This Easy Saltine Cracker Candy Recipe (AKA Christmas Crack)is a delicious combo of sweet and salty, made with only four simple ingredients and you do not need a candy thermometer to make it. It is also known as Christmas Crack, just made with a layer of salted cracker, buttery toffee, and dark chocolate melted on top. It is seriously the ultimate Christmas candy and perfect Christmas recipe.
If you like this recipe, then you will love my peppermint brownies and my Hot Cocoa Cookies!
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Jump To
- Why you'll love this saltine cracker Christmas crack
- Jai
- What is Saltine Cracker Candy AKA Christmas Crack?
- Ingredients for Saltine Cracker Toffee
- How to Make Christmas Crack
- Saltine Cracker Candy Toppings
- Expert Tips
- Variations
- FAQ's
- What to serve with this recipe?
- How to store Christmas Crack?
- Some other Christmas sweets recipes:
- Easy Saltine Cracker Candy Recipe (AKA Christmas Crack)
I make this Saltine Cracker Candy every December because it is one of those nostalgic holiday treats everyone loves. The sweet caramel, melted chocolate, and crunchy saltine base create the perfect sweet and salty bite.
It is always the first thing people grab from any dessert table. If you are searching for an easy Christmas crack recipe that never fails, this one has been a reliable favorite in my kitchen for years.
What I love most is how simple this cracker toffee is. You only need a few pantry ingredients and no special tools.
This saltine toffee bark also makes great gifts. I usually pack small tins to bring to friends and family.
Whether you call it saltine cracker candy, Christmas crack, or toffee bark, it is a holiday recipe you will end up making again and again. It is easy, quick, and always delicious.
Why you'll love this saltine cracker Christmas crack
- You only need four ingredients.
- No candy thermometer.
- Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Easy to customize with toppings.
- Stores beautifully and freezes well.
- Perfect for holiday cookie boxes, gifting, or parties.
Jai
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
What is Saltine Cracker Candy AKA Christmas Crack?
Saltine cracker candy is a saltine cracker covered in a brown sugar sauce. It gets baked until it turns into caramel. The cracker and the caramel end up melting in the oven and turning into that bottom layer of salty, crunchy candy.
The chocolate gets melted on top and spread over the bottom cracker/caramel layer. When the chocolate is still melted, sprinkles, chopped nuts, chopped pretzels …whatever you like could get tossed on top of it all. Ready in minutes, this is a serious candy treat!
So simple and easy, let's get to how you make this sweet indulgence!
You may be over Christmas, but did you know in Italy there are 12 days of Christmas?
Ingredients for Saltine Cracker Toffee
Saltine Cracker Candy is made with just 4 basic ingredients (full printable recipe is below):
- Unsalted butter: Combined with the sugar creates the amazing toffee layer.
- Granulated sugar: Combined with butter, it's cooked together to create the crunchy toffee layer.
- Saltine crackers: Simple saltine crackers are the base for this delicious sweet and salty treat.
- Chocolate chips: Added on top of the hot toffee layer, they melt into a smooth chocolate coating.
- Toppings (optional): Sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings can be added for extra flavor and texture.
How to Make Christmas Crack
1.Line a 12×17" baking sheet with foil or parchment paper (use a silicone mat if you have one). Spray lightly with baking spray (or grease it lightly with some butter).
2.Spread out the crackers, salted side up. Be sure to line them up as evenly as possible (they will move when the toffee gets poured on, and that's ok), small spaces between them is totally fine.
3.The hardest part of this recipe is making the caramel (toffee) topping. It comes together with butter and brown sugar. You melt them together and let it come to a rolling boil for 3 minutes (use a timer). So you'll basically need 15 minutes to put this all together. And definitely a few hours to let it set (do not rush the setting/chilling part).
4.You begin to melt the butter with the sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir just until the butter melts. Once it melts, be sure to no longer stir it let it come to a rolling boil for a full 3 minutes. Super important to not touch the caramel as it is at the rolling boil stage. There is no need to scrape the sides of the saucepan or the bottom (this will break up the toffee and it won't set).
5.Once it reaches a full 3 minutes, very carefully pour it over the crackers. Bake them in the oven for a few minutes. The toffee will bubble up nicely. Some of the crackers may spread and separate in the sauce, and that is totally fine. Do not try to touch or move them, the caramel is burning hot. Bake it for 5 minutes.
6.Very carefully remove the pan from the oven and toss the chocolate chips on top.
7.Carefully place the pan back in the oven so it can bake about another minute.
8.Remove the pan from the oven and spread the chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
9.While the chocolate is hot and melty, toss on your toppings (sprinkles, nuts, chopped pretzels…etc).
10.Let the candy cool down to room temperature, and then place the tray in your fridge or freezer to completely set.
