Saltine Cracker Toffee Recipe

This legendary Saltine Cracker Toffee recipe, often affectionately known as “Christmas Crack,” transforms humble pantry staples into an addictive, gourmet-style candy. By pouring a bubbling homemade butter-toffee sauce over a simple base of crisp crackers and baking it to bubbly perfection, you create a sweet-and-salty masterpiece that rivals any confectioner’s shop. It is incredibly easy to make in large batches, making it the ultimate holiday gift.

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Saltine Cracker Toffee Ingredients

• 4 ounces Saltine Crackers: About one sleeve. The salty, crisp texture provides the necessary structure and contrast to the sweet toppings.
• 1 cup Butter: Real salted butter is essential here for the best flavor and to ensure the caramel emulsifies properly. Do not use margarine.
• 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar: Packed. The molasses content in dark brown sugar creates a deeper, richer toffee flavor than light brown sugar.
• 2 cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These melt down to form the smooth top layer. Good quality chips or chopped chocolate bars work best.
• ¾ cup Chopped Pecans: Adds a final nutty crunch. You can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even holiday sprinkles.

How To Make Saltine Cracker Toffee

1. Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet (jelly roll pan) completely with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This is crucial for easy cleanup and preventing the sticky toffee from fusing to the pan.
2. Arrange Crackers: Lay the saltine crackers in a single, even layer across the bottom of the prepared pan. Break pieces to fit the edges if necessary so the entire bottom is covered without overlapping.
3. Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and dark brown sugar. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a full boil, let it cook for exactly 3 minutes without stirring constantly, just an occasional swirl.
4. Pour and Bake: Immediately pour the bubbling mixture over the layer of crackers. Use a spatula to spread it quickly and evenly to the edges. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 6 minutes. The mixture will bubble vigorously.
5. Melt the Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes; the residual heat will melt the chips.
6. Spread and Top: Using a spatula, spread the now-softened chocolate into a smooth, continuous layer. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the wet chocolate.
7. Cool: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until the chocolate is set and hard (about 25 minutes). Break into jagged pieces to serve.

Recipe Tips

• The 3-Minute Rule: Timing is everything. If you boil the butter and sugar for too long, it becomes hard candy; too short, and it stays grainy. 3 minutes is the sweet spot for a chewy-crisp toffee.
• Prevent Separation: If your butter separates from the sugar, it usually means the heat was too low or the temperature shifted too quickly. Keep it at a steady rolling boil.
• Lining the Pan: Use heavy-duty foil or parchment paper. If the toffee leaks onto the pan, it bakes into a cement-like substance that is very hard to scrub off.
• Chocolate Bloom: Do not rush the cooling process by putting it in the freezer immediately, as this can sometimes cause the chocolate to discolor (bloom). Room temperature then fridge is best.

What To Serve With Saltine Toffee

• Hot Coffee: The rich toffee flavor pairs beautifully with black coffee or a latte.
• Fruit Platter: Fresh grapes or berries provide a refreshing palate cleanser against the dense sugar.
• Holiday Cookie Tray: It adds a different texture alongside soft sugar cookies and gingerbread.
• Milk: A cold glass of milk is classic with this chocolatey treat.

How To Store Saltine Toffee

• Air Tight: Store broken pieces in an airtight container or a cookie tin.
• Refrigerate: While it can be kept at cool room temperature, storing it in the fridge keeps the chocolate crisp and the toffee crunchy for up to 2 weeks.
• Freeze: It freezes wonderfully. Store in freezer bags for up to 3 months and eat straight from the freezer for an extra crunchy treat.

Saltine Cracker Toffee Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~160 kcal
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 1g
• Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 35 pieces.

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