Intro
Hi, I am Dulcia. I make holiday treats every year and this Christmas Crack recipe is my go-to when I want something addictive, crunchy, and fast. It is a sweet-salty delight made with saltine crackers, buttery caramel, and melted chocolate.
I wrote this recipe for busy bakers who want big flavor with minimal fuss. I include a freezer option to speed up setting, and tips to keep the crackers crisp.
Origins
Christmas Crack is a modern candy trend that likely evolved from classic toffee and cracker-toffee traditions. It pairs simple pantry staples to create a salty-sweet snack that became popular as a homemade holiday gift. For context on crackers and similar snack histories, see the saltine entry on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saltine
For food safety and ingredient guidance, you can also check the USDA site: https://www.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve salted saltine crackers (about 42 crackers)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 (12 oz) package dark chocolate chips (can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- Heath toffee bits
- White chocolate, melted
I test recipes on my site and share favorite dessert builds. If you like creamy holiday options, you might also enjoy my cheesecake filling ideas here: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/philadelphia-cheesecake-filling/ or this cinnamon roll cheesecake twist: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/cinnamon-roll-cheesecake/. My recipe archive is at https://www.dulciarecipes.com/.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray.
- Arrange crackers side by side on the lined pan to form a single layer. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium to medium-high heat, and boil for 3 minutes while stirring constantly so the sugar dissolves and the caramel comes together.
- Pour the hot caramel evenly over the crackers, using a spatula if needed to spread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to set the caramel.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel.
- Let stand for 5 minutes, then use the back of a spoon to spread the softened chocolate chips into an even layer. If the chips do not soften enough, place the pan briefly in the warm oven.
- Top with Heath toffee bits and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Cool completely in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or in the freezer for at least 1 hour, until fully set. Break into pieces.
- Store in the fridge in a covered airtight container.
Sweet Salty Crackers Delight
- Total Time: 2 hrs 18 mins
- Yield: About 42 pieces (1 sleeve) 1x
Description
Sweet and salty toffee-coated saltine crackers topped with melted chocolate, toffee bits and a white chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve salted saltine crackers (about 42 crackers)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 (12 oz) package dark chocolate chips (can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- Heath toffee bits
- White chocolate (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. Grease parchment paper with cooking spray.
- Place crackers side by side on lined pan. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar.
- Bring to boil over medium/medium-high heat and boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour evenly over crackers.
- Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Let stand for 5 minutes, then use the back of a spoon to spread melted chocolate chips evenly over the crackers (if the chocolate chips aren’t melting, place in warm oven).
- Top with toffee bits and drizzle with white chocolate.
- Cool completely in fridge (at least 2 hours) or in freezer (at least 1 hour), then break into pieces.
- Store in fridge in covered airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
Tips
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any caramel overflow.
- Stir constantly while boiling the butter and sugar to prevent scorching.
- To melt chocolate quickly, microwave in 20 second bursts, stirring between each burst.
- For faster set time, cool in the freezer for about 1 hour, but do not forget it or the chocolate can become too hard for easy breaking.
- Use parchment for easy cleanup and to keep crackers from sticking.
Variations
- Chocolate swap: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter finish.
- Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top along with the toffee bits.
- Spiced twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or sea salt on the chocolate for a flavor boost.
- Mini bars: Break into smaller rectangles and package for gifts.
FAQ
Q: How long will Christmas Crack stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will stay crisp and tasty for up to 2 weeks.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make it a few days in advance and keep it chilled until serving.
Q: Can I use other crackers?
A: Saltine crackers are traditional for their shape and salt level, but you can experiment with soda crackers if needed.
Conclusion
This Christmas Crack recipe is one of my favorite holiday shortcuts that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It is great for parties, cookie exchanges, and edible gifts. If you try it, please come back and tell me how you topped it. Happy baking and happy holidays from me, Dulcia.