Growing up I have the fondest memories of eating Cracker Jack from the box and enjoying the yummy goodness. Plus the prize inside was always a great bonus. You don’t see kids indulging in Cracker Jacks like the used to back in the 90’s and it’s time to give it a come back. I love Cracker Jacks and today I’m sharing my recipe with you to create your very own Cracker Jack Copy Cat for yourself and family. This is perfect for the upcoming holidays and makes a great snack for a money night in with the kids. Enjoy.
Copy Cat Cracker Jack Recipe
Ingredients
3 Tbs. Oil
½ Cup Popcorn, unpopped
1 ½ Cups Roasted Peanuts
4 Tbsp. Butter
1 Cup Brown Sugar
½ Cup Light Corn Syrup
2 ½ Tbsp. Molasses, unsulphured
½ teas. Salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 260˚.
Add Oil and Popcorn to a Dutch oven over medium high heat and cover. Once the popping starts reduce heat to medium and alternately shake the pot and crack the lid to let steam vent.
Once the popping slows to a pop every 2-3 seconds remove from heat and transfer the Popcorn to a lightly greased 13×9 inch pan, avoid transferring any unpopped kernels.
Add the Peanuts to the Popcorn and put in the oven to stay warm.
In small sauce pan over medium heat add the Butter, Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup, Molasses and Salt. Bring to a boil stirring occasionally and cook until a candy thermometer reads 260˚.
Pour over the warm Popcorn and Peanuts and stir to coat. Return to the oven and stir every 5 minutes. After the first 10 minutes raise the oven temp to 275˚ and continue to stir every 5 minutes for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and continue to stir every minute or so as it cools to keep it from forming clumps.
Keep in airtight containers at room temperature until ready to serve.
