Hey y'all! If you love sweet, salty, and super crunchy desserts, you're in for a treat with this Crunchy Chocolate Christmas Crack Made with Saltines. This addictive holiday treat has the perfect balance of crisp saltines, rich chocolate, and luscious toffee, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. It's a breeze to whip up, ideal for cookie exchanges, last-minute gifts, and snacking after Christmas dinner. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crunchy Chocolate Christmas Crack Made with Saltines
- Only takes 15 minutes to make plus cooling time, so it's perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Combines sweet, salty, and crunchy in every irresistible bite.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Makes a generous batch, so it’s perfect for parties or sharing as gifts.
- No fancy equipment or candy thermometer required!
Ingredients for Crunchy Chocolate Christmas Crack Made with Saltines
- 40 salted saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (215g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (70g) chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) – optional
- Festive sprinkles or flaky sea salt – optional, for topping
How to Make Crunchy Chocolate Christmas Crack Made with Saltines
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Line a 10x15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and lightly grease it.
- Lay the saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the entire pan. Break crackers to fill any gaps.
Step 2: Make the Buttery Toffee Layer
- Add butter and brown sugar to a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly as the mixture melts and comes to a rapid boil.
- Allow to boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the toffee is thick and bubbly (learn more about toffee technique).
- Quickly pour the hot toffee evenly over the crackers, and carefully spread it with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Saltine Base
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. The toffee will bubble even more.
- Remove the pan from the oven carefully (it’s hot!).
Step 4: Add Chocolate & Toppings
- Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee layer.
- Let stand for 2-3 minutes to melt, then gently spread the chocolate into an even layer.
- Top with chopped nuts, festive sprinkles, or a pinch of flaky sea salt if you like.
Step 5: Cool and Break into Pieces
- Let the pan cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
- Once set, lift the crack out using the parchment/foil and break it into serving-sized pieces.
Notes for the Best Crunchy Chocolate Christmas Crack Made with Saltines
- Don’t skip lining the pan – it prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- For best results, use high-quality chocolate chips (see chocolate chip guide).
- If you want ultra-crispy crack, make sure to let it set fully before breaking apart.
Variations on Crunchy Chocolate Christmas Crack Made with Saltines
- White Chocolate & Peppermint: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle warm peanut butter on top of the chocolate before adding nuts or sprinkles.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers instead of saltines.
Required Equipment for This Christmas Crack Recipe
- 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Medium saucepan
- Spatula or offset spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life for Crunchy Chocolate Christmas Crack Made with Saltines
Store the crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze pieces tightly wrapped for up to 3 months (freezing tips).
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
- Serve chilled or at room temperature on a festive dessert tray.
- Pair with hot chocolate, mulled wine, coffee, or holiday eggnog.
- Package in decorative bags or tins for easy homemade holiday gifts!
Pro Tips for Perfect Crunchy Chocolate Christmas Crack Made with Saltines
- Boil the butter and brown sugar mixture just long enough—under or overboiling can affect texture. Check out toffee troubleshooting tips here.
- If your chocolate doesn’t spread easily, pop the pan back in the warm oven for 1-2 minutes.
- Break into uneven pieces for a rustic, homemade look and better presentation.
FAQ: Crunchy Chocolate Christmas Crack Made with Saltines
- Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?
- Yes! The texture will be a bit different, but graham crackers also taste delicious in this recipe.
- Why is my toffee layer grainy or separating?
- This usually happens if the butter and sugar weren’t melted fully together or if boiled too long. Stir constantly and boil for just 3-4 minutes.
- How do I make this Christmas crack nut-free?
- Just leave out the nuts or swap for seeds, pretzel bits, or more sprinkles for a nut-free treat!
Crunchy Chocolate Christmas Crack Made with Saltines: Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: About 30 pieces
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a 10x15-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
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2Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer to completely cover the bottom of the prepared baking sheet.
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3In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
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4Pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the saltines, spreading to cover all crackers. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
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5Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips over the toffee layer. Let sit for 2 minutes, then spread the melted chocolate evenly with a spatula.
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6Top with holiday sprinkles, chopped pecans, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Let cool completely, then break into pieces and serve.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
210 caloriescal
Protein:
2 gg
Fat:
12 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
26 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
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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