Cut or break the toffee into pieces and place in an airtight container. I prefer to store in the fridge (or even freezer), but this can be stored on the counter.
Saltine Cracker Candy Toppings
There are so many ways to top this super simple chocolate crackers...here are some suggestions:
- sprinkles (we used Christmas sprinkles, but you could use multi-color for a birthday candy idea)
- chopped nuts
- crushed pretzels
- mini chocolate chips
- coarse sea salt
- toffee pieces
- dried cranberry bits (I have a nice one that has orange flavor…so good!)
- dried cherry chopped in small bits
- white chocolate drizzle (this looks pretty when you add on sprinkles on top of the drizzle)
Expert Tips
- The candy is fine at room temperature. But the chocolate does melt pretty fast as soon as you touch it.
- My personal preference is to keep it in the fridge, nice and cold! If you forgot to give a special someone you know a little baked something...this is what you should make today!
- Once it is made, I carefully slide the tray into the fridge and let it all chill and set for at least 30 minutes, but an hour is preferable.
- As soon as it chills and sets, you could cut or break it into pieces. It does not have to be perfectly cut. The charming part is the broken edges.
- But a very sharp knife will help to get perfect pieces.
- I have seen recipes where this is made without the chocolate layer. I think the chocolate layer is a definite must!
- Also, you could make it without any toppings at all. Since I made this at Christmas time, the sprinkles made it extra festive
Variations
- Nuts and Seeds - Your favorite chopped nuts or seeds could be sprinkled on top of the melted chocolate for some additional crunch.
- Graham crackers - Graham crackers are a nice substitute for the Saltine's, but they do make it sweeter. You could also use Ritz crackers.
- Candies - I used sprinkles, and for the holidays it's nice to use Christmas sprinkles. Crushed candies like candy canes or even M&Ms.
- Milk or White Chocolate - Instead of dark chocolate chips, you could use milk or white chocolate chips.
- Make without the chocolate - There are some recipes for toffee candy made without any melted chocolate. Follow the recipe to make the cracker with the toffee topping, and let it chill in the fridge without any melted chocolate. J
FAQ's
Yes! Saltine crackers are also referred to as soda crackers. That is probably because they are made with baking soda.
YES! I have had this with Ritz crackers. I have seen them made with graham crackers and I have even tried them with matzo crackers (SO good!).
No, a candy thermometer is not needed. Just be sure that the sugar mixture is brought to a full rolling boiling for a full 3 minutes. IF you want to use your candy thermometer, the temperature should be at the "soft ball stage", or 235-245 degrees Fahrenheit.
I did not try to make this with margarine. Since I was making this as a gift, pure butter was used. And it doesn't matter if you use salted or unsalted butter. IF you use salted butter, make sure you use an unsalted cracker, otherwise it will be too salty.
Yes! Light brown sugar can be used to substitute brown sugar. I even made a batch with coconut sugar, but the caramel sauce was not the same (but it tasted amazing).
he best solution for that is to melt the butter and sugar starting out on a low heat. You can stir it as this low heat stage. Once the butter melts, raise the heat and let it come to a rolling boil (do not stir at this point or scrape sides or bottom of pan). Let it do it's thing at a rolling boil for a full 3 minutes (set a timer!!).
Yes! It doesn't matter what you use, parchment or foil paper is fine. Or a silicone baking mat (if you own one).
I recommend using a better quality chocolate chip, like Ghirardelli. I have tried it with Nestle' and they did not melt the right way (it was gloppy…and I will not try again with Nestle'). Any sort of chip is fine, like semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. I used dark chocolate! Also, be sure to use fresh chocolate chips. If they aren't fresh, that will also affect how they melt.
If your caramel (toffee) is sticky, it could be you didn't boil it long enough or there is humidity affecting the result. Be sure to bring to a rolling boil for a full 3 minutes
Because this candy has saltine crackers that could potentially get soggy when you defrost them, you'll generally hear that you shouldn't freeze saltine toffee. I have heard of the candy getting soggy as it defrosts from the freezer, but it didn't happen with ours.
This candy keeps safely at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container. But I do prefer to keep this in the fridge or the freezer. It could melt and come together in a warm kitchen, so I do not recommend storing on a kitchen counter.
The candy is crunchy, sweet, salty, and chocolatey. Three layers which includes the cracker base, the toffee middle, and a chocolate top. The combination is delicious!
No, it doesn't need to be refrigerated, but I do recommend it. As soon as you touch the chocolate, it will melt. It's best chilled.
The best way to clean up that sticky toffee is to fill up the pan halfway with water and bring it to a boil. The sauce should melt away from the pan and make it easier to clean with a sponge. I have also soaked the pan with very hot water for a few minutes and then it cleans right out.
Be sure to use a good quality butter. Also, very important to set a timer and boil the sugar and butter (rolling boil)for 3 minutes.
What to serve with this recipe?
