Description
Saltine Toffee, also known as Christmas Crack, is an irresistible holiday treat featuring crispy saltine crackers topped with a buttery brown sugar toffee layer, melted semi-sweet chocolate, and optional toppings like chopped nuts or sea salt. This easy-to-make dessert delivers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures, making it a festive favorite for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 sleeve (about 40) saltine crackers
Toffee
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
Topping
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange crackers: Lay the saltine crackers in a single layer, covering the entire bottom of the prepared baking sheet without overlapping.
- Make the toffee: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture melts and comes to a gentle boil.
- Boil toffee: Allow the mixture to boil without stirring for 3 minutes to develop the toffee’s rich flavor and proper consistency.
- Pour toffee over crackers: Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the arranged crackers. Quickly use a spatula to spread the toffee, ensuring all crackers are coated before it starts to set.
- Bake the toffee: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. This step caramelizes the toffee onto the crackers.
- Add chocolate topping: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for about 2 minutes to melt.
- Spread chocolate: Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee-coated crackers.
- Add optional toppings: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle any desired toppings such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt for extra flavor and texture.
- Cool and serve: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate until set. Once firm, break into pieces and serve.
Notes
- Store saltine toffee in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For variation, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate or drizzle a combination of milk and dark chocolate on top.
- Ensure to spread the toffee and chocolate quickly while warm for an even coating before setting.
