Save A nostalgic, crunchy snack featuring popcorn, crispy apple chips, and peanuts coated in buttery caramel—perfect for movie nights or autumn gatherings.
I first made these Caramel Apple Cracker Jacks for a fall get-together, and they instantly disappeared! Mixing apple chips with classic popcorn and a buttery caramel sauce really takes this treat to the next level.
Ingredients
- Popcorn Base: 10 cups plain popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup kernels)
- Popcorn Base: 1 cup apple chips, broken into bite-size pieces
- Popcorn Base: 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
- Caramel Sauce: 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
- Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- Caramel Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 mL) light corn syrup
- Caramel Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 mL) apple cider
- Caramel Sauce: 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- Caramel Sauce: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Caramel Sauce: 1/4 tsp baking soda
- Caramel Sauce: 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine Base Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine popped popcorn, apple chips, and peanuts. Set aside.
- Make Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, apple cider, salt, and cinnamon. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
- Boil Caramel:
- Allow mixture to boil, undisturbed, for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately stir in baking soda and vanilla extract (mixture will bubble up).
- Coat Popcorn:
- Quickly pour hot caramel sauce over the popcorn mixture, using a spatula to toss and coat everything evenly.
- Bake:
- Transfer coated mixture to prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
- Cool and Store:
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on baking sheet. Once cool, break into clusters and store in airtight container.
Save Sharing this snack with my kids on our annual autumn movie night has become a cherished tradition in our home. Everyone loves the sweet and salty clusters.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, saucepan, spatula, rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Allergen Information
Contains milk (butter) and peanuts. May contain gluten if using store-bought popcorn—always check labels for sensitive diets.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 280, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 42 g, Protein: 4 g
Save This festive snack is guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your next movie night. Homemade caramel treats always taste best fresh!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I substitute peanuts for a nut-free version?
Yes, omit peanuts or replace with roasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative without compromising crunch.
- → What type of apple chips work best?
Choose plain or lightly sweetened apple chips for natural flavor and ideal texture in this snack.
- → How do I ensure even caramel coating?
Toss popcorn mixture thoroughly with the caramel sauce and stir during baking to distribute the glaze evenly.
- → Can I use air-popped popcorn instead of stovetop?
Yes, air-popped popcorn is perfectly suitable; ensure it is plain and unsalted for best results.
- → How should I store the snack for lasting freshness?
Cool completely and store in an airtight container. It remains crisp and flavorful for up to five days.
- → Is it possible to add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try dried cranberries or a pinch of nutmeg for a festive twist to enhance flavor and texture.