molasses. Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a boil.
Boil the Mixture:
Once the mixture is boiling, stop stirring and allow it to boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring, until it reaches a deep amber color.
Add Salt and Baking Soda:
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the salt and baking soda. The mixture will foam up slightly.
Step 3: Coat the Popcorn
Pour Caramel over Popcorn:
Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn and peanuts. Use a large spatula to gently toss and coat the popcorn and peanuts evenly with the caramel sauce.
Step 4: Bake the Cracker Jack
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
Spread on Baking Sheets:
Spread the coated popcorn and peanuts in an even layer on two large baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Cool the Cracker Jack:
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the Cracker Jack cool completely on the baking sheets.
Break into Pieces:
Once cooled, break the Cracker Jack into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Serve:
Enjoy your Homemade Cracker Jack as a sweet and crunchy snack!