Description
Christmas Crack is a delicious and easy-to-make holiday treat featuring a crispy saltine cracker base topped with buttery brown sugar toffee, melted chocolate, and crunchy pecans or candy toppings. Perfect for festive gatherings and gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 40-50 saltine crackers
Toffee
- 1 cup salted butter cubed (227g)
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed (200g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 3/4-1 cup chopped toasted pecans or M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet or jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange a single layer of saltine crackers side-by-side on the foil, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Make toffee mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cubed butter and brown sugar. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble. Once bubbling starts, set a timer for 3 minutes and keep stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Layer toffee on crackers: Pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the crackers on the baking sheet. Use a knife to nudge the toffee over any uncovered crackers, but perfection is not essential because it will spread while baking.
- Bake toffee: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes or until the toffee mixture is bubbly and caramelized.
- Add chocolate chips: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Allow the chips to sit for 2-3 minutes to melt from the residual heat, then spread them evenly using a knife or spatula.
- Add toppings: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or M&M's evenly over the surface.
- Set and serve: Allow the Christmas Crack to set at room temperature for 1-2 hours until the chocolate hardens. To speed up the process, refrigerate or freeze for 20-30 minutes. Once set, break or cut into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
Notes
- Saltine cracker substitutes: Try graham crackers, Ritz crackers, or crushed pretzels as alternatives to saltines for different flavor and texture.
- Toasting pecans enhances flavor: Toast nuts on a baking sheet at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or on stovetop over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until fragrant.
- Topping variations: Use sliced almonds, crushed candy canes, holiday sprinkles, chopped toffee bits, or drizzle melted white or dark chocolate for festive appeal.
- Use a jelly roll pan or create foil barriers to contain the toffee from spreading during baking.
- Be sure to stir the toffee constantly while boiling to avoid burning and ensure a smooth caramel consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
