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Copycat Cracker Jack Caramel Corn

Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword caramel corn recipe, homemade cracker jack, microwave caramel corn, paper bag popcorn
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings 12 servings
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.

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

Directions

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