Saltine Toffee, often known as Christmas Crack, is your shortcut to a crowd-pleasing treat. This recipe leans on pantry staples to produce a dessert that’s irresistibly sweet, slightly salty, and ready in just about 10 minutes of active time. Expect it to disappear quickly at any gathering.
- Cuisine: American
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour (includes cooling time)
- Servings: 16 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy with minimal hands-on time.
- Requires only four basic ingredients.
- Perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
- Great make-ahead option for busy seasons.
Ingredients
- 35 salted saltine crackers (1 sleeve): The foundation that provides a crisp, salty contrast to the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Provides richness and is essential for creating the toffee base.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Sweetener that caramelizes into toffee. Packed for consistency and flavor.
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: Melts over the toffee, forming a luscious top layer. Granola spills over it nicely.
- Christmas themed sprinkles: Optional, adds festive flair.
- Red & green mini M&Ms or regular size M&Ms: Add a festive crunch and additional sweetness.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 15″x10″ rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Layer the Crackers
Arrange a single layer of saltine crackers on the prepared pan. Ensure they are packed tightly but not overlapping to provide a consistent base for the toffee.
Step 3: Make the Toffee
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and set a timer for 3 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, glossy caramel.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Evenly pour the hot toffee mixture over the saltine crackers. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 5 minutes. The toffee will bubble vigorously, indicating it is setting properly.
Step 5: Spread the Chocolate
Once out of the oven, place the pan on a cooling rack. Scatter the chocolate chips over the hot toffee and wait a few minutes for them to soften. Then, spread the melted chocolate evenly with an offset spatula or butter knife.
Step 6: Decorate and Cool
Sprinkle with festive sprinkles and M&Ms if desired. You can also add a pinch of flaky sea salt. Let it cool completely until the chocolate sets. This might take about an hour at room temperature or faster in the fridge.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once set, cut the toffee into bite-sized pieces. Serve and watch them disappear!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different crackers?
Yes, other unsalted or less salty crackers like club crackers or graham crackers can work, altering the flavor lightly but maintaining texture.
How do I store the finished toffee?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp or refrigerate if you prefer a firmer texture. They stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! These toffees can be made well in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for holiday pre-planning.
