Christmas Crack
User Reviews
5
Christmas Crack
Description
The Christmas Crack recipe arranges salted saltine crackers in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Butter and brown sugar are melted and boiled briefly to create a toffee that is poured evenly over the crackers. Baking the topped crackers melts and bubbles the toffee layer. Once baked, the confection is topped with melted chocolate chips and sprinkled with chopped pecans or colorful M&M candies before cooling to set.
This recipe offers a crunchy and caramelized base from the crackers and toffee that contrasts with the creamy chocolate topping. The nuts or candies add a contrasting texture and festive look. The toffee layer’s buttery sweetness is complemented by the salt from the crackers, producing a balanced flavor.
The treat is often prepared during holidays and serves well as a sweet snack or dessert. Variations can include substituting different types of crackers or toppings such as crushed candy canes, nuts, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles for seasonal customization.
To enhance the nuts’ flavor, toasting pecans prior to use is recommended. Substitutions for the crust include graham crackers, Ritz crackers, or broken pretzels. These alternatives provide different textures and flavors while maintaining the core concept.
Ingredients
- 40-50 saltine crackers
- 1 cup butter cubed (227g, salted
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed (200g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semisweet, milk, or dark)
- 3/4-1 cup pecans chopped, toasted, or M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Line with a single layer of crackers arranged side-by-side. A jelly roll pan works best but if your pan is larger just fold up the edges of the foil a bit to create a barrier so the toffee doesn't spread too much when it's added. Set aside.
- Combine butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Stir with a wooden spoon until the butter has melted and started to combine with the brown sugar. Once the mixture starts to bubble, set a timer for 3 minutes. Let it boil, stirring constantly, until the timer goes off. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Pour the toffee mixture evenly over the saltine crackers, then use a knife to nudge it over any crackers that didn't get covered. It doesn't have to be perfect though because it will continue to spread as the toffee bakes.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Remove the toffee from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the chocolate chips. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to melt from the residual heat of the pan, then spread with a knife of spatula to create an even coating of chocolate over the top of the toffee. Sprinkle with the chopped pecans, M&M's, or other toppings while the chocolate is still soft.
- Let the toffee set up until the chocolate has hardened (usually 1-2 hours at room temperature in a cool house, although you can stick it in the fridge or freezer to speed up the process). Break or cut into pieces and store in an airtight container on the counter for 1-2 weeks.
Notes
- Substitute saltine crackers with graham crackers, Ritz crackers, or broken pretzels to vary texture and flavor.
- Toasting pecans before use enhances their aroma and flavor; toast in oven or on stovetop.
- Try topping with sliced almonds, crushed candy canes, or diced toffee bits for different tastes and holiday themes.
- Melt white or dark chocolate to drizzle over the finished Christmas Crack for added decoration.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 25servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 189 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 189kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 22mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 120mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 35mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 229IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 13mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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