Description
This Easy Christmas Crack Recipe is a festive and delicious holiday treat featuring a buttery caramel layer over saltine crackers, topped with melted chocolate and optional pecans or sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gift-giving or party snacks, this simple toffee bark combines sweet and salty flavors for an irresistible crunchy delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 40 saltine crackers (enough to cover a standard baking sheet)
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Topping
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or festive sprinkles (optional)
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange Crackers: Lay the saltine crackers in a single layer, completely covering the bottom of the prepared baking sheet, making sure they fit snugly without gaps.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt together the unsalted butter and brown sugar, stirring occasionally until combined and smooth.
- Boil Caramel: Bring the butter and sugar mixture to a boil, then let it boil for exactly 3 minutes without stirring to develop a rich caramel consistency.
- Spread Caramel: Immediately pour the hot caramel evenly over the arranged saltine crackers on the baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it to the edges, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake Caramel Layer: Bake the baking sheet in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to set the caramel and soak into the crackers slightly.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and quickly sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
- Spread Chocolate: Use a spatula to evenly spread the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, creating a smooth chocolate topping.
- Garnish and Cool: Sprinkle chopped pecans, festive sprinkles, or sea salt on top if desired for extra flavor and decoration.
- Set and Serve: Let the candy cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for about 1 hour to fully set the layers. Once firm, break into pieces and serve or package for gifting.
Notes
- Store finished candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate to maintain freshness longer.
- You can substitute graham crackers for saltine crackers for a sweeter, less salty version.
- For a variation, use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips.
