Save it
Say hello to Christmas Crack! This tasty sweet treat mixes salty crackers, gooey rich toffee, and smooth chocolate all topped with a crunchy pecan crunch. It comes together so easily and is awesome for holiday parties or giving to friends. Taste it once and you'll see—it's totally craveable!
Reasons You'll Love This
You'll whip this up fast with just a handful of everyday ingredients. No fancy tricks—if you can melt butter, you can make this. The sweet-and-salty combo keeps folks grabbing more. It's a hit at parties, gift exchanges, or to stash at home. You can even prep it early and let it sit for weeks!
Stuff You Need
- Optional Toppings: Candy bits, sea salt, or colorful sprinkles go on top
- Pecans: Dice up one cup, or swap in your favorite nut
- Chocolate Chips: For the top, use two cups of semi-sweet
- Brown Sugar: One cup packed—pick light or dark, either is fine
- Butter: A cup, no salt, melts into the toffee
- Saltine Crackers: Around forty, use these as your bottom layer
Steps To Make It
- Bake and Add Toppings
- After about 5 minutes in the oven, toss on chocolate chips. Wait for them to get melty, spread everywhere, then sprinkle nuts. Pop it in the fridge till set.
- Cook Toffee
- Mix butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, boil and stir for three minutes. Pour the hot mix over your crackers.
- Lay Down Crackers
- Set crackers edge-to-edge in a baking pan so they're touching each other.
- Prep Your Pan
- Bake at 400°F. Use foil to line your sheet, then hit it with cooking spray.
Easy Toffee Tips
Making toffee isn't hard. Just put butter and sugar in your pot over medium, and keep stirring until they blend. Let it bubble away for three minutes—timing it helps. At first, it might look weird or split—just keep mixing and it'll come together. You want it golden and smelling like caramel at the end.
Save it
Picking The Chocolate
All types of chocolate chips work—just use what you like best. Semi-sweet is a nice middle ground, but go for milk chocolate if you want it extra sweet, or dark chocolate to keep things bold. Mix 'em if you feel like it! Sprinkle on sea salt after for even more flavor.
Switch Things Up
Go wild with toppings! Besides nuts, try adding toffee bits, mint chips, bits of candy canes, or throw on sprinkles. For an extra crunch, swap crackers with potato chips. Into mint flavors? Melt mint chips on top. Always get your toppings on while the chocolate is still melty so everything sticks. Every pan can be different!
Sharing With Friends
Christmas Crack is an awesome gift. Break it into chunks, then pack in cute tins or clear bags and tie with a ribbon. It'll keep for weeks if you seal it up tight. Doubling the batch is smart if you're gifting—there's always a reason to sneak a bite! Handy for teachers, neighbors, or anyone special this time of year.
How To Store It
Put your Christmas Crack in a sealed container to keep it tasty. It lasts two weeks on the counter or a whole month in the fridge. Layer with wax paper to stop pieces from gumming together. Don't keep it somewhere hot or the chocolate will go soft. If you want, stash it in the freezer for up to three months—it thaws out quick when you need it!
Save it
Common Questions
- → Not into pecans—what should I use?
Almonds or walnuts taste great too, just toast and chop them up first. Peanuts are tasty if you want it candy-bar style—just be sure to cut them small so they stay put.
- → How should I keep it fresh, and what’s the shelf life?
Stick it in a tin with a snug lid, good for about 7 days. If you like it snappier, add wax paper layers and stash in the fridge. Keep away from heat or it’ll turn sticky.
- → Could I whip this up ahead for a party?
Absolutely, it’s perfect to prepare early! Let it fully cool, then store it—even better if your kitchen’s warm, just chill it in the fridge. Don’t freeze or you’ll end up with mushy crackers.
- → What can I sprinkle on top for nut allergies?
Candy canes smashed up, crunchy toffee bits, or M&Ms are awesome. A bit of sea salt is tasty too. Try sprinkles or mini marshmallows for color and fun.
- → Can I pick a different kind of chocolate?
Go with milk, white, or dark chocolate—they’re all good. Swirling them gives pretty effects. Use fresh chocolate for the best melting and texture.
Final Thoughts
Want more like this? Check these out:
- White Chocolate Cranberry - Gives a festive red and white pattern
- S'mores Crack - Toss in some marshmallows and graham chunks
- Matzo Toffee - Swap crackers for matzo at Passover
- Pretzel Bark - For lots of crunch, use pretzels
- Saltine Candy Bars - Spread a little peanut butter for extra richness