Ingredients
Scale
For the Base
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
For the Toffee Layer
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
For the Chocolate Layer
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, almonds, or walnuts)
- Sprinkles
- Crushed candy canes
- Toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
1. Prep the Baking Station
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring the edges are covered to catch any overflow.
- Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, leaving no gaps.
2. Make the Toffee
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once melted, bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for 3-5 minutes without stirring, until it turns thick and glossy. (You can use a candy thermometer to check—it should reach around 270–290°F for perfect toffee.)
- Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the toffee over the saltine crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
3. Bake the Toffee Layer
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. The toffee should be bubbling and slightly darker in color.
- Remove the sheet from the oven and let it cool for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the Chocolate
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee and crackers.
- Wait for 1-2 minutes until the chocolate starts to melt, then use a spatula or offset knife to spread it smoothly across the surface.
5. Decorate (Optional)
- While the chocolate is still soft, add your choice of toppings, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or toasted coconut flakes.
6. Chill and Break
- Allow the Christmas Crack to cool completely. You can refrigerate it for about 1-2 hours to speed up the process.
- Once set, break it into pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Perfect Toffee: Avoid stirring the toffee once it starts boiling to prevent sugar crystals from forming.
- Storage: Store Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Customizing: Experiment with different toppings to suit your holiday theme or taste preferences.