Description
Christmas Crack, also known as Cracker Toffee, is a delightful holiday treat made by layering saltine crackers with a buttery brown sugar toffee, topped with melted chocolate and festive sprinkles. This easy-to-make recipe combines sweet and salty flavors with a crunchy texture that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying during the festive season.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 40-48 saltine crackers (about 1 1/2 sleeves)
Toffee Topping
- 1 cup butter (salted or unsalted, 2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or a combination)
Decorations
- ½ cup sprinkles (or M&M’s, crushed candy canes, or candies of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ to prepare for baking the toffee close to optimal temperature.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Line a 15″×10″ rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray, or use a nonstick silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Crackers: Lay the saltine crackers in a single even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking tray. Break a few crackers if needed to fill any gaps and create a solid base.
- Make Toffee: In a medium-sized pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the packed dark brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally, and cook for 3 minutes until bubbling and amber-colored. Remove from heat promptly to avoid burning.
- Pour Toffee Over Crackers: Carefully pour the hot toffee evenly over the cracker layer. Quickly use a spatula to spread the toffee covering all crackers completely for an even coating. If using a candy thermometer, cook until the toffee reaches 270℉-290℉.
- Bake Toffee Layer: Place the sheet pan into the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, watching closely until the toffee starts to bubble, which ensures it sets properly.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately scatter the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to soften, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly across the toffee surface.
- Optional Chocolate Melting: If the chocolate is not melting easily, return the pan to the oven for 1-2 more minutes to assist melting, then spread it once more.
- Decorate: Sprinkle your choice of sprinkles, M&M’s, crushed candy canes, or other candies over the spread chocolate while it is still warm to adhere properly.
- Cool and Set: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until the chocolate and toffee harden.
- Serve: Once hardened, flip the tray over to remove the toffee from the pan and peel off the parchment or foil. Break or cut the toffee into pieces and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
Notes
- Breaking a few crackers to fill gaps helps create an even base layer.
- Use a candy thermometer for perfect toffee temperature between 270℉-290℉.
- Sprinkles and candy toppings are customizable to match your holiday theme.
- Storing in an airtight container preserves freshness and crunch.
- Butter can be salted or unsalted depending on your preference.
