Description
Christmas Crack, also known as Cracker Toffee, is a delightful holiday treat featuring a crispy saltine cracker base topped with buttery toffee, melted chocolate, and festive sprinkles. This easy-to-make dessert combines sweet and salty flavors with a crunchy texture that’s perfect for sharing during the holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 40–48 saltine crackers (about 1 1/2 sleeves)
Toffee Topping
- 1 cup butter (salted or unsalted, 2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, dark brown sugar preferred)
Chocolate and Decoration
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or a combination)
- ½ cup sprinkles (or M&M’s, crushed candy canes, or candies of choice to decorate)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ to prepare for baking the toffee.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a rimmed sheet pan (15″×10″) with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray, or use a nonstick silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Crackers: Place the saltine crackers in a single even layer on the bottom of the pan. Break a few crackers if necessary to fill any gaps, ensuring the entire tray is covered.
- Make Toffee: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling for about 3 minutes until it bubbles and turns an amber color. Optionally, use a candy thermometer to ensure the temperature reaches 270℉-290℉. Remove from heat immediately.
- Pour Toffee Over Crackers: Carefully pour the hot toffee evenly over the crackers. Quickly spread with a spatula to cover all crackers evenly before it sets.
- Bake Toffee: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes until the toffee starts bubbling.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften.
- Spread Chocolate: Using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee layer. If the chocolate doesn’t melt easily, return to the oven for 1-2 minutes and spread again.
- Decorate: Sprinkle your choice of sprinkles or candies evenly over the melted chocolate for a festive touch.
- Cool and Set: Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until the chocolate and toffee harden.
- Break Into Pieces: Once set, flip the tray over and peel off the parchment or foil. Break or cut the toffee into pieces.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar for a richer toffee flavor.
- Ensure the toffee reaches the right temperature for a crisp texture; a candy thermometer is helpful but optional.
- You can customize the topping with different kinds of chocolate or festive candies as desired.
- Store the toffee in an airtight container to maintain its crunch.
- Use a nonstick liner on your baking sheet for easy removal and cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
