Lantern Cracker Jack Recipe

Name: Lantern Cracker Jack
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 cups freshly popped popcorn (from about 1/3 cup raw kernels); 2 cups plain puffed rice; 2 cups roasted, salted peanuts; ⅓ cup raw corn kernels; 1/4 cup black sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon five-spice powder (recipe follows); 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, sifted; 1 stick unsalted butter; 1 cup light-brown sugar, firmly packed; ⅓ cup sorghum (see note); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Servings: persons

8 cups freshly popped popcorn (from about 1/3 cup raw kernels)
2 cups plain puffed rice
2 cups roasted, salted peanuts
⅓ cup raw corn kernels
1/4 cup black sesame seeds
1 teaspoon five-spice powder (recipe follows)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda, sifted
1 stick unsalted butter
1 cup light-brown sugar, firmly packed
⅓ cup sorghum (see note)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1
Preheat the oven to 225 degrees.
2
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3
Spread the popcorn, rice and peanuts evenly on the sheet pan and set aside.
4
In a small bowl, combine the sesame seeds, five-spice powder and baking soda and set aside.
5
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6
Add the brown sugar, sorghum and salt and stir to dissolve.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil and continue to cook until the syrup reaches 250 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.
8
Immediately remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract and sesame-seed mixture.
9
Stir quickly with a wooden spoon to combine.
10
Pour the hot syrup evenly over the popcorn and nuts.
11
Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to coat evenly.
12
Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.

1673

kcal

Calories

Fat

237

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 cups freshly popped popcorn (from about 1/3 cup raw kernels), 2 cups plain puffed rice, 2 cups roasted, salted peanuts, ⅓ cup raw corn kernels, and more.

Yes, Lantern Cracker Jack falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Lantern Cracker Jack

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions