Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe (Homemade Cracker Jacks)

Do you remember Jiffy Pop as a kid?  Those little foil bowls of popcorn that you shake on the stove and if the stars align makes yummy popcorn?  If the stars do not align- best case is a disgusting burned mess and worst case is probably third degree burns or a small house fire.

Well you can make pure, clean stovetop homemade popcorn without all the junky stuff in literally seconds and it is NOTHING like the yucky stuff you might remember from back in the day.

The nice thing about making your own is that it takes just as long as making a bag of popcorn and you will have almost no unpopped  kernals.  You really won’t believe how easy this is.

Here is whatcha need:

• 1/2 cup kernals
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil (for healthy fats) substitute vegetable oil if you prefer
• Salt (optional- about 1 teaspoon or to your taste)

Now you simply put the 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a deep pot that has a lid.  Add the popcorn kernals.  Turn the heat up to medium high and then add the lid- leaving just a tiny bit of space for steam to escape.  (Not enough space for popcorn to fly at you).

It takes about 1 minute or so for the oil to get hot enough and then you will hear it popping away!  Once the popping slows or stops, quickly remove from heat and put into a bowl.

The very first time I tried this is turned out absolutely perfectly with no burned stuff and not a single unpopped kernal.

This recipe makes about 3 quarts of popcorn so slightly more then you need for the recipe below.

My kids like a little butter and a little salt on their popcorn- this was a little too bland for their taste.  Personally I like it just like this and with a hint of salt- very healthy snack!

Now if you want to step up your game you might consider making caramel popcorn!  I love this for summer in particular because it is a fun treat for baseball games, outdoor movies, Family Movie Night etc…

This could be part of a baseball themed birthday party or movie- such as a the Sandlot.  Or if you want to stop at the library and get a bunch of baseball books- make it an afternoon reading books and eating your caramel popcorn.  If you add peanuts to this recipe, I think it is a lot like Cracker Jack.

(Ideas for Baseball Books for kids here.)

To make caramel corn is very simple you just want to make sure there are no distractions because you have to move quickly.  I got everything set up in advance so I was ready.

Also I like to add a little more popcorn then the recipe calls for because it is a little less messy for small fingers.

Time to call the dentist! Ooey-gooey yummy popcorn!

This post is part of the 30 Days to a Funner Summer Series.

You can catch up with the entire series by clicking below:

1. Day 1: Get Organized!  How to organize children’s activity bags.
2. Day 2: End of Year Surprises for Children
3. Day 3: Strawberry Lemon Slushie Recipe 
4. Day 4: Homemade Hamburger Seasoning to AMP up your burgers
5. Day 5: How to make Giant Bubble Solution
6. Day 6: How to Save Money on Road Trips
7. Day 7: How to Create a Summer Schedule.
8. Day 8: How to make a GIANT water bed (this is so fun!)
9. Day 9: Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
10. Day 10: 8 Ways to Get Outdoors this Summer
11. Day 11: How to Calm a Child’s Room
12. Day 12: How to Make Movie Night More Fun
13. Day 13: Watermelon-Lime Sorbet (just 3 ingredients!)
14. Day 14: Ideas for Mommy-Daughter Dates 
15. Day 15: DIY Dip Dye Shorts for Children
16. Day 16: How to Make Bouncy Balls that really bounce!