Description
This festive and easy-to-make Christmas candy recipe, often nicknamed “Christmas Crack” for its addictively delicious taste, features a crunchy saltine cracker base covered in a rich caramel layer and topped with melted chocolate and holiday sprinkles. It’s a perfect treat to share during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Cracker Base
- 1 sleeve (about 40) saltine crackers
Caramel Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
Chocolate & Toppings
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts – optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to catch any caramel drips. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer covering the entire sheet.
- Make Caramel Mixture: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 3 minutes without stirring to create a smooth caramel.
- Pour and Spread Caramel: Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the saltine crackers using a spatula to spread it out smoothly, ensuring all crackers are coated.
- Bake Caramel and Crackers: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and set.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and quickly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel. Let it sit for 2 minutes so the chocolate melts.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: Using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate evenly across the caramel layer.
- Top and Chill: Sprinkle holiday sprinkles and optional chopped nuts on top. Refrigerate the candy for at least 1 hour until fully set and firm.
- Serve: Once set, break the candy into approximately 40 pieces and serve.
Notes
- This candy is commonly called “Christmas Crack” due to its addictive sweetness and crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a fun variation, substitute saltine crackers with graham crackers or pretzels for different textures and flavors.
