This homemade Cracker Jack is the snack you didn’t know you needed — crunchy popcorn, roasted peanuts, buttery caramel, and just enough molasses to make it taste like childhood (but better). Ready in about an hour, dangerously addictive, and way too good to share with anyone who calls it "just caramel corn." Go ahead. Make the whole batch. Hide it if you have to.
1cupspicy roasted peanutsmay use plain salted or honey roasted
1 ¼cupsdark brown sugar
10tablespoonsunsalted buttercut into pieces
¼cupdark corn syrup
1teaspoonmolasses
½teaspoonkosher salt
1teaspoonvanilla extract
Pinchchipotle powderoptional, for extra kick
Instructions
Heat oven to 250°F.
Spread popcorn in the bottom of a large roasting pan and scatter the peanuts on top.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, molasses, and salt over medium-high heat.
Whisk constantly until smooth and bubbling. Cook 2–3 minutes until thickened and caramel-like.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla (and ground chipotle if you’re using it).
Pour hot caramel over the popcorn-peanut mix. Stir well so everything’s coated—dig deep so no peanut gets left behind.
Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes so it crisps evenly.
Spread onto parchment in a single layer to cool completely. Break into clusters and store in an airtight container… if it lasts that long.
Notes
Storage:Store your homemade Cracker Jack in an airtight container at room temperature once it's cools. It’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to 5–7 days.Tips:
Use fresh popcorn – Stale popcorn makes sad snacks. Pop it right before you make the caramel or be haunted by chewy regret.
Don’t skip the molasses – It’s what gives this recipe that classic Cracker Jack flavor. If you leave it out, you’re just making caramel corn with peanuts.
Watch your caramel like a hawk – Burnt sugar smells like betrayal. Keep it to a gentle bubble and don’t walk away. Not even for TikTok.