If you’re looking for a sweet and salty treat that’s very easy to make and addictive, try “Better Than Anything Saltine Toffee!”
This simple crunchy dessert, often referred to as “Christmas Crack,” combines the crunch of saltine crackers with a buttery toffee layer and rich chocolate.
Saltine toffee (or “Christmas Crack”) is a popular treat during the holidays, but it’s so delicious you’ll want to make it year-round.
With only a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a decadent toffee that rivals even the best candy shop treats.
The Magic of Saltine Toffee
Saltine toffee is a classic candy that has gained popularity for its simplicity and deliciousness.
The combination of salty crackers with sweet toffee and chocolate creates an irresistible treat that is hard to resist.
It’s also a great option for those who may not have extensive baking skills, as it requires minimal ingredients and no complicated techniques.
Plus, it can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent last-minute dessert option!
Recommended Products For Making Toffee
1- Baking Sheet
A heavy-duty baking sheet ensures even heating.
Recommended Product: “Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet“
2- Parchment Paper
Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Recommended Product: “Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper Roll“
3- Silicone Spatula Set
Perfect for spreading caramel and chocolate evenly.
Recommended Product: “Di Oro Seamless Silicone Spatula Set“
4- Candy Thermometer
Helps ensure your caramel reaches the perfect temperature.
Recommended Product: “ThermoPro Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer“
5- Cooling Rack
Speeds up the cooling process and ensures even texture.
Recommended Product: “Checkered Chef Cooling Rack“
6- Air-Tight Storage Containers
Keep your toffee fresh and crisp.
Recommended Product: “Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers“
7- Decorative Tins
Great for gifting your toffee during the holidays.
Recommended Product: “Festive Holiday Cookie Tins with Lids“
Ingredients
To make this easy and simple Better Than Anything Saltine Toffee, you will need the following ingredients:
- 40 saltine crackers (one full sleeve)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred type)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
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Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Place the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, covering the entire surface without overlapping.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
Allow it to boil for about 3 minutes without stirring until it thickens slightly and turns a deep caramel color. - Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the arranged saltines. Use a spatula to spread it gently if needed, ensuring all crackers are well-coated.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and slightly darkened.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee.
Let them sit for about 2-3 minutes until softened, then use an offset spatula or knife to spread the melted chocolate evenly across the surface. - If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the melted chocolate while it’s still warm. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra flavor boost.
- Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature until set, which may take about 1-2 hours. Once completely cooled, break it into pieces by hand or using a sharp knife.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Tips for the Perfect Saltine Toffee
Here are the best tips for making perfect, crispy, and delicious Saltine Toffee (also known as Christmas Crack):
1: Line the Pan Well
This toffee can stick, so use a good-quality non-stick spray or liner.
2: Use a Single Layer of Saltine Crackers
Arrange saltine crackers in a single, tight layer on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet or jelly roll pan. This creates a sturdy, salty base that crisps up nicely under the toffee.
3. Cook the Toffee Mixture Properly
- Melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to boil.
- Once boiling, let it cook undisturbed for 2-5 minutes (depending on the recipe) until it thickens and bubbles evenly. This step is crucial for a smooth, caramelized toffee.
- Use a candy thermometer if possible; the ideal temperature is around 265°F to 280°F (hard ball stage) to ensure the toffee sets perfectly without being grainy or soggy.
4. Pour and Spread Quickly and Evenly
Pour the hot toffee mixture immediately over the saltine crackers and spread it evenly with a spatula to cover all crackers. This ensures every cracker is coated and the toffee layer is uniform.
5. Bake to Bubble and Caramelize
Bake the assembled crackers and toffee in a preheated oven at 350°F to 375°F for about 5-8 minutes until the toffee is bubbly and caramelized. This step helps the toffee set firmly and develop flavor.
6. Add Chocolate While Hot
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to melt, then spread evenly with a spatula. This creates a smooth chocolate layer that seals in the toffee.
7. Optional Toppings
Sprinkle chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds), sea salt flakes, or festive sprinkles over the melted chocolate for extra flavor and texture.
8. Cool Completely Before Breaking
Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to set fully. Then break into pieces. Cooling is essential to achieve the perfect crisp texture.
9. Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t stir the toffee mixture once it starts boiling to prevent crystallization and grainy texture.
- Avoid scraping the sides of the pan when pouring the toffee to prevent sugar crystals from forming.
- Don’t cool the toffee too quickly; gradual cooling helps prevent graininess.
- Maintain consistent oil and oven temperature to avoid soggy or burnt toffee
Storage Tips for Saltine Toffee
To keep your saltine toffee fresh and crisp, follow these simple storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warm or humid area, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Refrigeration: For a firmer texture, store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This helps keep the toffee extra crisp.
- Freezing: Saltine toffee freezes well! Simply place pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers. It will keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few minutes.
Variations for Saltine Toffee
Saltine toffee is super versatile! Here are some fun variations to try:
1- Nut Lovers’ Toffee
Add ½ cup of chopped nuts—like pecans, almonds, or walnuts—on top of the melted chocolate. The nuts add crunch and complement the sweet caramel.
2- Peanut Butter Swirl
After spreading the chocolate layer, drizzle ¼ cup of melted peanut butter on top, then swirl gently with a toothpick for a marbled effect.
3- Dark Chocolate Sea Salt
Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk or semi-sweet chocolate, then sprinkle sea salt over the top for a sophisticated, slightly salty finish.
4- Festive Toppings
Add holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. This recipe is perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or even Halloween with themed colors.
5- S’mores Style
Add mini marshmallows to the warm chocolate layer, and broil for a few seconds to toast them for a gooey, campfire-inspired twist.
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