Saltine Cracker Candy (Christmas Crack) Recipe

Introduction

Saltine Cracker Candy, also known as Christmas Crack, is a deliciously sweet and salty treat that’s incredibly easy to make. With crispy crackers, buttery caramel, and a smooth chocolate topping, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

• 40 saltine crackers (1 package)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups chocolate chips (about 1 package)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then spray the paper and sides of the pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet. Break crackers in half if needed to cover the surface completely.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter in a small pot over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for 3 minutes without stirring, or only stir if necessary to prevent burning. The caramel should be bubbly and thick.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Step 6: Pour the caramel sauce over the crackers, spreading it evenly with a large spatula.
7. Step 7: Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes. Remove and let cool for 1-2 minutes.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel-covered crackers. Return the pan to the oven (oven off but still warm) for 30-60 seconds to soften the chocolate.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and spread the melted chocolate over the crackers to cover all edges. Let cool for 20 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.
10. Step 10: Once chilled, carefully lift the candy from the baking sheet and parchment paper. Cut into squares or break into pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use parchment paper instead of foil to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
• Try adding chopped nuts or sea salt on top of the chocolate for extra texture and flavor.
• For a different twist, substitute the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips or white chocolate.

Storage

Store the cracker candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let it come to room temperature briefly before serving if it’s too firm. It’s not recommended to freeze as the texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Saltine crackers are recommended for their neutral flavor and sturdy texture, but you can experiment with other plain crackers as long as they hold up to the caramel.

Why do I need to spray the baking sheet?

Non-stick spray helps ensure the crackers and caramel don’t stick to the parchment or foil, making it easier to remove the candy once it’s set.

Saltine Cracker Candy (Christmas Crack) Recipe

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Saltine Cracker Candy, also known as Christmas Crack, is a delightful holiday treat featuring crunchy saltine crackers topped with buttery caramel and a rich melted chocolate layer. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet gift, this easy-to-make candy combines salty and sweet flavors with a crisp texture that melts in your mouth.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 30 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cracker Base

• 40 saltine crackers (1 package)

Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

• 2 cups chocolate chips (about 1 package)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then spray the paper and sides with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange Crackers: Place the 40 saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet. You can break them in half if needed to fill the entire surface evenly.
3. Melt Butter: In a small pot over medium-high heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
4. Add Brown Sugar and Boil: Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar into the melted butter. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 3 minutes without stirring unless necessary to prevent burning. The caramel will become bubbly and thick once the sugar dissolves fully. Use a timer for accuracy.
5. Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to add depth of flavor to the caramel sauce.
6. Pour Caramel over Crackers: Use a large spatula to evenly spread the hot caramel sauce over the layer of saltine crackers, ensuring each cracker is coated.
7. Bake Caramel and Crackers: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 1 to 2 minutes.
8. Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle 2 cups of chocolate chips evenly over the warm caramel layer. Return the pan to the warm oven (oven off) for 30 to 60 seconds to melt the chocolate chips gently.
9. Spread Melted Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate smoothly over the caramel, covering all cracker edges. Let cool at room temperature for 20 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 3 to 4 hours until fully set.
10. Cut and Serve: Once chilled, carefully lift the cracker candy from the baking sheet using the parchment or foil. Since the toffee is sticky, it may break apart. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares or break into pieces as preferred. Serve and enjoy this deliciously addictive treat!

Notes

• Spraying the baking sheet with non-stick spray is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Boiling the caramel for the full 3 minutes ensures proper thickening and a perfect toffee texture.
• If the chocolate does not melt fully in the oven, you can briefly microwave the pan in 10-second increments, stirring until smooth.
• Use parchment paper rather than foil if you want easier removal and less risk of sticking.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to one week.
• Breaking the candy into pieces rather than clean cuts is normal due to the sticky texture.

Keywords: Saltine Cracker Candy, Christmas Crack, Toffee, Holiday Treat, Caramel, Chocolate, Easy Dessert