Description
Christmas Crack, also known as Cracker Toffee, is a delightful holiday treat featuring a crunchy saltine cracker base topped with a rich butter and brown sugar toffee layer, melted chocolate, and festive sprinkles or candies. This easy-to-make dessert combines sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors for a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for Christmas celebrations and gift-giving.
Ingredients
Scale
Cracker Base
- 40–48 saltine crackers (about 1 1/2 sleeves)
Toffee Layer
- 1 cup butter (salted or unsalted, 2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, dark brown sugar preferred)
Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, white chocolate, or combination)
- ½ cup sprinkles (or M&M’s, crushed candy canes, or other decorative candies)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the toffee.
- Prepare Pan: Line a rimmed 15″×10″ sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray. Alternatively, use a nonstick silicone baking mat to ensure easy removal of the toffee later.
- Arrange Crackers: Place the saltine crackers in a single, even layer on the bottom of the tray. Break a few crackers if necessary to fill gaps and cover the entire surface.
- Make Toffee: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the packed dark brown sugar. Stir occasionally and bring to a rolling boil. Continue boiling and stirring for 3 minutes until the mixture bubbles and turns an amber color. For precision, a candy thermometer should read between 270℉ and 290℉. Remove from heat immediately.
- Pour Toffee: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread quickly and ensure all crackers are coated.
- Bake Toffee: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes until the toffee starts bubbling.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately scatter chocolate chips across the toffee layer. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to soften, then spread the melted chocolate evenly with a spatula. If the chocolate isn’t melting smoothly, return the pan to the oven for 1-2 more minutes and then spread.
- Add Sprinkles: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle your choice of sprinkles, crushed candy canes, M&M’s, or other candies evenly on top.
- Cool and Set: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until fully hardened.
- Break and Serve: Once set, flip the tray over onto a surface and peel off the parchment or foil. Use your hands to crack the toffee into pieces or cut with a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper caramel flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet or lighter toffee, use unsalted butter to better control salt levels.
- Ensure the toffee is fully hardened before breaking to achieve clean pieces.
- For easy cleanup, use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness.
- Be cautious when working with hot toffee; it can cause burns.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
