The holidays are my favorite time of year, especially when it comes to baking! There’s something so special about filling my kitchen with the sweet aroma of treats, and sharing them with the people I love. One of my all-time favorite holiday recipes is this easy Christmas Crack recipe. With just 2 hours and 20 minutes (mostly for cooling!), you can whip up a batch of this addictive treat.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crack Recipe
This Christmas Crack recipe is a holiday staple for so many reasons, and I know it will become one of your favorites, too.
- It’s quick to make, with minimal prep time.
- Uses only a handful of simple ingredients.
- It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleasing favorite.
- The perfect balance of salty and sweet.
- It’s so easy, even the kids can help!
What is Christmas Crack?
Christmas Crack, also known as Saltine Cracker Toffee, is a wildly popular holiday confection. This irresistible treat consists of saltine crackers layered with buttery toffee and topped with chocolate and your favorite toppings. It’s incredibly addictive, hence the name! While the exact origins are a bit of a mystery, it’s become a beloved tradition in homes around the world during the festive season.
Christmas Crack Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Crack.
- 1 sleeve salted saltine crackers (about 42 crackers): Saltine crackers provide the perfect salty base for the sweet toffee.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks): Butter is the key ingredient for creating rich and delicious toffee.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness and helps create a chewy texture.
- 1 (12 oz) package dark chocolate chips (can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate): Chocolate adds a creamy, decadent layer that complements the salty-sweet flavors.
- Heath toffee bits: Toffee bits add a crunchy texture and extra burst of toffee flavor.
- White chocolate (melted): A drizzle of melted white chocolate adds visual appeal and a touch of extra sweetness.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have the following equipment on hand.
- Rimmed cookie sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooking spray
- Large saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
How to Make Christmas Crack: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Christmas Crack every time.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. Grease parchment paper with cooking spray.
- Place crackers side by side on lined pan. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar.
- Bring to boil over medium/medium-high heat and boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour evenly over crackers.
- Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Let stand for 5 minutes, then use the back of a spoon to spread melted chocolate chips evenly over the crackers (if the chocolate chips aren’t melting, place in warm oven).
- Top with toffee bits and drizzle with white chocolate.
- Cool completely in fridge (at least 2 hours) or in freezer (at least 1 hour), then break into pieces.
- Store in fridge in covered airtight container.
Clara’s Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Crack
Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips to help you achieve Christmas Crack perfection!
- Make sure to stir the butter and brown sugar constantly while boiling to prevent burning.
- To prevent the chocolate from seizing, make sure your caramel is still hot when you add the chocolate chips.
- Don’t overbake the toffee layer, or it will become too hard.
- For a cleaner break, score the chocolate layer with a knife before cooling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is simple, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Burnt Caramel: Stir constantly and watch the heat to avoid burning the caramel.
- Uneven Chocolate Layer: Make sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed and melted before spreading.
- Soggy Crackers: Ensure the toffee is evenly poured over the crackers and baked properly to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Christmas Crack Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations on the classic Christmas Crack recipe.
| Variation | Ingredients/Changes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free crackers | Check labels carefully. |
| Vegan | Use vegan butter and chocolate chips | Ensure the toffee bits are also vegan. |
Ingredient Substitutions
Out of an ingredient? No problem! Here are some easy substitutions you can make.
| Ingredient | Substitution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | Granulated sugar + molasses | Use 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon molasses. |
How to Store Christmas Crack
To keep your Christmas Crack fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to a month).
Can You Make Christmas Crack Ahead of Time?
Yes, you absolutely can! Christmas Crack is a great make-ahead treat. I often prepare it a few days in advance and store it in the fridge until I’m ready to serve.
Troubleshooting Your Christmas Crack
Having trouble with your Christmas Crack? Here’s a guide to help you troubleshoot common issues.
- Problem: Separated Layers: This can happen if the toffee layer is too oily. Make sure to use the correct ratio of butter to sugar, and stir constantly while boiling.
- Problem: Burnt Caramel: Reduce the heat and stir constantly to prevent burning. If the caramel starts to burn, discard it and start over.
- Problem: Chewy Texture: This can happen if the toffee is undercooked. Make sure to boil the butter and sugar mixture for the full 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Problem: Chocolate Not Melting: If your chocolate isn’t melting, place the cookie sheet back in the warm oven for a minute or two to soften it.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten and dairy. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Nutrition Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 1g
Ultimate Christmas Crack Recipe: Quick & Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. Grease parchment paper with cooking spray.
- Place crackers side by side on lined pan. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar.
- Bring to boil over medium/medium-high heat and boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour evenly over crackers.
- Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Let stand for 5 minutes, then use the back of a spoon to spread melted chocolate chips evenly over the crackers (if the chocolate chips aren’t melting, place in warm oven).
- Top with toffee bits and drizzle with white chocolate.
- Cool completely in fridge (at least 2 hours) or in freezer (at least 1 hour), then break into pieces.
- Store in fridge in covered airtight container.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of saltines for Christmas crack?
You can use Ritz crackers or graham crackers as a substitute for saltines.
Why is my Christmas crack not crispy?
Your Christmas crack may not be crispy if the toffee layer was not cooked long enough or if it was exposed to moisture.
How do you keep Christmas crack from sticking?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How long does Christmas crack last?
Christmas crack can last up to a week in the refrigerator or a month in the freezer.
Can you make Christmas Crack without chocolate?
Yes, you can omit the chocolate and add other toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making this Christmas Crack recipe as much as I do! It’s the perfect treat to share with family and friends during the holidays, or to enjoy all by yourself. Happy baking! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!
