Saltine Toffee (Christmas Crack)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples, making it convenient to prepare without a special trip to the store.
• Quick Preparation: The recipe comes together swiftly, requiring minimal active cooking time.
• Addictive Flavor: The combination of salty crackers, buttery toffee, and rich chocolate creates an irresistible treat.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with various toppings such as nuts, sea salt, or festive sprinkles to suit different occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Approximately 40 salted saltine crackers (enough to line a standard baking sheet)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional toppings: chopped nuts (such as pecans or almonds), sea salt flakes, or festive sprinkles

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring it covers the sides for easy cleanup. Lightly grease the lining to prevent sticking.
   • Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, covering the entire surface.

2. Make the Toffee Layer:

   • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter and packed brown sugar.
   • Stir the mixture until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
   • Once it reaches a rolling boil, continue to cook for 3 minutes without stirring, allowing it to develop a rich caramel color.

3. Assemble and Bake:

   • Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture over the arranged saltine crackers, spreading it evenly to cover all the crackers.
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 6 minutes, until the toffee becomes bubbly.

4. Add Chocolate Layer:

   • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot toffee layer.
   • Allow the chocolate chips to sit for a few minutes to soften.
   • Once softened, use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee.

5. Add Optional Toppings and Cool:

   • If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts, sea salt flakes, or festive sprinkles over the melted chocolate for added flavor and texture.
   • Let the toffee cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to set completely, approximately 1 hour.

6. Serve:

   • Once fully set, break the toffee into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.
   • Serve immediately, or store for later enjoyment.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 35 pieces
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Additional Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes

Variations

• Different Crackers: Substitute saltine crackers with graham crackers or club crackers for a different base flavor.
• Chocolate Varieties: Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of caramel over the chocolate layer for an extra flavor dimension.
• Festive Touch: Incorporate colored sprinkles or edible glitter to match holiday themes or special occasions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the broken toffee pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Refrigeration: For extended freshness, keep the container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Place the toffee pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter; however, be mindful of the overall saltiness, especially since the crackers are already salted. You may want to omit any additional salt in the recipe.

2. Is it necessary to use parchment paper or aluminum foil?

Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil makes it easier to remove the toffee and simplifies cleanup. It also prevents the toffee from sticking to the pan.

3. Can I add toppings other than nuts?

Absolutely! Consider adding crushed pretzels, shredded coconut, or even candy pieces like crushed peppermint for a festive touch.

4. How do I prevent the chocolate from separating from the toffee layer?

Ensure that the toffee is still hot when you sprinkle the chocolate chips on top, allowing them to melt and adhere properly. Spreading the melted chocolate evenly and allowing the toffee to cool completely before breaking it into pieces also helps maintain the layers.

Saltine Toffee (Christmas Crack)

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Saltine Toffee, often called “Christmas Crack,” is an irresistible treat that combines crispy saltine crackers, rich buttery toffee, and a smooth chocolate topping. With its perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, this easy-to-make confection is a holiday favorite and a great anytime snack.

• Author: Ava
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: ~35 pieces
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 40 saltine crackers (enough to cover a standard baking sheet)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Toppings:

• ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts)
• Sea salt flakes
• Festive sprinkles

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Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, covering the sides for easy cleanup. Lightly grease the lining.
3. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer, covering the entire surface.

2. Make the Toffee Layer:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar.
2. Stir until the butter melts and sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 3 minutes without stirring, until the mixture becomes a deep caramel color.

3. Assemble & Bake:

1. Carefully pour the hot toffee over the arranged crackers, spreading evenly.
2. Bake for 5-6 minutes, until the toffee is bubbly.

4. Add the Chocolate Layer:

1. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee.
2. Let sit for a few minutes until the chocolate softens.
3. Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee.

5. Add Toppings & Cool:

1. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, sea salt, or festive sprinkles (if using).
2. Allow to cool at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for 1 hour until fully set.

6. Serve:

1. Once firm, break into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.
2. Enjoy immediately or store for later!

Notes

• Different Crackers: Use graham crackers or club crackers for a unique twist.
• Chocolate Variations: Try dark, milk, or white chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of caramel for extra richness.
• Festive Touch: Top with colored sprinkles or crushed peppermint for holiday flair.