Christmas Crack Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Crack is a wonderfully sweet and salty holiday treat that combines crispy saltine crackers with buttery toffee and rich chocolate. This easy no-fuss recipe delivers a perfect balance of crunchy and gooey textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings.

A metal baking sheet lined with white parchment paper holds many uneven broken pieces of chocolate toffee bark. Each piece shows three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light golden brown, crumbly toffee, the middle layer is a thin caramel-like strip, and the top layer is a smooth, rich dark chocolate with slight swirl patterns. The edges of the pieces are jagged, and the surface of the chocolate has a slightly glossy finish. The baking sheet rests on a white marbled texture, beside a small white bowl filled with chocolate chips and a beige cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 45 saltine crackers
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 ½ cups (252 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Arrange the 45 saltine crackers, salted side down, in a single layer on the lined baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter and light brown sugar. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Allow the mixture to boil for 3-5 minutes, until the butter is completely melted, the sugar dissolves, and the toffee thickens and darkens slightly. The temperature should reach between 270°F and 290°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the hot toffee evenly over the saltine crackers, spreading it to the edges if needed.
  6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, until the butter and sugar mixture begins to bubble.
  7. Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee.
  8. Step 8: Let the chocolate chips sit for about one minute to soften and melt, then use an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the crackers.
  9. Step 9: Transfer the pan to the refrigerator for about one hour, or until the mixture is fully set. For quicker setting, you can place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
  10. Step 10: Once set, break the Christmas Crack into small, uneven pieces by hand and serve.

Tips & Variations

  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
  • For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or sea salt on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.
  • Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the toffee crisp.

Storage

Store Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep it crisp longer, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, bring to room temperature so the chocolate softens slightly before serving.

How to Serve

A white plate holds many pieces of cracked toffee bark arranged in a pile, each piece showing three layers: a rough golden brown brittle toffee base, a thin caramel layer in the middle, and a top layer of smooth, dark brown chocolate with visible swirling patterns and slight ridges; the plate is placed on a white marbled surface with green pine branches and frost-tipped pine cones around it, along with a beige cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular salted crackers instead of saltines?

Regular salted crackers can work, but saltines are preferred due to their thin, crispy texture and slight saltiness, which balances the sweetness of the toffee and chocolate.

How do I know when the toffee is ready to pour?

The toffee is ready when it boils for 3-5 minutes until it thickens, darkens slightly, and reaches a temperature between 270°F and 290°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for it to coat the back of a spoon and bubble steadily.

Print
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Christmas Crack Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 45 pieces 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Christmas Crack is a decadent holiday treat featuring a crispy saltine cracker base topped with a rich, buttery brown sugar toffee and a luscious layer of melted semi-sweet chocolate. This simple yet irresistible dessert combines sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying crunchy texture, making it a festive favorite for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.


Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 45 saltine crackers

Toffee Topping

  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed

Chocolate Layer

  • 1 ½ cups (252 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
  2. Arrange Crackers: Place the saltine crackers in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, ensuring the salted side is facing down.
  3. Make Toffee Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Continue boiling for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly, darkens in color, and reaches a temperature between 270°F and 290°F, indicating the toffee is ready.
  4. Pour Toffee Over Crackers: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the arranged crackers, spreading it towards the edges with a spatula if needed.
  5. Bake the Toffee Layer: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the toffee mixture begins to bubble, enhancing its flavor and texture.
  6. Remove from Oven: Carefully take the pan out of the oven to prevent overcooking.
  7. Add Chocolate Chips: Immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee layer. Let the chips sit for about one minute to soften and begin melting.
  8. Spread Melted Chocolate: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the melted chocolate into an even layer over the toffee-covered crackers.
  9. Chill to Set: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator for about one hour to allow the chocolate and toffee to fully set. For quicker setting, place it in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes.
  10. Break Into Pieces: Once the mixture is firmly set, remove it from the fridge or freezer. Break the Christmas Crack into small, uneven pieces by hand and serve.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  • Ensure to keep a close eye on the toffee mixture as it boils to prevent burning.
  • For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes or nuts on top of the melted chocolate before chilling.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to one week.
  • Use a candy thermometer to accurately measure the toffee temperature.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas Crack, saltine toffee, holiday treat, easy dessert, chocolate toffee recipe, sweet and salty snack, holiday candy

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