She Strengthens

The Classic Ballpark Snack Gets a Delicious Upgrade

Cracker Jack, the iconic snack that’s been a staple at baseball games for over a century, just got a tasty makeover. Our version of this beloved treat combines the perfect blend of molasses and caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts, served in a unique cone that’s sure to delight.

The Secret to Success: Choosing the Right Molasses

When it comes to selecting the ideal molasses for this recipe, there are a few options to consider. Light, dark, and blackstrap molasses each offer distinct flavor profiles, but for this recipe, dark molasses is the way to go. Its robust flavor adds depth and richness to the caramel coating. You can find molasses in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Cracky Snack

Yield: 15 cups
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: About 1 hour

Gather Your Ingredients

• 15 cups plain popped popcorn (from about 1/2 cup kernels), unpopped kernels removed
• 3/4 cup roasted, salted peanuts
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick), cut into 6 pieces, plus more for coating the pan
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons dark molasses, such as Grandma’s Robust
• 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Let’s Get Started!

Preheat your oven to 250°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Coat a large roasting pan with butter and set it aside. In a separate pan, combine the popcorn and peanuts, stirring to combine.

The Caramel Coating

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, measured butter, corn syrup, molasses, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Continue to boil without stirring for 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add the vanilla and baking soda, and whisk until the caramel is light in color, foamy, and has doubled in volume, about 10 seconds.

Bring it All Together

Immediately drizzle the caramel coating over the popcorn and peanuts, stirring until thoroughly coated. Spread the mixture into an even layer and bake, stirring every 15 minutes and scraping up any caramel from the bottom of the pan, until a cooled piece of popcorn is very crunchy, about 45 minutes total.

The Final Touches

Transfer the Cracky Snack to a work surface or rimmed baking sheet to cool completely. As it cools, it will crisp up, making it the perfect snack for your next ballgame or movie night. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.