Clone of a cracker jack –Are you looking for a delightful homemade treat that brings a taste of nostalgia? Look no further than this Clone of a Cracker Jack® recipe! Perfect for parties, game days, or a sweet snack at home, this recipe is sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the steps to bring this classic candy mix right to your kitchen.
Clone of a Cracker Jack®
This sweet and crunchy snack is reminiscent of the beloved Cracker Jack® popcorn. It’s sweet, salty, and oh-so-good! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious homemade version that’s perfect for sharing—or enjoying all on your own!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peanuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon butter (for greasing)
Instructions:
- Begin by popping the popcorn kernels according to your favorite method. Once popped, place the popcorn in a large mixing bowl, ensuring that all unpopped kernels are removed.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup of butter. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 4-5 minutes without stirring, until it reaches a golden color.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up!
- Quickly pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn. If you decide to add peanuts, mix them in at this stage, ensuring an even coating.
- Using a greased spatula or your hands (with butter on them), gently toss the popcorn until it is fully coated with the caramel. Spread the mixture onto a greased baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even caramelization.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Enjoy your homemade Clone of a Cracker Jack®! It’s the perfect treat for any occasion or simply as a delicious snack anytime you crave something sweet and crunchy.