Irresistible Christmas Crack Saltine Toffee

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.

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  • 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.

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