Description
Christmas Crack, also known as Cracker Toffee, is a delightful holiday treat featuring crispy saltine crackers coated in a buttery brown sugar toffee, topped with melted chocolate and festive sprinkles. This easy-to-make candy is perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting and offers a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cracker Base
- 40–48 saltine crackers (about 1 1/2 sleeves)
Toffee Sauce
- 1 cup butter (salted or unsalted, 2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, dark brown sugar preferred)
Toppings
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or 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℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the toffee mixture.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a rimmed 15″×10″ sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can use a nonstick silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Crackers: Place the saltine crackers in a single, even layer covering the entire bottom of the prepared baking tray. Break a few crackers as needed to fill gaps along the edges for an even layer.
- Make Toffee Sauce: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine butter and brown sugar. Stir occasionally and bring to a rolling boil. Continue boiling for 3 minutes until the mixture bubbles vigorously and takes on an amber hue. Remove from heat immediately. (Optional: Use a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches 270℉-290℉.)
- Pour Toffee over Crackers: Carefully pour the hot toffee sauce evenly over the arranged saltine crackers. Use a spatula to quickly spread the toffee to cover all crackers comprehensively.
- Bake Toffee-Topped Crackers: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes or until the toffee mixture starts to bubble, indicating it is set and caramelized.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the toffee layer. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to soften, then spread the chocolate smoothly using a spatula. If the chocolate isn’t melting easily, return the pan to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes, then spread.
- Decorate with Sprinkles: Once the chocolate is spread evenly, sprinkle your choice of sprinkles, crushed candy canes, M&M’s, or other candies over the top to decorate.
- Cool and Set: Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until the chocolate and toffee harden.
- Break into Pieces: After setting, flip the tray over to release the toffee from the pan and peel away the parchment or foil. Break the toffee into pieces by hand or cut with a sharp knife.
- Serve and Store: Serve the Christmas Crack immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper caramel flavor.
- For crispier toffee, ensure the toffee boils for the full 3 minutes without stirring too vigorously.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with your preferred chocolate type, including white chocolate or a combination.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with different candies or nuts to suit your taste or holiday theme.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the toffee from becoming sticky.
- Handle the hot toffee carefully to avoid burns—use oven mitts and pour slowly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
