Hey y’all! Ready to whip up the most crave-worthy holiday treat the whole family will love? This Christmas Crack recipe is every bit as addictive as it sounds – crunchy, buttery toffee layered with chocolate and finished with festive toppings. It’s the ultimate quick fix for sweet cravings, ideal for parties, potlucks, or gift-giving. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand what all the fuss is about. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crack Recipe
- Super simple to make with just a handful of pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for gifts.
- Irresistible combo of crunchy, salty, and sweet in every bite.
- Bakes in under 15 minutes with no fancy equipment needed.
- Customizable with your favorite chocolates and toppings!
Christmas Crack Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Festive sprinkles or sea salt (optional for topping)
How to Make the Best Christmas Crack
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Crackers
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a 10×15-inch rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray for easy removal. Arrange saltines in a single, snug layer – cracks and gaps are okay!
Step 2: Make the Buttery Toffee
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly. Once combined, bring the mixture to a boil for exactly 3 minutes. The toffee should bubble and thicken as you stir.
Step 3: Pour and Bake
Pour hot toffee evenly over the saltines, using a spatula to spread quickly before it sets. Bake for 5 minutes – the toffee will bubble up beautifully.
Step 4: Top with Chocolate
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips all over the bubbly toffee. Wait 2-3 minutes for the chocolate to look glossy, then use an offset spatula to spread it evenly.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Cool
While chocolate is still soft, sprinkle chopped pecans, festive sprinkles, or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. Let the pan cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Step 6: Break into Pieces
Once fully set, lift out the foil and peel it away. Break your Christmas Crack into bite-sized shards and get ready to snack!
Christmas Crack Cooking Notes
- Boil the toffee for a full 3 minutes to ensure it sets properly — undercooking can leave it sticky. Read about candy science.
- If using unsalted butter, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt over the toffee before adding chocolate.
- Let the bark come to room temp before storing, so condensation doesn’t make it soggy. More on proper storage here.
Christmas Crack Variations
- Use different crackers: Try graham crackers, Ritz, or pretzel thins for a fun twist.
- Change up chocolate: Swap semisweet for white or dark chocolate chips.
- Top it your way: Add crushed peppermint, mini M&Ms, or shredded coconut as toppings.
Required Equipment for Christmas Crack
- 10×15-inch rimmed baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Spatula and/or offset spatula
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Store Christmas Crack (Shelf Life)
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Layer pieces with parchment so they don’t stick together.
Christmas Crack Serving Suggestions
- Wrap in cellophane bags for edible gifts or holiday cookie boxes.
- Serve on dessert platters alongside peanut butter blossom cookies and fudge.
- Add to an ice cream sundae for a fun, crunchy topping!
Pro Tips for Best Christmas Crack Results
- Spread the hot toffee fast over the crackers before it begins to harden.
- Chill until completely firm for cleanest, crunchiest shards.
- Use high-quality chocolate for extra luscious melt and flavor – learn more about selecting chocolate for baking.
Christmas Crack Recipe FAQ
- Why did my toffee turn out grainy?
- Crystalized sugar can make toffee grainy; be sure to stir constantly and bring to a rolling boil.
- Can I make Christmas Crack ahead of time?
- Yes! It keeps perfectly in the fridge or freezer; just store pieces in an airtight container.
- Can I use gluten-free crackers?
- Absolutely – gluten-free saltines or matzo work great for a gluten-free Christmas Crack version.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes cooling)
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange saltine crackers in a single layer.
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2In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
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3Pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread evenly.
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4Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let sit for 2 minutes, then spread melted chocolate evenly.
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5Sprinkle chopped pecans, red and green sprinkles, and sea salt over melted chocolate. Cool completely, then break into pieces and serve.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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