Christmas Crack Recipe
This Christmas Crack Recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make holiday treat featuring a crunchy saltine cracker base topped with a luscious homemade caramel layer, melted semi-sweet chocolate, and festive sprinkles. Perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings, this sweet and salty toffee-inspired cracker bar combines buttery caramel with rich chocolate for a crowd-pleasing crunch.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 48 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
Chocolate Topping
- 2 1/2 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable or coconut oil
Topping
- Christmas sprinkles, for topping
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and better caramel removal later.
- Arrange crackers: Lay out the 48 saltine crackers in a single, even layer on the lined baking sheet, covering the entire surface without gaps.
- Make the caramel: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Whisk in 1 cup of packed light brown sugar until fully combined. Bring this mixture to a boil and cook without stirring for 3 minutes to develop a rich caramel flavor.
- Pour caramel over crackers: Immediately pour the hot caramel evenly over the arranged saltine crackers, using a spatula or back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer that covers all crackers.
- Bake caramel cracker base: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. This step allows the caramel to bubble and set on the crackers. Remove from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes to slightly firm up.
- Melt the chocolate: While the caramel cools, combine 2 1/2 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons vegetable or coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Spread chocolate topping: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer on the crackers. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate into a smooth, even layer across the entire surface.
- Add festive sprinkles and chill: Immediately sprinkle Christmas-themed sprinkles on top of the wet chocolate to decorate. Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Alternatively, place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes for quicker setting.
- Serve: Once the chocolate has fully set, break the Christmas crack into irregular pieces and serve or package for gifting.
Notes
- Use aluminum foil or parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy removal and cleanup.
- Be careful handling hot caramel as it can cause burns.
- Make sure to space the crackers tightly so the caramel binds them well.
- Sprinkles add a festive touch but can be omitted or replaced based on preference.
- Store leftover pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Chocolate can also be melted on the stove using a double boiler if preferred over microwave melting.
Keywords: Christmas Crack, saltine cracker toffee, holiday candy, caramel toffee, chocolate crack, easy Christmas treat, festive dessert