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You can whip up this festive Christmas Crack at home with just a handful of pantry staples. It’s got a melt-in-your-mouth combo of chocolate, buttery caramel, and crunchy saltines. Dress it up with your favorite toppings. People go wild for this sweet snack at parties and as holiday gifts—it totally lives up to its quirky name!
Top Reason to Try This Treat
Every bite packs the perfect mix of rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and crispy, salty crackers. It’s a cinch to put together—looks and feels fancy. You can swap in whatever toppings you love. Perfect for sharing, party tables, or when you want to treat someone to something special.
What Goes In Christmas Crack
- Main Layer:
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 1 sleeve (about 40) saltine crackers
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- Extra Topping Ideas:
- Holiday sprinkles
- Chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or peanuts)
- Shredded coconut
- Toffee bits
- Crushed candy canes
- Tools You'll Need:
- Offset spatula
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Heavy saucepan
- 9x13-inch baking dish
Easy Steps to Make It
- Break and Store
- Once cold, snap the slab into chunks. Tuck them between layers of parchment in a sealed container.
- Add Toppings and Set
- While the chocolate’s still gooey, throw on your favorite toppings. Let the whole thing chill in the fridge until firm, about 2 hours.
- Add Chocolate
- As soon as it comes out of the oven, toss chocolate chips on top. Hang tight for 5 minutes so they melt, then spread smooth.
- Pour and Bake
- Evenly drizzle hot caramel over the crackers, then pop in the oven for about 5 minutes until it’s all bubbly.
- Make the Toffee
- Stir together your butter and brown sugar in a heavy pan. Wait for it to boil, then keep it bubbling away for 3 minutes without mixing.
- Prepare the Pan
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment. Lay out saltines in a single row, salty side facing up.
Little Secrets for Awesome Results
Make sure your crackers are fresh for crunch. If the toffee cooks too long, it can get weird and separate. Lining your pan makes cleanup a breeze. Toss on toppings fast while the chocolate’s soft. For nice edges, break your bars when they’re cold. Spread the chocolate quick—once it firms up, you’re out of luck!
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Creative Serving Ideas
Layer pieces on a big holiday cookie tray. Slip some into cute tins for gifts. Mix into a dessert snack board. Tastes awesome with hot chocolate or a cup of coffee. Make batches with all kinds of toppings to mix things up. They’re always a hit at cookie swaps too.
Storing and Prepping Ahead
Let it hang out at room temp for up to a week in something airtight. You can stash it in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks (just layer with parchment). Freezer safe for around 3 months. If you’re planning ahead, wait to add toppings until serving. Always let it warm up before eating for that perfect bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I know when the toffee is ready?
It’ll get thick and dark golden after bubbling for about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye out for 270°F - 290°F on your thermometer and mix the whole time so it doesn’t burn.
- → Can I speed up the setting process?
Yep! Toss it in the freezer for thirty minutes if you don’t want to wait the usual hour in the fridge. That sets the candy faster.
- → Why place crackers salted side down?
The salt side grabs onto the toffee best and keeps the whole thing from tasting too sweet. It sticks together better that way.
- → How should I break it apart?
Just snap it up with your hands into all sorts of chunks. It looks better with rough edges anyway—no perfect squares needed.
- → How should I store Christmas Crack?
Toss it in a sealed container. It won’t get soggy at room temp, but if you want it crispier, keep it in the fridge.
Conclusion
Pair crunchy saltines with rich toffee and melted chocolate for a snack everyone grabs fast.You only need a handful of kitchen basics to throw together this crunchy, chocolatey treat that always disappears first on the dessert table.