Description
Christmas Crack, also known as Cracker Toffee, is a festive and easy-to-make holiday dessert combining crispy saltine crackers topped with a rich buttery toffee layer and melted chocolate. This crowd-pleaser balances sweet caramel flavors with a crunchy texture and optional nutty toppings, perfect for gifting or enjoying at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- Saltine crackers – enough to cover a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer
Toffee
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- Optional: Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crackers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer, ensuring the sheet is fully covered.
- Make Toffee Mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the light brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly, then allow it to boil for 3 to 5 minutes without stirring until it turns a rich caramel color.
- Pour Toffee Over Crackers: Immediately pour the hot toffee evenly over the saltine crackers on the baking sheet, spreading carefully to coat all crackers thoroughly.
- Bake Toffee and Crackers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes until the toffee is bubbling and set to the edges.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the sheet from the oven and sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee layer. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: Using a spatula, gently spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee surface to create a smooth chocolate layer.
- Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts and a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate while still warm if desired.
- Cool and Set: Allow the Christmas Crack to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for about 2 hours or until fully set and hardened.
- Serve or Store: Once hardened, break into pieces. Serve immediately or package as a festive treat. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- Try substituting saltine crackers with Graham crackers or rye crisps for different texture and flavor variations.
- Experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different taste profile.
- Add festive sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets for a colorful holiday touch.
- Ensure to cool completely before breaking to avoid sticky pieces.
- Store leftovers sealed in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
