When it comes to holiday treats, Christmas Crack is a must-have for any festive gathering. This sweet and salty dessert, made with a simple combination of saltine crackers, toffee, and melted chocolate, is as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a giftable treat, Christmas Crack is sure to impress!
If you enjoy simple, delicious recipes, you might also want to try these easy Air Fryer Onion Rings to complement your holiday spread. For those who love experimenting with fried goodies, this is a perfect companion snack for your Christmas parties.
Want to take your dessert game to the next level? Learn how to make a crispy, golden Southern Fried Chicken alongside your batch of Christmas Crack, for the ultimate mix of savory and sweet.
What is Christmas Crack?
Christmas Crack is a holiday treat that combines saltine crackers, caramel-like toffee, and melted chocolate. Its name comes from how easily it “cracks” when broken into pieces, and of course, how addictive it is! The perfect blend of salty and sweet makes it a crowd favorite during the holiday season.
Ingredients for Christmas Crack
To make this holiday favorite, you’ll need:
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, holiday sprinkles
How to Make Christmas Crack
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick spray. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the tray.
2. Make the Toffee
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, let it cook for 3 minutes without stirring, then pour the hot mixture evenly over the saltine crackers.
3. Bake and Add Chocolate
- Bake the toffee-covered crackers in the oven for 5-6 minutes until the toffee is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let the chocolate melt for a few minutes, then spread it evenly with a spatula.
4. Add Toppings and Cool
- If desired, add toppings like crushed candy canes or chopped nuts.
- Let the Christmas Crack cool at room temperature, or place it in the refrigerator for quicker cooling.
- Once set, break it into pieces and enjoy!
Storing Christmas Crack
Christmas Crack stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Customizing Your Christmas Crack
The beauty of Christmas Crack is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun ideas to make it your own:
- Peppermint Christmas Crack: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the melted chocolate for a minty twist.
- Nutty Christmas Crack: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra crunch.
- S’mores Christmas Crack: Use graham crackers instead of saltines and add mini marshmallows for a s’mores-like flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 190mg
For those looking to cut down on sugar this holiday season, check out these healthier holiday dessert options that are just as delicious but a little easier on the waistline.
FAQs About Christmas Crack
What can I use instead of saltine crackers?
You can use graham crackers, Ritz crackers, or even pretzels for a different texture and flavor.
Can Christmas Crack be made ahead of time?
Yes! Christmas Crack can be made days in advance and stored in an airtight container. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Why didn’t my toffee set properly?
If your toffee didn’t set, it’s likely that the butter and sugar mixture wasn’t boiled long enough. Make sure to boil it for the full 3 minutes to ensure it thickens properly.
Can I freeze Christmas Crack?
Yes! Simply store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion: A Holiday Must-Have
Christmas Crack is the perfect holiday treat, balancing the sweetness of chocolate and toffee with the salty crunch of saltine crackers. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just for yourself, it’s a fun and easy recipe that will leave everyone wanting more. Pair it with other crowd-pleasers like Air Fryer Onion Rings or a crispy batch of Southern Fried Chicken to complete your holiday spread!
PrintChristmas Crack Recipe: Sweet and Salty Holiday Toffee Treat
Description
Make irresistible Christmas Crack with just a few ingredients! This sweet and salty toffee treat is perfect for holiday snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
- ½ cup refined butter
- 55 grams brown sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Any desired sweet garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the lined baking dish.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, and bring to a boil. Do not stir while boiling for 3 minutes.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the crackers and bake for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, add chocolate chips on top, and return to the oven for another 2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
- Add any desired candies or toppings.
- Allow it to cool, then cut into pieces. For faster cooling, refrigerate.
Notes
Enjoy this sweet and salty festive treat!