Dive into the festive season with the ever-popular Christmas Crack, also known as Saltine Cracker Toffee. This delightful treat features a perfect balance of sweet and salty, thanks to a rich toffee layer blanketed with luscious chocolate, all resting on a base of crisp saltine crackers. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, Christmas Crack is the ideal snack for holiday gatherings, and it makes a fantastic homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.
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
Preparation:
Preheat the Oven:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Arrange the Crackers:
Step 2: Place the Saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they touch but do not overlap. This forms the foundation of the toffee.
Make the Toffee:
Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes without stirring, allowing it to thicken and darken slightly. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, enhancing the flavor of the toffee.
Pour the Toffee Over the Crackers:
Step 5: Evenly pour the hot toffee over the arranged Saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread the mixture, ensuring every cracker is coated.
Bake:
Step 6: Bake the toffee-covered crackers for 5-7 minutes, or until the toffee bubbles and the edges of the crackers start to brown. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
Add the Chocolate:
Step 7: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Wait 1-2 minutes for the chips to soften, then spread the melted chocolate evenly across the toffee.
Add Toppings (Optional):
Step 8: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle your chosen toppings over it. This could include crushed candy canes for a minty kick, chopped nuts for crunch, or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweet-salty contrast.
Chill:
Step 9: Allow the Christmas Crack to cool completely at room temperature, or speed up the process by refrigerating for 1-2 hours until the chocolate sets.
Break into Pieces:
Step 10: Once set, break the toffee into irregular pieces, creating that classic, rustic look.
Store:
Step 11: Store the Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings:
- 12-16 pieces
Tips:
- For a festive twist, use white chocolate chips and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
- Experiment with various toppings like pretzels or a drizzle of caramel for added luxury.
Conclusion
Christmas Crack is a captivating addition to your holiday treats, guaranteed to delight with its crunchy texture and mesmerizing flavor. Whether you’re sharing it at a party or gifting it to loved ones, this Saltine Cracker Toffee promises to spread joy and satisfy sweet tooths this holiday season. Enjoy the magic of homemade candy with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
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Easy Christmas Crack Recipe
- Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
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
Preheat the Oven:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Arrange the Crackers:
Step 2: Place the Saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they touch but do not overlap. This forms the foundation of the toffee.
Make the Toffee:
Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes without stirring, allowing it to thicken and darken slightly. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, enhancing the flavor of the toffee.
Pour the Toffee Over the Crackers:
Step 5: Evenly pour the hot toffee over the arranged Saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread the mixture, ensuring every cracker is coated.
Bake:
Step 6: Bake the toffee-covered crackers for 5-7 minutes, or until the toffee bubbles and the edges of the crackers start to brown. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
Add the Chocolate:
Step 7: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Wait 1-2 minutes for the chips to soften, then spread the melted chocolate evenly across the toffee.
Add Toppings (Optional):
Step 8: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle your chosen toppings over it. This could include crushed candy canes for a minty kick, chopped nuts for crunch, or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweet-salty contrast.
Chill:
Step 9: Allow the Christmas Crack to cool completely at room temperature, or speed up the process by refrigerating for 1-2 hours until the chocolate sets.
Break into Pieces:
Step 10: Once set, break the toffee into irregular pieces, creating that classic, rustic look.
Store:
Step 11: Store the Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-16 pieces