It definitely took me a couple of tries to get this recipe for Cracker Jack Popcorn right but once I did, it’s was so good. I have always been a big fan of any kind or brand of caramel corn. This is the first time I’ve tried to make my own.
How many attempts does it take to achieve Cracker Jack
Popcorn?
Well let’s just say more than one. My first couple of attempts I was definitely using too many ingredients. Don’t do that. Using brown sugar and molasses…why did I do that?? Brown sugar is just white sugar WITH molasses. So here is what happens when you use brown sugar and molasses. It makes it really sticky. Like this popcorn sticks to your teeth. Seriously less than pleasant. So don’t do that.
Then getting the ratio right took another attempt that resulted in a third batch in the trash. Too gummy, too sticky, not enough caramel to coat the popcorn in the bowl. Honestly, the simpler I got with my ingredients the closer I got to the real thing.
So how many attempts will it take you to achieve Cracker Jack Popcorn?
ONE! This one. Follow the recipe below and the next time you decide to stay in to Netflix and Chill you can do it with a nice big bowl of Cracker Jack!
Step by Step.
I wish I could tell you how long this will keep for you but mine is never around long enough for me to find out! If you figure that out, message me so I can add it to this post.
I hope you enjoy day 2 of copycat week! More to come…
Cracker Jack Popcorn
Ingredients
- 2 bags of microwave popcorn (choose a natural flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) vanilla sugar (you can use regular sugar also)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups of Spanish peanuts (with the red skins)
Directions
- Pop your two bags of popcorn according to microwave directions. Pour in to a bowl removing all un-popped kernels. Pour your peanuts right on top.
- In a pot on the stove over medium low heat pour in the sugar and then the water. DO NOT STIR.
- Wait for the sugar water to bubble, reduce and eventually turn an amber color. YOU STILL HAVE NOT STIRRED IT! This will take 20-30 minutes so be patient. You are going to want to stir it but don’t.
- When it turns amber and the bubbles become small add the butter. It will bubble up quickly. NOW you stir until the butter is melted and incorporated. It will become a caramel consistency.
- Pour over the popcorn and working quickly stir the popcorn to coat as evenly as possible.
- Empty out on to a parchment lined cookie sheet and spread out with your spatula. Let cool.
- Break apart and enjoy!!
