If you have a sweet tooth that demands something crispy, buttery, and absolutely addictive, you are going to fall head over heels for this Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe. This delightful treat combines simple pantry staples like saltine crackers and brown sugar with luscious melted chocolate and festive sprinkles, creating a perfect balance of salty and sweet that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a festive gift, a party favor, or just a homemade treat to keep your holiday spirits bright, this recipe is effortless, quick, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe a standout holiday favorite.
- Saltine crackers: Provide the crisp, salty base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet toppings.
- Butter (1 cup): Creates that rich, gooey toffee foundation when melted with brown sugar.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed, dark): Adds deep caramel flavor and chewy texture to the toffee layer.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Melt into a silky, chocolatey topping; mix with milk or white chocolate for a fun twist.
- Sprinkles or candy toppings (½ cup): Bring a pop of color and extra crunch, making presentation festive and fun.
How to Make Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Lay the Crackers
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and lining a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or foil sprayed with cooking spray. Lay out your saltine crackers in a single, even layer, breaking a few to fill any gaps so the entire bottom of the pan is covered. This crisp salty base sets the stage for the magic to come.
Step 2: Cook the Toffee
In a medium pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and stir occasionally for about 3 minutes until it bubbles and reaches a rich amber hue. This bubbling stage is crucial to develop the toffee’s characteristic caramel flavor and perfect chewiness. Carefully pour this hot toffee evenly over the crackers and quickly spread it to cover every inch.
Step 3: Bake the Toffee Layer
Pop the tray into the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This short bake time keeps the toffee bubbling and helps it meld with the crackers without burning. You’ll see it lift slightly as it cooks, which means the toffee is forming that signature crackly crust.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate
Immediately after baking, remove the tray and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee layer. Let them sit for a minute or two to soften, then spread the chocolate smoothly with a spatula. If the chocolate doesn’t melt easily, put the tray back in the oven for a couple of minutes and then spread again. This warm, glossy chocolate layer is the ultimate game-changer in this Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe.
Step 5: Decorate and Chill
Top your melting chocolate with colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or M&M’s to add festive cheer plus a delightful crunch. Allow the entire tray to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, letting the chocolate harden into a solid, crackable layer.
Step 6: Break and Serve
Once cool and set, flip the tray over and peel away the parchment paper or foil. Break the toffee into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a sharp knife. Then, get ready to dive into this crunchy, buttery, chocolatey dream!
How to Serve Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped nuts like pecans or almonds add a nutty crunch, while a light dusting of sea salt intensifies the sweet-salty contrast beautifully. You can also try drizzling a bit of white or caramel chocolate to add an extra layer of elegance.
Side Dishes
This Christmas Crack works wonderfully alongside a cozy cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea, balancing the sweetness with warm, soothing sips. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to ice cream or as a crunchy topping on festive desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the broken pieces in a festive tin or jar tied with a pretty ribbon for a charming homemade gift. You can also layer it in clear jars with other candy treats for a colorful candy buffet, or use it to garnish cupcakes and cakes for an extra holiday touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The toffee maintains its crispy texture best outside the fridge, but if your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is fine—in that case, just bring it back to room temperature before serving to soften the chocolate slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze this treat for up to 2 months. Wrap pieces individually in wax paper and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature to avoid condensation dulling the delightful crunch.
Reheating
While this Christmas Crack is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, you can warm the pieces gently (for example, in a microwave for a few seconds) if you want soft, gooey chocolate. Just be careful not to overheat as it can melt all over the place!
FAQs
Can I use different types of crackers?
Saltines are ideal because of their light salty crunch and thinness, but you could experiment with other crisp crackers like water crackers or Ritz. Just keep in mind that the texture and salt levels will change a bit.
Is it necessary to use dark brown sugar?
Dark brown sugar has more molasses, which gives the toffee its deep, rich caramel flavor. Using light brown sugar will still work but the flavor will be milder and less complex.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the saltine crackers for gluten-free crackers of similar size and texture. The rest of the recipe remains the same and the result is just as tasty.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
Aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray works just as well to prevent sticking and helps with easy removal of the Christmas Crack once it’s set.
How do I get the toffee nice and thin?
Make sure to spread the hot toffee mixture evenly and quickly over the crackers before it sets. If it’s spread too thickly, it may be harder to break nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe is truly one of those magical treats that bring people together and fill homes with the irresistible smell of caramel and chocolate. It’s quick, simple, and such a crowd-pleaser that once you try it, it will become a holiday tradition you look forward to year after year. So grab your ingredients, turn on some festive tunes, and prepare for a deliciously crunchy adventure that you and your loved ones will adore!
Print
Christmas Crack (Cracker Toffee) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Crack, also known as Cracker Toffee, is a beloved holiday treat featuring a crispy saltine cracker base topped with buttery, caramelized toffee and melted chocolate, finished with festive sprinkles or candies. This simple yet indulgent dessert combines crunchy, sweet, and salty flavors in every bite, perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Cracker Base
- 40–48 saltine crackers (about 1 1/2 sleeves)
Toffee Topping
- 1 cup butter (salted or unsalted, 2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, dark brown sugar preferred)
Chocolate and Decorations
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or a 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℉ to prepare for baking the toffee-covered crackers.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a 15″×10″ rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can use a nonstick silicone baking mat.
- Arrange Crackers: Place the saltine crackers in a single even layer covering the entire bottom of the baking tray. You may need to break some crackers to fill any gaps along the edges for a consistent base.
- Make Toffee Topping: In a medium-sized pot over medium-low heat, combine butter and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling for 3 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and amber colored. (Optionally, use a candy thermometer and cook until toffee reaches 270℉-290℉.) Remove from heat immediately.
- Pour Toffee Over Crackers: Carefully pour the hot toffee evenly over the crackers and swiftly spread it with a spatula to cover all crackers thoroughly.
- Bake Toffee Layer: Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes until the toffee mixture begins to bubble, indicating it is setting.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the tray from the oven. Immediately scatter the chocolate chips evenly over the warm toffee. Allow them to sit for 1-2 minutes to soften, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the entire surface. If the chocolate is not melting well, return the tray to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes and spread again.
- Decorate: Sprinkle your choice of sprinkles, M&M’s, crushed candy canes, or other candies over the melted chocolate layer while it is still warm.
- Cool and Harden: Let the entire baking tray cool at room temperature until the toffee is fully hardened, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to speed up the process.
- Break into Pieces: Once fully set, flip the tray over to remove the toffee slab from the baking tray. Peel off the parchment paper or foil. Break or cut the toffee into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.
- Serve and Store: Serve the Christmas Crack immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper, richer toffee flavor compared to light brown sugar.
- If you want a firmer toffee, ensure to boil the butter and sugar mixture to the higher end of the temperature range (290℉).
- Sprinkles or crushed candy canes add a festive touch, but feel free to customize with any favorite candies or nuts.
- Ensure even coverage of toffee across all crackers for consistent flavor and texture.
- Cooling the toffee in the fridge shortens setting time and helps the chocolate harden faster.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the toffee fresh and crunchy for up to one week.
