Description
Irresistible Christmas crack transforms classic saltine crackers into a festive holiday sensation, blending sweet caramel and chocolate into one addictive treat. Crunchy, rich layers melt together, creating a simple dessert that sparks holiday cheer for you.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 40 saltine crackers
- 2 cups (340 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter
Support Ingredients:
- 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
Garnish (Optional):
- 1/2 cup (85 grams) mini chocolate chips
- Sea salt or sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the baking surface by lining a 9×13-inch sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and applying a light non-stick spray.
- Create a uniform base by meticulously arranging saltine crackers in a single, tight layer across the entire baking sheet.
- Craft the caramel foundation by combining butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, heating over medium temperature and stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a rich, amber-colored liquid with a smooth consistency.
- Carefully cascade the molten toffee over the cracker foundation, using a spatula to distribute the mixture evenly and ensure complete cracker coverage.
- Position the baking sheet in a 400°F (200°C) oven, allowing the toffee to bubble and caramelize for precisely 5 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, scatter semisweet chocolate chips across the hot toffee surface, letting them melt naturally for 2-3 minutes before smoothing into a uniform chocolate layer.
- While the chocolate remains warm, embellish with mini chocolate chips and a delicate sprinkle of sea salt, creating a textural and flavor contrast.
- Allow the confection to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve complete solidification.
- Fracture the hardened treat into rustic, irregular pieces by hand, creating an artisanal presentation perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Notes
- Use high-quality butter for a richer, more decadent toffee base that enhances the overall flavor profile of the Christmas Crack.
- Opt for saltine crackers with minimal salt on top to prevent an overly salty result and maintain a balanced sweet-savory taste.
- Carefully monitor the toffee while cooking to achieve the perfect caramel color without burning, which can create a bitter undertone.
- For gluten-free options, substitute saltine crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or a layer of gluten-free rice crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 254
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 162 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg