Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack) Recipe
Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack) is the sweet-tooth-satisfying treat you never knew you needed in your life—until now! Imagine buttery, crisp crackers layered with rich, caramel toffee and topped with melted chocolate, all coming together in one irresistible bite. This highly addictive, ultra-simple dessert is pure magic for your holiday table or whenever you crave that salty-sweet combo. Once you make your first batch of Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack), it’s bound to become your newest go-to, begging to be shared (or secretly stashed just for you).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack) lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that beloved snap, gooey caramel layer, and glossy chocolate top. All you need are these humble pantry staples for a dessert everyone will rave about.
- Saltine crackers: The essential base; their subtle saltiness and crisp texture create that perfect sweet-and-salty foundation.
- Unsalted butter: Melted into golden caramel, this brings luxurious richness and flavor to every bite.
- Brown sugar: When heated with butter, it turns into caramel, giving the candy its classic, chewy toffee layer.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash rounds out the sweetness and adds incredible depth.
- Chocolate chips: Melting into a glossy layer on top, they supply the final note of creamy, chocolatey bliss.
How to Make Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack)
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Don’t skip spraying the paper and sides with non-stick spray—this simple trick will save you tons of cleanup and makes removing the candy a total breeze later.
Step 2: Line Up Your Crackers
Carefully arrange the saltine crackers in a single, even layer along the bottom of your prepared pan. If you need to, snap a few crackers in half to fill every inch—no straggler sections allowed! The better you line them up, the neater your finished candy will look.
Step 3: Craft the Caramel
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat, stirring now and then. Once the butter is liquefied, add the brown sugar and stir well. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and let it bubble away for exactly 3 minutes. Keep your hands off the spoon (unless absolutely necessary to prevent burning)—this ensures the caramel stays ultra-smooth and thick.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Pour
Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. The caramel will sizzle and smell absolutely divine! Carefully pour this caramel sauce over your saltine cracker layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly so every cracker gets coated.
Step 5: Bake for Toffee Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. This step transforms the caramel into that classic, irresistible toffee layer. Once it’s bubbly and golden, remove the pan and let it cool for just a minute or two—you want it warm, not scorching.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly across the surface while the pan is still hot. Return the pan to the (turned-off) oven for 30 to 60 seconds so the residual heat melts the chocolate. It only takes a moment!
Step 7: Spread the Chocolate & Chill
Take the pan out and use a spatula to gently spread the melted chocolate chips over every corner and edge. Let the tray cool on the counter for about 20 minutes, then slide it into the fridge to chill for at least 3–4 hours. This is the hardest part—waiting!
Step 8: Break, Slice, and Enjoy!
When the Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack) is totally chilled, lift it gently from the pan and remove the parchment or foil. Don’t be alarmed if it comes out in uneven pieces—the rustic look is part of the charm! Use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or just break it into snackable shards. Enjoy the snap!
How to Serve Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack)
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt, chopped nuts, toffee bits, or festive colored sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft. These little extras not only dress up your Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack), but add even more flavor and fun to each piece.
Side Dishes
Set your Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack) on a dessert tray alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or pears, or pair it with cups of hot cocoa or strong coffee. The sweet and salty flavors play beautifully against creamy, cool vanilla ice cream too!
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for edible gifts, or pile them high in a rustic tin for the perfect holiday centerpiece. Want to impress at a party? Layer Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack) in decorative glass jars for an eye-catching treat table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Stack the pieces with parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking—a little planning preserves their irresistible snap!
Freezing
Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack) freezes beautifully! Layer pieces between wax or parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, and you’ll have a ready-made treat for surprise guests or last-minute cravings.
Reheating
This candy is designed to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. If it feels a bit too cold straight from the fridge or freezer, let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes—perfectly munchable!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! Salted butter works just fine and will dial up the salty-sweet flavors even more. Just taste your caramel before pouring over the crackers to make sure it’s not too salty for your liking.
Why didn’t my chocolate chips melt?
If your chocolate chips didn’t melt, the baking sheet may have cooled down too much before you sprinkled them on. Next time, try putting the pan in the still-warm (but turned-off) oven for a minute or so, which will coax the chips into melting beautifully.
Can I add toppings before chilling?
Yes! The best time to add toppings like nuts, coconut, or sprinkles is right after you spread the melted chocolate. This way, everything sticks perfectly and looks gorgeous once set.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily make Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack) gluten-free by using gluten-free saltine-style crackers. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your chocolate chips brand to be safe.
Can I make this with other types of crackers?
Definitely! Try graham crackers or buttery club crackers for a slightly different texture and flavor twist. It’s a fun way to put your own spin on classic Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack).
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason friends and family go wild for Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack): it’s crazy easy, wildly delicious, and just plain fun to make (and eat). Give it a try this season or anytime you’re craving something sweet and a little salty—one batch and you’ll see what all the buzz is about!
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Saltine Cracker Candy (aka Christmas Crack) Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Saltine Cracker Candy, also known as Christmas Crack, is a delightful sweet and salty treat that is perfect for the holiday season. With layers of buttery toffee, rich chocolate, and crunchy saltine crackers, this addictive candy is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Saltine Cracker Candy:
- 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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Arrange Saltine Crackers: Place saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Prepare Toffee: Melt unsalted butter in a pot, then add brown sugar. Boil for 3 minutes without stirring. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Coat Crackers: Pour the caramel sauce over the crackers, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven.
- Add Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the crackers. Return to the warm oven to melt the chocolate.
- Spread Chocolate: Spread melted chocolate over the crackers. Let cool, then chill in the fridge.
- Serve: Cut into squares or pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Be careful when handling the hot caramel sauce.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 35g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Saltine Cracker Candy, Christmas Crack, Toffee, Chocolate, Holiday Dessert