The candy on its own is very sweet! But if you want to add a little more sweetness, here are some ideas:
- Ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Hot fudge sauce
- Caramel sauce
How to store Christmas Crack?
You could make this easy dessert ahead of time. It's best to keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Take it out 15-30 minutes before serving so it will soften a little.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for 2-3 months, separating layers with parchment.
- Room temperature: If your kitchen is cool, it lasts 3-4 days.
Some other Christmas sweets recipes:
- Easy Spicy Peanut Brittle
- Chocolate Nutella Peanut Butter Fudge
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
- Easy Italian Almond Cookies
- Olive Oil Graham Cracker Crust (Homemade)
Did you make this and love it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below:)
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Easy Saltine Cracker Candy Recipe (AKA Christmas Crack)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ sleeves salted saltine crackers about 45 crackers
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter* 3 sticks
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
- 12 ounces chocolate chips*
- Sprinkles*
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400º Fahrenheit.
- Line a 12×17" baking sheet with foil or parchment paper (use a silicone mat if you have one). Spray lightly with baking spray (or grease it lightly with some butter).
- Spread out the crackers, salted side up. Be sure to line them up as evenly as possible (they will move when the toffee gets poured on, and that's ok), small spaces between them is totally fine.
- In a medium sized saucepan, add the butter and brown sugar. Over low heat, begin to melt the butter. It is ok to stir the butter at this point to combine it with the sugar.
- Once the butter melts, bring it to a rolling boil with the sugar. Set the timer for 3 minutes and do not stir it at this point.
- As soon as timer is up, immediately remove the pan from the heat and very carefully pour it over the crackers. Some of the crackers may float a little, and that is totally fine. Use a heatproof spatula to coat crackers completely with this caramel sauce, trying to keep it in as even a layer as possible. You could carefully straighten the stray crackers. But it does not have to be perfectly lined up.
- Very carefully place the tray in the oven.
- Bake for 5-6 minutes. The toffee will be nicely bubbling.
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven. You could adjust any of the crackers that floated too far apart. Sprinkle on the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Return the pan to the oven for 2 more minutes.
- Remove and then spread the chocolate evenly over the crackers.
- While the chocolate layer is still warm and melted, sprinkle on your preferred topping choice-or you could leave it as is, topping free (I used sprinkles).
- Slide the tray into the fridge and let it chill for 30 minutes (1 hour is preferable).
- Using a very sharp knife, cut into small pieces, or you could use your clean hands and break it into pieces.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
- Butter: If you are using salted crackers, use unsalted butter.
If you happen to be using an unsalted cracker, you could use salted butter. - Sugar: light brown or dark brown sugar is best. I did try to use coconut sugar, and it wasn't working correctly. The sauce had a strange texture, but I did end up using it and it firmed up very nicely.
- Chocolate: Best to use a high quality chocolate chip. I used Ghirardelli and it melts perfectly. I have had issues with Nestle' not melting correctly.
- Topping: I used sprinkles, but you could use chopped nuts, or whatever toppings you prefer.
I loved the toffee in this treat. So easy to make and tasted amazing. Making these again for Christmas Eve! 🙂
I made this cracker candy last Christmas and it was a hit. Making it this year too!
This sltine cracker candy looks delicious and easy to put together, I made big batch for my coworker thanks for sharing.
This cracker candy is so tasty and easy to make! I doubled the batch and freeze them for later. Thanks for another awesome recipe.
this christmas crack is so delicious!
This saltine cracker candy is so delicious, I enjoyed making it, going to be added to the Christmas cookie list.
Well, this is pure magic! Who knew something so simple could look so addictive? It perfectly scratches that sweet-and-salty itch. Definitely making this for the holiday cookie swap!
This toffee was so easy to make AND delicious!!! It got rave reviews from my family.
I've heard of this before but I've never tried it or made it. I've really been missing out - this is SO EASY and really yummy too. I'll be adding it to my Christmas rotation.
I have made this recipe many times mine has a couple little differences but it is so easy and so good. I had seen a recipe that called for saltines or graham crackers and I tried the graham crackers and couldn’t tell any difference so if your out of saltines it’s helpful to know.
This is one of my favorites to add to Christmas goodys.
Mine does not say to put it back in the oven after adding the chocolate because if you get chocolate too hot it doesn’t melt smoothly it crumbles. At least I have found happened to me before.
Hi Sheila-Yes, it's a recipe you could make with Saltine's or graham crackers...and is always yummy! Merry Christmas!
I am making another batch of this right now because it is SO SO SO GOOD! I gifted it to my neighbors and made extra for my family!!!!
I made this for the first time and it's delicious! I made extra to give to my neighbors...they really loved it!
can't wait to try it.
Hi Ramona...I will be making more to give away. It's sooooo good! let me know what you think! Happy Holidays! XX