Saltine Cracker Candy (Christmas Crack) Recipe

Introduction

Saltine Cracker Candy, also known as Christmas Crack, is a delightfully sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a simple, indulgent snack. With a buttery caramel layer topped with melted chocolate on crispy crackers, this candy is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 40 saltine crackers (1 package)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups chocolate chips (about 1 package)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then spray the paper and sides of the pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet, breaking any in half if needed to fill the entire space.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter in a small pot over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for 3 minutes without stirring unless necessary to prevent burning. The caramel will become bubbly and thick.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Step 6: Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the crackers using a large spatula, covering each cracker as thoroughly as possible.
7. Step 7: Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, then remove and let cool for 1-2 minutes.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm caramel and return to the oven (off) for 30-60 seconds to melt the chocolate.
9. Step 9: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the entire baking sheet, covering all cracker edges. Let cool for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
10. Step 10: Once chilled, carefully lift the cracker candy from the parchment. Break or cut into pieces, then serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the melted chocolate before chilling for a salty-sweet contrast.
• Use dark or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for different flavor profiles.
• If you prefer, add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top of the chocolate before chilling for added crunch.

Storage

Store the cracker candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best texture, bring pieces to room temperature before serving. This candy does not freeze well, as the texture may become soggy upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker?

While saltines provide the perfect balance of saltiness and crunch, you can experiment with other sturdy crackers like butter crackers or even graham crackers, but the texture and flavor will vary.

What if my caramel sauce doesn’t thicken?

Ensure you boil the butter and brown sugar mixture for the full 3 minutes without stirring too much. If it’s too runny, it might need a bit longer on the heat to develop the right consistency, but be careful not to burn it.

Saltine Cracker Candy (Christmas Crack) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 440 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 30 servings 1x

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Description

Saltine Cracker Candy, also known as Christmas Crack, is a simple and irresistibly delicious treat featuring crispy saltine crackers topped with a buttery caramel toffee layer and a smooth chocolate coating. This festive candy requires minimal ingredients and comes together quickly, making it the perfect holiday dessert or snack to share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 40 saltine crackers (1 package)

Caramel Toffee Layer

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping

• 2 cups chocolate chips (about 1 package)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spray the lined pan lightly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the candy.
2. Arrange Crackers: Lay the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. If needed, break crackers in half to evenly fill the pan without gaps.
3. Melt Butter: In a small pot over medium-high heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add Brown Sugar and Boil: Stir in 1 cup brown sugar with the melted butter. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it cook for exactly 3 minutes without stirring, or only stir minimally if it looks like burning is imminent. The caramel sauce should become bubbly and thick with all sugar dissolved.
5. Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla: Take the pot off the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract thoroughly.
6. Pour Caramel Over Crackers: Using a large spatula, evenly pour the hot caramel sauce over the saltine crackers, spreading it to cover each cracker as evenly as possible.
7. Bake to Set Caramel: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes to help set the caramel. Remove from the oven and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes.
8. Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle 2 cups of chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer. Return the pan to the warm oven (oven turned off) for 30 to 60 seconds to gently melt the chocolate chips.
9. Spread Melted Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate over the caramel and crackers, covering all edges evenly. Let this cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill for 3 to 4 hours until fully set.
10. Cut and Serve: Once chilled and firm, carefully lift the candy from the baking sheet using the parchment paper. Because the toffee is sticky, it may not come off in one piece. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares or break into pieces. Serve and enjoy this crunchy, sweet treat!

Notes

• Be careful while boiling the caramel to avoid burning; precise timing is key.
• Using parchment paper and non-stick spray helps make candy removal easier.
• If chocolate doesn’t melt fully in the oven, you can briefly microwave it in 10-second intervals and then spread.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• This candy is quite sticky, so slicing or breaking it while cold helps with clean cuts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: saltine cracker candy, Christmas crack, toffee candy, caramel candy, holiday candy, easy dessert, chocolate toffee