caramel cracked corn

Name: Caramel Cracked Corn
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz. bag(s) "original " puffed corn; 2 cup(s) light brown sugar, lightly packed; 1 cup(s) butter, unsalted; 1/2 cup(s) light corn syrup; pinch(es) salt; 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda; 1 cup(s) peanuts (optional)

(2 RATINGS)

151 Pinches 6 Photos

Penny Day

Greenwood, IN

Updated on Nov 11, 2025

A P.T.O. Mom made this recipe for the teacher's many years ago and it became an instant hit at the school!! I have made it in other schools and it's constantly requested and it disappears quick. About a year or so ago I made it for Christmas for my husband to take it in for his co-workers.I can't tell you how many times I've made it for them since! They can't get enough, it's so addictive!! You really can't just eat one! I never make less than a double batch any more!

Rate

prep time 5 Min

cook time 1 Hr 5 Min

method Bake

yield 4-12 serving(s)

Ingredients

12 oz. bags "original " puffed corn
2 cups light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 cup butter, unsalted
1/2 cup light corn syrup
pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup peanuts (optional)

How To Make caramel cracked corn

Step 1

Pre heat oven to 250 degrees

Step 2

In a large deep aluminum roasting pan pour in: bag of puffed corn 1 c. nuts (if using) Set aside.
Step 3

In a heavy 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat add: 2 c. packed brown sugar 1 c. unsalted butter 1/2 c. light corn syrup pinch of salt Stir until everything is melted and blended. Start a 5-minute timer when the mixture has come to a bubbly boil around the edge of the pan. Boil for the 5 minutes and stir constantly.
Step 4

Remove from heat after 5 minutes and stir in: 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. vanilla extract Pour hot sugar mixture over puffed corn and stir.
Step 5

Place into the oven and bake for 1 hour. Stir the caramel corn every 15 minutes. Let the corn cool and place into clear bags tied with a bow or set it out in a bowl for a party and watch everyone go insane for this sweet snack!
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Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)

calories: 1498kcal, carbohydrates: 223g, cholesterol: 122mg, fat: 65g, fiber: 5g, protein: 16g, saturated fat: 32g, sodium: 221mg, sugar: 140g, unsaturated fat: 31g

*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

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