Description
This Christmas Crack Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make saltine cracker toffee that combines sweet caramel and rich chocolate for the perfect holiday treat. With a crunchy saltine base, buttery caramel, and smooth melted chocolate, it’s an irresistible combination of salty and sweet flavors ideal for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 35 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve, may need a few more or less depending on your jelly roll pan)
Caramel
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (well packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
Topping
- 2 cups chocolate chips (milk chocolate or semi-sweet, Guittard or Ghirardelli recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick foil or heavy-duty foil coated with cooking spray. Alternatively, use a silicone baking mat for easy removal.
- Arrange crackers: Place the saltine crackers in a single layer on the lined pan. It’s okay to have a little space left over.
- Make caramel: In a 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Boil caramel: Bring the mixture to a boil and continue boiling for 3 full minutes, stirring almost continuously. If using a candy thermometer, the temperature should reach 270°F-290°F.
- Add flavorings: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt evenly into the caramel mixture.
- Pour caramel over crackers: Immediately pour the hot caramel evenly over the arranged saltines, spreading gently to coat all crackers.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 5 minutes. The caramel should be bubbling vigorously. Temperature should reach 300°F-310°F if using a thermometer.
- Add chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel and crackers. Cover the pan tightly with foil and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
- Spread chocolate: Remove the foil and use an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate smoothly over the caramel layer.
- Optional toppings: Sprinkle any desired toppings over the melted chocolate while still warm for added flavor and texture.
- Set the toffee: Let the toffee cool to room temperature until completely set or chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for faster setting.
- Break into pieces: Carefully peel the foil away from the bottom of the toffee. Use your hands to crack it into pieces or cut with a knife.
- Store: Store the Christmas Crack in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- This Christmas Crack recipe is one of the easiest holiday treats to make with minimal ingredients and time required.
- The saltiness of the crackers paired with sweet caramel and chocolate create a perfect sweet and salty flavor balance.
- Using high-quality chocolate chips such as Guittard or Ghirardelli enhances the final taste significantly.
- Line your pan carefully with foil or a silicone mat to easily lift out the toffee when set.
- Ensure to boil the caramel for the full recommended time for proper toffee texture and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 197 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 107 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 23 mg
