Description
This Christmas Crack recipe is a sweet and crunchy holiday treat featuring a buttery brown sugar toffee layer atop crispy saltine crackers, finished with a smooth layer of melted chocolate and optional nuts or sprinkles for extra festivity. It’s simple to make, combining just a few ingredients to create a delicious candy that’s perfect for gift-giving or holiday snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Cracker Base
- 35 saltine crackers
Toffee Layer
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups (12 oz) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans or a few tablespoons sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed 15 by 10-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil, then spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the candy.
- Prepare cracker base: Arrange 35 saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, covering the entire surface evenly. Set aside while you prepare the toffee.
- Make toffee sauce: In a medium saucepan (2.5 – 3 quart), combine 1 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup packed light brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a full boil. Once boiling, stop stirring and allow it to boil for 3 minutes to develop the toffee flavor.
- Add vanilla extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Be cautious as the mixture may sputter.
- Pour toffee over crackers: Immediately and carefully pour the hot toffee evenly over the arranged saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread it uniformly as needed.
- Bake to melt and set: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven; the toffee is very hot.
- Add chocolate chips: While still hot, sprinkle 2 cups of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips evenly over the toffee layer. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften and melt.
- Spread melted chocolate: Using an offset spatula, spread the melted chocolate into an even layer over the toffee. If using, sprinkle 3/4 cup chopped pecans or sprinkles evenly on top.
- Chill: Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and let the chocolate harden for about 30 minutes, or place in the freezer for 15 minutes for a quicker set.
- Break into pieces and store: Once firm, lift the candy from the foil and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container; refrigeration is optional but helps maintain freshness.
Notes
- Finish with white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate, and dust with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor.
- Substitute chopped walnuts, pistachios, or sliced almonds for the pecans for variation.
- Add festive mini M&M’s for colorful decoration.
- Sprinkle crushed Oreos over the melted chocolate for added texture.
- After the chocolate hardens, drizzle with melted white chocolate for a decorative finish.
- Use graham crackers instead of saltines for a sweeter base.
- Top with crushed toffee bits to intensify the toffee flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 15g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg