Hey y'all! If you're looking for a festive, crave-worthy treat that's ridiculously easy to make, this 5-Ingredient Christmas Crack with Saltine Toffee is about to become your new holiday favorite. With its irresistible combo of buttery toffee, crunchy crackers, and a melty chocolate layer, it vanishes in minutes at gatherings or as edible presents. Get your sweet tooth ready—let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This 5-Ingredient Christmas Crack with Saltine Toffee
- Quick to prepare—just 15 minutes of hands-on work and no candy thermometer needed.
- You only need five basic ingredients everyone has at home.
- The salty-sweet combo is totally addictive, making it perfect for sharing—or keeping for yourself!
- Perfect for holiday gifting, potlucks, or as a crowd-pleaser at any party.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or chocolate type.
Ingredients for 5-Ingredient Christmas Crack with Saltine Toffee
- 40 saltine crackers (enough to line a rimmed baking sheet)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup chopped pecans (or festive sprinkles for topping)
How to Make 5-Ingredient Christmas Crack with Saltine Toffee
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, letting some hang over the edges. Lay out the saltine crackers in a single, even layer.
Step 2: Make the Toffee
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir until melted, then bring to a boil and let it bubble—without stirring—for 3-4 minutes until thickened and caramel-like.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Carefully pour the hot toffee over the saltines, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake for 5 minutes until bubbly and the toffee soaks the crackers.
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Toppings
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Wait 2-3 minutes for them to melt, then spread smoothly over the entire surface. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or sprinkles while warm.
Step 5: Cool and Break
Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or until completely set). Lift out and break into irregular pieces. Enjoy!
Notes for Perfect 5-Ingredient Christmas Crack with Saltine Toffee
- To ensure clean removal, use parchment paper or nonstick foil with overhang.
- Don't stir the toffee once boiling—this prevents crystallization (see this toffee guide for details).
- If using salted butter, reduce added salt—or omit it altogether.
Variations: Customizing 5-Ingredient Christmas Crack with Saltine Toffee
- White Chocolate Peppermint: Swap chips for white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
- Nut-Free: Use festive sprinkles or mini M&Ms instead of nuts.
- Dark Chocolate Sea Salt: Use dark chocolate chips and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Required Equipment for 5-Ingredient Christmas Crack with Saltine Toffee
- 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick foil
- Small saucepan
- Spatula or offset knife
Storage Instructions: Keeping Your 5-Ingredient Christmas Crack Fresh
Store finished pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for 5-Ingredient Christmas Crack
- Pack in holiday tins or cellophane bags for edible gifts.
- Serve alongside mugs of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced cider.
- Pair with fruits for a sweet-salty dessert platter.
Pro Tips for 5-Ingredient Christmas Crack with Saltine Toffee
- Don’t overbake—the toffee can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it.
- Let cool completely before breaking for the crunchiest, cleanest pieces (see more tips at Brown Eyed Baker).
- Experiment with your favorite nuts, or even a mix of nuts and seeds for texture and flavor!
FAQ: 5-Ingredient Christmas Crack with Saltine Toffee
- Can I use graham crackers or Ritz in place of saltines?
- Absolutely! Each gives a unique taste and buttery crunch, but the toffee technique remains the same.
- Why isn’t my chocolate melting smoothly?
- If your kitchen is cold, pop the tray back in the turned-off oven for a minute—you’ll get silky melted chocolate fast.
- Can I double this recipe for a party?
- Yes! Just use two pans or a larger rimmed baking sheet, and be careful to spread the toffee evenly for the perfect crunchy base.
For more information on the nutritional content of butter and chocolate, check out Eat Right.
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles or chopped nuts
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the entire tray.
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2In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for 3–4 minutes until bubbly and slightly thickened.
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3Carefully pour the hot sugar mixture evenly over the crackers, spreading to cover all crackers.
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4Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, until the toffee mixture is bubbling.
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5Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Wait 2 minutes to melt, then spread chocolate evenly with a spatula.
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6Top with holiday sprinkles or chopped nuts. 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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