The holidays are the perfect time for indulging in deliciously decadent treats, and one of the best to add to your festive spread is Christmas Crack. This irresistible dessert brings together the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy flavors, all wrapped in a simple-to-make recipe.
Saltine crackers, homemade toffee, and semi-sweet chocolate chips come together in harmony to create a snack that’s as addictive as it is delightful. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering or just craving a treat, this Christmas Crack is bound to become a tradition in your home.
Course: Dessert/Candy
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 20 servings
Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
- 35-45 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sprinkles (optional, for extra flair)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added texture)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). Prepare a jelly roll pan or baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat. Lightly grease the lining with vegetable shortening or nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the candy once it’s cooled.
Step 2: Layer the Crackers
Arrange the saltine crackers side by side in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This will form the base of your sweet and salty treat, so make sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 3: Make the Toffee
In a large saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning. Once the butter is melted and the sugar is fully dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow the toffee to boil for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep things smooth and prevent sticking. For the perfect toffee consistency, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. You’ll want the mixture to reach between 270°F and 290°F.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Once the toffee has reached the correct temperature, remove the pan from heat. Carefully stir in the salt and vanilla extract. Be cautious—this will cause the mixture to bubble up. Give it a quick stir to combine, then immediately pour the bubbling toffee over the arranged saltine crackers. Use an offset spatula to gently spread the toffee evenly, ensuring all crackers are coated.
Step 5: Bake the Crack
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. During this time, the toffee will bubble up and spread over the crackers. This step helps meld the flavors together and creates that perfect caramelized finish.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate
After baking, remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Allow them to sit for about 5 minutes to soften. For a quicker melt, you can return the pan to the oven for 1-2 minutes. Once the chips have softened, use your offset spatula to spread the chocolate into an even layer over the toffee.
Step 7: Top with Toppings
This is the fun part! While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle your choice of toppings over the surface. Consider festive sprinkles, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even a drizzle of caramel or white chocolate for a unique twist.
Step 8: Cool and Harden
Let the pan sit on the counter for a few minutes to cool slightly. Once it’s no longer too hot to touch, transfer it to the freezer to speed up the hardening process. Leave the candy in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set and the toffee is firm.
Step 9: Break Into Pieces
Once the candy is fully cooled and hardened, remove it from the freezer. You can break it into pieces by hand for a rustic look, or use a sharp knife to cut it into more uniform squares or rectangles. Either way, this treat will be just as delicious!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Christmas Crack:
- Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is a valuable tool when making this treat. It helps ensure the toffee reaches the ideal temperature for the perfect consistency. While it’s optional, it takes the guesswork out of candy making.
- Topping Ideas: Get creative with the toppings! Add a dash of sea salt for an extra burst of flavor, or try crushed pretzels for a bit of crunch. The possibilities are endless—this is your chance to personalize your Christmas Crack.
- Storage: Store the finished candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate it for even longer shelf life. If you’ve made a large batch, it also freezes well for future indulgence.
- Personalization: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap the semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate depending on your preference. Or, drizzle a caramel sauce over the top for an added layer of sweetness.
Conclusion:
Christmas Crack is a holiday favorite for good reason—its irresistible combination of flavors and textures is simply unbeatable. Whether served at a Christmas party or wrapped up as a homemade gift, this candy is sure to delight everyone who tastes it. Easy to make and highly customizable, it’s no wonder this sweet treat has earned its place as a holiday tradition in many homes. Be warned though, once you start munching on these salty-sweet squares, you might not be able to stop! So, gather your ingredients, turn on the holiday tunes, and treat yourself to a batch of Christmas Crack—you won’t regret it!
Enjoy your homemade Christmas Crack, and don’t forget to share the joy with friends and family!
