Snacks and Treats

Copycat Cracker Jack Caramel Corn

Make copycat cracker jack caramel corn at home with brown sugar caramel, shaken in a paper bag and microwaved. Makes about 3 quarts.

Copycat Cracker Jack Caramel Corn

Be the first to rate it
Popcorn tossed in a brown sugar and corn syrup caramel, then microwaved in a paper bag. A homemade take on the classic snack, good for movie nights or gifting.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Total Time16 minutes
CourseSnack
CuisineAmerican
Servings12 servings
Calories189

Ingredients
  

  • 3 quarts popped popcorn
  • 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1/4 cup white corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 1 large brown paper grocery bag

Equipment

  • microwave-safe bowl
  • airtight jar

Directions
 

  1. Spray the inside of a large paper grocery bag lightly, then put in the popped popcorn.
  2. In a deep microwave-safe bowl, stir together the brown sugar, margarine, corn syrup, and salt.
  3. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes, stir, then microwave on HIGH for 2 more minutes.
  4. Mix in the baking soda.
  5. Pour the syrup over the popcorn in the bag, fold the top shut, and shake well.
  6. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute, take the bag out, and shake it again.
  7. Microwave on HIGH for 1 more minute, shake well, let cool, and keep in an airtight container.

Notes

Room temperature, airtight: up to 3 days. Freezer, sealed: up to 1 month (bring to room temperature before serving). Don’t leave out more than 2 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 43g | Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1.2g | Fat: 8.1g | Saturated Fat: 4.9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 221mg | Potassium: 54mg | Fiber: 1.2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 253IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition is an estimate per serving from USDA FoodData Central, for 12 servings; popped popcorn counted as air-popped popcorn, unpopped popcorn kernels counted as air-popped popcorn, margarine counted as butter, white corn syrup counted as light corn syrup. Brands and portions vary, so use it only as an approximation.


Previous story
Next story