Christmas Crack Recipe
User Reviews
4.5
Christmas Crack Recipe
Description
This Christmas Crack recipe assembles saltine crackers as a base layer on a foil-lined pan, covered with a buttery brown sugar caramel that is boiled to a soft caramel stage before adding vanilla. The caramel is carefully simmered to avoid burning, enhancing the toffee flavor without bitterness. Once poured over the crackers, the mixture is baked briefly to set the caramel. After baking, a layer of semi-sweet chocolate chips is spread over the hot caramel to melt evenly and then topped with Christmas-themed sprinkles for decoration.
The result is a thin, crisp confection with a rich caramel sweetness balanced by the slightly salty crackers and bittersweet chocolate, creating a harmonious texture and flavor profile. It is convenient to cut into bite-sized pieces for serving or gift packaging.
Storage notes advise keeping the Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or extend its shelf life by refrigerating or freezing. Using heavy-duty non-stick foil and spraying it well prevents sticking and eases removal.
Ingredients
- 30 to 40 saltine crackers I use about 32 crackers OR about 48 crackers for a half sheet pan, for a 9x13-inch pan
- 1 cup butter 2 sticks, unsalted
- 1 cup brown sugar packed (I used half light and half dark)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips for a 9x13-inch pan or about 19 ounces for a half sheet pan
- Sprinkles as desired, Christmas
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9x13-inch or half sheet pan with heavy duty non-stick aluminum foil and spray it very well with cooking spray. Do not try to make this without using this type of foil; you will hate yourself.
- Place saltine crackers in a single layer on the bottom of the pan.
- In a medium saucepan on the stovetop, combine the butter and brown sugar, and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Once a boil is reached, reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture has thickened to the consistency of a loose caramel sauce. Take care not that your simmer is not too fast/too high because it will be prone to bubbling over or scorching. Stir mixture nearly constantly while mixtures simmers to avoid bubbling over or scorching; the taste of burnt butter and sugar is awful so don’t burn it or you will have to start over.
- After mixture has thickened a bit, remove it from the heat, wait 30 seconds, add the vanilla extract and stir.
- Evenly pour the mixture over the saltine crackers in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 5- 7 minutes, or until toffee/liquid becomes bubbly. I suggest rotating your pan one time midway through baking to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips, return the pan to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or until you can spread the chips smooth with a spatula.
- Evenly sprinkle with sprinkles, as desired.
- Allow the Christmas crack to cool at room temp, or in the fridge or a cool area, until chocolate has fully set and hardened (at room temp, probably 3 hours; in the fridge or a cold garage or porch, about 30 minutes).
- Break or cut into pieces the size of your choice.
Notes
- Store Christmas Crack in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 2 months.
- Freezing the treat is possible for up to 4 months to maintain freshness.
- Use heavy-duty non-stick foil and proper spraying to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Simmer the caramel gently and stir constantly to avoid burning and developing a bitter flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 40servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 245 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 245kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 320mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 84mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 142IU | 3% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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