Description
Christmas Crack: Irresistible salty-sweet treat made with buttery toffee, chocolate, and crunchy saltine crackers. Easy, addictive, perfect for holiday parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sleeve (4 oz/113g) saltine crackers (approximately 40 crackers)
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (60g) toppings of choice (crushed nuts, candy pieces, or sprinkles)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring the foil extends over the edges. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer, edges touching, to completely cover the bottom of the pan. Break some crackers if needed to fill any gaps—complete coverage is key to perfect Christmas Crack.
- Step 2: Create the Toffee Layer In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent scorching. Once boiling, set a timer for exactly 3 minutes and continue to stir as the mixture bubbles. You’ll notice it transforming into a thicker, caramel-like consistency. The mixture should look smooth and slightly darkened when ready.
- Step 3: Bake the Base Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over your arranged crackers, working quickly to cover as much area as possible. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly across all crackers. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. You’ll see the toffee bubbling vigorously—this is exactly what you want! This brief baking time allows the toffee to penetrate slightly into the crackers and create that perfect fusion of layers.
- Step 4: Add Chocolate and Toppings Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee surface. Let them sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to melt. Once softened, use a silicone spatula to gently spread the chocolate into a smooth, even layer. While the chocolate is still warm but slightly set (about 2 minutes after spreading), sprinkle your chosen toppings evenly across the surface, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 5: Cool and Break Allow your Christmas Crack to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set completely. Once fully hardened, carefully lift the foil from the baking sheet and peel it away from the back of the candy. Use your hands to break the Christmas Crack into irregular pieces—the random, rustic appearance is part of its charm! For cleaner breaks, you can use a sharp knife, but the natural breaking pattern is traditionally preferred.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Americaine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 190 calories per serving
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Christmas Crack