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Christmas Crack Recipe

5 from 66 reviews

Christmas Crack is a deliciously addictive holiday treat featuring a crispy saltine cracker base topped with a buttery caramel layer and melted chocolate, finished with festive toppings like M&M’s and pecans. This easy-to-make candy combines sweet, salty, and crunchy elements for a perfect seasonal dessert or gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 35 saltines (about 1 sleeve)

Caramel Topping

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips

Additional Toppings

  • M&M’s candies
  • Pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Arrange Crackers: Place the 35 saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they cover the surface evenly.
  3. Make Caramel Sauce: In a large saucepan, bring 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of packed light brown sugar to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to create a smooth caramel.
  4. Add Vanilla and Coat Crackers: Remove the caramel from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Immediately pour the caramel evenly over the saltine crackers, spreading to coat all crackers completely.
  5. Bake the Caramel Layer: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes to allow the caramel to set on the crackers.
  6. Apply Chocolate Layer: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips and 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer. Let them sit for 5 minutes to melt.
  7. Spread Melted Chocolate and Add Toppings: Using an offset spatula, spread the melted chocolate evenly across the caramel. Immediately sprinkle M&M’s candies and chopped pecans on top, gently pressing them into the chocolate so they stick.
  8. Cool and Set: Allow the pan to cool slightly at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until the candy hardens completely.
  9. Serve: Once firm, break the Christmas Crack into pieces. Serve and enjoy this sweet, salty, and crunchy holiday treat!

Notes

  • Use an offset spatula to smoothly spread the melted chocolate without breaking the crackers.
  • You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or add colorful sprinkles for extra festive flair.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the candy crisp.
  • If you prefer a thicker caramel layer, slightly increase the butter and brown sugar, but keep cooking time the same.
  • Be cautious when handling the hot caramel to avoid burns.

Keywords: Christmas Crack, Holiday Candy, Saltine Toffee, Caramel Candy, Easy Holiday Treat