Homemade Cracker Jill: Sweet and Crunchy Caramel Popcorn Snack

Cracker Jill (Cracker Jack Copycat) Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic American snacks, then you’ll love this homemade version of Cracker Jack, known here as Cracker Jill. Inspired by a Chicago Tribune article on the history of Chicago baseball, this snack has earned its place as a fan-favorite for its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it while watching a game or as a treat for a snack break, this version of Cracker Jack will definitely satisfy your cravings.

Cracker Jill offers a deliciously nostalgic experience, combining freshly popped popcorn, salted Spanish peanuts, and a rich, caramel-like syrup that’s hard to resist. And the best part? You can make it right at home with just a few simple ingredients, including molasses, sugar, and butter. It’s a delightful way to recreate a beloved treat without stepping foot in a baseball stadium.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Category: Lunch/Snacks
• Calories per Serving: 436.3
• Keywords: Sweet, Oven, Stove Top, Under 4 Hours

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Prepare two rimmed baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This ensures that your Cracker Jill doesn’t stick while it crisps up in the oven.

2. Pop the Popcorn
   In a large pot, add the canola oil and popcorn kernels. Cover the pot and heat over medium-high heat. You’ll want to wait until the popping slows down. When this happens, turn off the heat and carefully open the lid to let the steam escape. This prevents any potential popcorn explosions from occurring! Once opened, inspect for any unpopped kernels, also known as “old maids,” and discard them.

3. Prepare the Caramel Syrup
   In a large saucepan, combine the molasses, sugar, and corn syrup. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. You’ll need to monitor this closely, as the syrup needs to reach the hard-ball stage (260°F) on a candy thermometer. This is an important step to ensure the syrup has the perfect consistency for coating your popcorn. Once the desired temperature is reached, immediately stir in the butter, followed by the baking soda and salt. Be prepared for the mixture to bubble up as the baking soda reacts, turning the syrup a golden caramel color.

4. Mix in the Peanuts
   Stir the Spanish peanuts into the caramel syrup, making sure they are fully coated. These peanuts will add a delightful crunch and savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the caramel and the popcorn.

5. Combine Popcorn and Caramel
   Pour the peanut-caramel mixture over the freshly popped popcorn in the large pot. Use a rubber spatula to gently toss the mixture, ensuring that every kernel is coated with the sticky, sweet caramel sauce. Take your time with this step to make sure the popcorn is evenly coated.

6. Transfer to Baking Sheets
   Once everything is well-coated, transfer the caramel popcorn onto the prepared baking sheets. Spread the popcorn mixture out evenly with your spatula, so it bakes evenly in the next step.

7. Bake for Crispiness
   Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. During this time, make sure to stir the popcorn once or twice to ensure it crisps up evenly and doesn’t burn. After 15 minutes, turn off the oven but leave the caramel popcorn inside. Let it cool for at least an hour, or until it becomes crisp and firm.

8. Break Up the Chunks
   Once the Cracker Jill has cooled down, break it up into smaller chunks. If you want smaller bite-sized pieces, simply use your hands or a spatula to break it up further. Store it in an airtight container, and your homemade Cracker Jill is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Perfect Cracker Jill

• Candy Thermometer: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can do the “cold water test.” Drop a small spoonful of the syrup into a glass of cold water. If it forms a firm, pliable ball, it’s ready.

• Popcorn Kernel Quality: Fresh popcorn kernels will pop more fully and evenly. Old kernels might have a higher chance of being unpopped or popping poorly, leading to a less-than-perfect batch.

• Serving Ideas: Cracker Jill is perfect as a movie snack, game day treat, or even as a gift in a fun jar. It’s also great for parties or as a picnic snack!

• Storage: To keep the Cracker Jill fresh and crispy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay good for up to a week, though we doubt it will last that long once you start munching on it!

Conclusion

Cracker Jill is a sweet, savory, and crispy homemade snack that rivals the beloved Cracker Jack treat. With its caramel-coated popcorn and salted peanuts, it delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with friends, this recipe brings a nostalgic snack to life right in your own kitchen. Get ready to enjoy this all-American classic, and make sure you have plenty on hand—it won’t last long!