Description
Saltine Toffee, also known as Christmas Crack, is a simple, crowd-pleasing holiday candy featuring a crunchy saltine cracker base topped with buttery caramel toffee and melted chocolate. Finished with optional toppings like chopped pecans or sea salt, this easy-to-make dessert snack is perfect for festive occasions or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Cracker Base
- 1 sleeve (about 40) saltine crackers
Toffee Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- chopped pecans
- sea salt
- sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15 inch rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the entire bottom of the pan.
- Make Toffee Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to bubble for 3 minutes without stirring to develop the toffee.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enrich the flavor.
- Pour Toffee Over Crackers: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the arranged saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread it to the edges so all crackers are coated.
- Bake Toffee and Crackers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling, signaling it’s cooked properly.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee layer. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to allow chips to melt slightly.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: Using a spatula, spread the softened chocolate into an even layer across the toffee.
- Apply Optional Toppings: While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle optional toppings such as chopped pecans, sea salt, or festive sprinkles over the surface.
- Cool and Set: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate to speed up setting. Once firm, break into pieces to serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
- You can substitute white or dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
- Feel free to swap or combine toppings to customize for holidays or personal preference.
