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Ultimate Chewy Cracker Jack Caramel Popcorn Bars

Ultimate Chewy Cracker Jack Caramel Popcorn Bars - featured image
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These chewy caramel popcorn bars combine nostalgic Cracker Jack flavors with a perfect balance of sweet and salty, featuring crunchy popcorn and peanuts wrapped in rich caramel. Easy to make and perfect for snacks or sharing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 cups popped popcorn (plain, air-popped or lightly salted)
  • 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Pop about 12 cups of popcorn using your preferred method (air-popped is best). Remove any un-popped kernels carefully. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the popcorn and 1 cup of dry roasted peanuts. Set aside.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
  4. Attach your candy thermometer to the saucepan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom. Let the mixture boil without stirring until it reaches 245°F (118°C) — the soft-ball stage, about 5-7 minutes. (If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft, flexible ball.)
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat immediately. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. The mixture will bubble up—this is normal and helps create that light, chewy texture.
  6. Pour the hot caramel sauce over the popcorn and peanuts. Using a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula, gently fold everything together until the popcorn is evenly coated. Work quickly but carefully to avoid crushing the popcorn.
  7. Immediately transfer the coated popcorn mixture to the prepared pan. Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
  8. Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Avoid refrigerating as it can make the bars sticky and harder to cut.
  9. Once set, lift the block out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into bars or squares with a sharp serrated knife. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Notes

If caramel hardens before mixing, gently warm it again on low heat. Avoid pressing too hard to keep bars chewy instead of brittle. Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. Store bars at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week; avoid refrigeration to prevent stickiness. Bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel popcorn bars, Cracker Jack bars, chewy caramel popcorn, homemade snack, popcorn bars recipe, caramel popcorn, easy snack bars

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/ultimate-chewy-cracker-jack-caramel-popcorn-bars-easy-homemade-recipe/