Christmas Crack Recipe
User Reviews
5
Christmas Crack Recipe
Description
The Christmas Crack recipe starts by lining a baking pan with saltine crackers arranged in a single layer. A caramel sauce is made by boiling butter and light brown sugar until it reaches the soft crack stage, then poured evenly over the crackers and baked briefly to bubble. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are then sprinkled on the hot caramel, allowed to soften, and spread into a smooth layer. Optional toppings such as nuts, sprinkles, flaked salt, or candies can be added for texture and decoration.
Once set, the confection is cooled and broken into pieces. The combination of crunchy crackers, rich caramel, and luscious chocolate with optional salty or sweet toppings delivers a harmonious sweet and salty treat with crisp and chewy textures. The caramel’s slight crunch and melted chocolate layer meld attractively while the base keeps the snack firm.
It’s important to line the pan with foil rather than parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking under the hot caramel. Various crackers like Club, graham, or Ritz can substitute saltines if needed. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, changing the caramel flavor slightly. Use chocolate chips that melt smoothly, such as from Ghirardelli or Guittard brands.
Ingredients
- 28 saltine crackers
- ¾ cups butter salted
- 1 cup brown sugar light; firmly packed
- 1 bag chocolate chips 12-ounce, semi-sweet
- toppings such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, flaked salt, or candy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll or quarter sheet pan with foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Line the bottom of the pan with a single layer of crackers. Break some in half to fit if needed.
- In a small pot, melted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar. Cook, stirring frequently until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes or until a candy thermometer reads between 255 and 265F when moved throughout the pot. Immediately pour over the crackers and spread with a spatula to evenly coat them.
- Bake for 5 minutes or until the caramel is bubbling throughout most of the pan. Remove the pan from the oven and turn the oven off. Let the tray cool just until the caramel stops bubbling, about 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips all over the top of the caramel and let stand for 10 minutes. Use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate into an even layer all over the top of the caramel. (If the chips aren’t fully melted, place the tray in the warm oven for a minute or two and spread again.)
- Sprinkle with the toppings of your choice. Cool for 30 minutes then place in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 1 day. Use the foil to lift the candy out of the tray, and peel the foil away. Break the candy into pieces before serving.
Notes
- Use tinfoil to line the baking pan for easier cleanup and better firmness compared to parchment paper.
- If light brown sugar is unavailable, regular or dark brown sugar work; darker sugar adds more molasses flavor.
- Milk or white chocolate chips can replace semi-sweet for a different taste profile.
- Choose chocolate chips known for melting smoothly without coatings, like Ghirardelli or Guittard.
- Alternative crackers such as Club, graham, or Ritz can be used if saltines are unavailable.
- Work carefully when spreading chocolate to avoid shifting or breaking the cracker layer.
- If using unsalted butter, add a small pinch of salt to the caramel for balance.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 476 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 476kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 39mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 217mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 262mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 34g | 68% |
| Vitamin A | 446IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 49mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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