Christmas Crack (Saltine Toffee) Recipe
Introduction
Your friends and family will go nuts over this Christmas crack! It’s a perfect blend of buttery, salty, and sweet flavors. Saltine crackers are layered with caramel toffee and melted milk chocolate, then topped with chopped pecans and festive Christmas sprinkles for a holiday treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 40 saltine crackers
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup Ghirardelli brand chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13″ x 18″ baking sheet with foil, overlapping the edges. Arrange the saltine crackers in an even layer covering the entire sheet.
- Step 2: In a nonstick pot over low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and no longer gritty.
- Step 3: Increase the heat to medium. Once the mixture boils and becomes frothy, start a timer for 4 minutes. Whisk once each minute, then leave it alone.
- Step 4: Turn off the heat and immediately pour the caramel sauce over the arranged saltines. Use a spatula to spread it evenly before it thickens.
- Step 5: Bake in the oven for 7-8 minutes. When you remove the pan, the caramel should be bubbling. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel. Wait about 3 minutes for them to melt, then spread the chocolate with a spatula.
- Step 7: Add chopped pecans and Christmas sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate.
- Step 8: Refrigerate the baking sheet for 2 hours until set. Once chilled, break into pieces and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use salted butter for balanced flavor; if using unsalted, add a pinch of extra salt to the caramel.
- Try substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
- Swap out Christmas sprinkles for crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper instead of foil for easier cleanup.
Storage
Store Christmas crack in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best texture, bring to room temperature before serving. It can also be stored at room temperature for a couple of days but may soften slightly.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Saltine crackers are key to this recipe due to their thinness and saltiness, which balance the sweetness. Other crackers may not provide the same texture or flavor combination.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Cook the butter and brown sugar mixture on low to medium heat and whisk regularly. Once boiling, time it carefully and avoid skipping the whisking steps to keep the caramel smooth and prevent burning.
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Christmas Crack (Saltine Toffee) Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: About 30 pieces 1x
Description
Christmas Crack is a delightful holiday treat combining buttery, salty, and sweet flavors. Saltine crackers are layered with a rich caramel toffee made from butter and brown sugar, baked until bubbling, then topped with melted Ghirardelli chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and festive Christmas sprinkles. This irresistible dessert is easy to make, perfect for gift-giving, and sure to become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
Saltine Base
- 40 saltine crackers
Toffee Caramel
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- 1 cup Ghirardelli brand chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- Christmas sprinkles (as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13″ x 18″ baking sheet with aluminum foil, overlapping edges; no cooking spray is needed.
- Prepare saltines: Arrange the 40 saltine crackers in an even, flat layer on the foil-lined baking sheet.
- Make caramel sauce: In a nonstick pot over low heat, melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth without grittiness.
- Boil caramel: Increase heat to medium. When the mixture reaches a frothy boil, start a timer for 4 minutes, whisking once every minute and then leaving it to bubble otherwise.
- Pour caramel over crackers: Remove from heat and quickly pour the caramel sauce evenly over the saltines. Use a spatula immediately to spread the caramel to cover all the crackers evenly before it thickens.
- Bake caramelized crackers: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. The caramel should be bubbling when removed.
- Sprinkle salt: Take the baking sheet out and sprinkle a few pinches of salt evenly over the hot caramel layer.
- Add chocolate chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel while still hot. Let them sit for about 3 minutes until melted, then spread the chocolate evenly with a spatula.
- Top with pecans and sprinkles: Immediately sprinkle the chopped pecans and festive Christmas sprinkles over the melted chocolate layer.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the baking sheet for 2 hours to set. Once chilled, break the Christmas crack into pieces and enjoy.
Notes
- Use salted butter to complement the salty-sweet flavor combination.
- Work quickly when pouring and spreading the caramel, as it thickens rapidly once boiled.
- For best melting and flavor, use Ghirardelli chocolate chips or similarly high-quality chocolate.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Perfect gift idea when packed in festive tins or jars for the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas Crack, Saltine Toffee, Holiday Dessert, Christmas Treat, Caramel Toffee, Saltine Crackers, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Pecans, Christmas Sprinkles, Easy Christmas Recipe
