Homemade Cracker Jacks combine crispy caramel popcorn and peanuts in an easy homemade treat. Enjoy the classic ballpark flavor for just $0.50 per serving!

This is one of those treats I like having on hand for movie nights, afternoon snacks, or when the kids want something a little different. It uses simple pantry ingredients like popcorn, peanuts, brown sugar, and butter, so I can usually make a batch without needing a special trip to the store.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

Carrie, the owner, with long dark hair, wearing earrings and a purple top, smiles at the camera in front of a textured, beige background.

Just like the ballpark classic – Spanish red-skinned peanuts and a simple caramel coating give it that same nostalgic flavor.
Genuinely crispy, not chewy – The slow oven bake sets the caramel into a light, crunchy coating instead of a sticky one.
Budget-friendly for a crowd – Popcorn and pantry staples make a big batch for less than store-bought boxes.
Great for gifting – Perfect for movie night, ballgames, or packaged up as a homemade gift.

After more than 14 years of baking and creating recipes, I’ve learned that nostalgic treats are always fun to bring back into the kitchen. Making Cracker Jacks from scratch is a simple way to enjoy that familiar flavor whenever the craving hits.

You may also like to make Chocolate Popcorn, White Chocolate Popcorn and Caramel Apple Popcorn.

Ingredients

Popped Popcorn. Remove any unpopped kernels before adding the caramel mixture.
Salted Red Skinned Peanuts. These peanuts most closely resemble the peanuts used in Cracker Jacks.
Brown sugar. The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes.
Baking soda. Best Baking Soda Substitutes.
Vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor.

Quick note on molasses: Some Cracker Jack copycat recipes add a spoonful of molasses to the caramel for a deeper, more authentic flavor. This version keeps things simpler with just brown sugar and corn syrup, but feel free to stir in a tablespoon of molasses with the brown sugar if you want to get even closer to the original ballpark flavor.

Find the entire ingredients for this recipe at the bottom of the page.

How to Make Cracker Jacks

Step 1. Preheat the oven. It should be set to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2. Get out a large bowl. Place popped popcorn in the bowl and stir in the peanuts. We used the Spanish red skinned peanuts to most closely taste like Cracker Jacks.

Step 3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Brown sugar, corn syrup and salt added to mixture.

Step 4. Then stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup and salt.

Mixture boiling in a pot with a wooden spoon.

Step 5. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Then boil without stirring for approximately 4 minutes. This step is important so that it sets and results in crispy popcorn. The caramel is ready when it turns a deeper amber color and coats the back of a spoon in a thin, glossy layer. If it still looks pale and thin after 4 minutes, give it another minute before removing from heat.

Popcorn added to mixture combined in pot.

Step 6. Remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla and baking soda. Combine until everything is well blended. Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn mixture and stir to coat all of it.

Step 7. Then place the popcorn on two lined baking sheets. Bake for about 1 hour. Don’t forget to stir every 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Pro Tips

Popcorn: Use a popcorn popper, microwave popcorn, or store-bought popcorn. Any option works, so use whichever is easiest for you.
Remove kernels: Pick out any unpopped kernels before adding the caramel mixture to protect everyone’s teeth.
Stir the popcorn: Stir the popcorn about every 15 minutes while it bakes. This helps the caramel coat evenly and keeps the popcorn crispy.
Perfect for gifts: Package the finished Cracker Jacks in a bag or mason jar for an easy homemade gift. Add a ribbon or gift tag if you’d like.
Line the pan: Line the baking pan with parchment paper before adding the popcorn. This makes cleanup much easier.
Follow the cooking time: Cook the caramel mixture for the full recommended time. This helps the coating set properly and gives the popcorn its crisp texture.
Vanilla extract: Use good-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.

Variations

Peanuts. While Red Skinned Spanish peanuts are traditionally used, regular roasted peanuts are fine.
Skip the nuts in this recipe. You can omit the nuts. It won’t have the same taste as classic Cracker Jacks but it still will be delicious.
Honey or Maple Syrup. Replace the corn syrup with either honey or maple syrup. It tastes good but just note it will not taste the same as traditional Cracker Jacks.
Walnuts, Pecans or Almonds. Substitute the peanuts for one of these options for a new taste.
M&M’s. Mini M&M’s add a pop of color and taste great with the other ingredients. You can use regular or seasonal varieties.

How to Store Homemade Cracker Jacks?

Store the Cracker Jacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure the popcorn is completely cooled before storing.

Proper storage helps keep the popcorn crisp and fresh.

If your cracker jacks turn out chewy instead of crisp, the caramel likely needed a bit more time boiling before it went in the oven, or it needed a few extra minutes of baking. Popcorn that’s gone soft in storage can often be re-crisped by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking at 250°F for 10-15 minutes, then cooling completely before serving.

What Type of Nuts Are Best?

Spanish red skinned peanuts are traditionally used in Cracker Jacks. However, you can use what you prefer in the recipe.

Regular roasted peanuts that are salted or unsalted can also be used. The recipe will taste great either way.

Popcorn mixture in a white bowl ready to serve.

More Flavored Popcorn Recipes

Unicorn Popcorn

Red Velvet Popcorn

S’mores Popcorn

Try this delicious recipe for Cracker Jacks Recipe. Then please come back and leave a comment.

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