Description
Christmas Crack | Saltine Cracker Toffee
This addictive and easy-to-make Christmas Crack, also known as Saltine Cracker Toffee, combines sweet and salty flavors with a rich toffee base and a delicious chocolate topping. It’s a perfect holiday treat that’s always a hit at parties and makes a great gift!
Ingredients:
1 sleeve (about 40) Saltine crackers
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional toppings: crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, sprinkles, sea salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lightly grease the paper/foil for easy removal later.
2. Arrange the Crackers: Lay the Saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are touching but not overlapping.
3. Make the Toffee: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly. Once the mixture comes to a rolling boil, let it cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring until it thickens and darkens in color slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the Toffee Over the Crackers: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the Saltine crackers, using a spatula to spread it out if needed. Make sure all the crackers are well-coated with the toffee.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and the crackers are starting to brown slightly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Add the Chocolate: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to soften, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate over the entire surface of the crackers.
7. Add Toppings (Optional): While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle your choice of toppings over the top—crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a dash of sea salt for extra flavor.
8. Chill: Allow the Christmas Crack to cool completely. You can speed this up by placing the tray in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until the chocolate is fully set.
9. Break into Pieces: Once the toffee has set, break the Christmas Crack into irregular pieces by hand. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12-16 pieces
Tips:
For a holiday twist, use white chocolate chips and sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top.
You can mix and match toppings, like adding pretzels or drizzling with caramel for extra decadence.
#lovealletherecipes #dessert
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Pan: Line a 10×15-inch rimmed baking sheet (jelly roll pan) with heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment paper. Grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. This is crucial for easy removal.
2. Create the Base: Arrange the saltine crackers in a single, snug layer on the pan, salt-side up. Break crackers as needed to fill gaps.
3. Cook the Toffee: In a medium saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a full, rolling boil. Once boiling, set a timer and continue boiling for exactly 3 minutes without stirring. It should thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan slightly.
4. Bake: Immediately and carefully pour the hot toffee over the crackers. Tilt the pan or use an offset spatula to spread it evenly. Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes. The toffee will be very bubbly.
5. Melt the Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let sit for 3-4 minutes so the residual heat melts the chips, then spread smoothly with a spatula.
6. Set and Break: Add toppings, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until completely firm. Lift the foil/parchment slab out of the pan and break into pieces by hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this treat on a festive platter at holiday parties or package it in decorative cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk. For a dessert board, include it alongside other cookies, fresh fruit, and cheese.
How-to Summary
Line a pan, layer crackers, and boil butter and brown sugar for 3 minutes to create a toffee. Pour over crackers, bake for 5 minutes, then top with chocolate chips, spread, and add optional toppings. Chill completely before breaking into pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines? Yes, graham crackers will work and create a sweeter, less salty base. The baking time remains the same.
Why did my toffee turn out grainy? Graininess occurs if the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved. Ensure you stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil and use a candy thermometer—the toffee should reach 250-265°F (hard-ball stage).
How long does Christmas Crack stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container at cool room temperature, it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. Refrigeration extends its life and keeps it crisp.
Can I use dark chocolate? Absolutely. Dark chocolate chips are an excellent choice for balancing the sweetness of the toffee.
My chocolate seized when I spread it. What happened? If the toffee layer was too hot when the chips were added, the chocolate can seize. Letting it sit for 3-4 minutes to melt gently is key. Alternatively, you can melt the chips separately and spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid using a pan that’s too small, which leads to overcrowding and uneven toffee coverage.
- Do not stir the toffee mixture once it reaches a rolling boil, as this can cause crystallization.
- Do not skip chilling; breaking warm toffee will result in a messy, uneven break.
- Avoid using margarine or salted butter, as they can alter the flavor and texture of the toffee.
- Do not leave the baked toffee out uncovered for long, as it will attract moisture and become sticky.
Conclusion
Christmas Crack is the ultimate foolproof holiday confection, masterfully combining salty, sweet, and crunchy textures. Its simplicity belies its incredibly addictive quality, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a stunning homemade treat that captures the festive spirit in every delicious piece.