This Christmas Cracker Candy recipe is a classic holiday favorite, layering salty crackers, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate for an irresistibly crunchy and delicious treat. Also known as Saltine Toffee, this easy-to-make candy is perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with family.
With just a few simple ingredients and no need for a candy thermometer, you can create a beautiful and addictive candy that will disappear in minutes. Discover how to make this festive treat, complete with tips for perfect results every time.
Easy to Make: No candy thermometer or complicated steps required. This is a great recipe for beginner candy makers. 🍬
Salty & Sweet: The perfect combination of salty crackers, buttery caramel, and rich chocolate creates a flavor explosion. 😋
Addictive Crunch: The crispiness of the saltine crackers combined with the soft caramel and snappy chocolate is simply irresistible. ✨
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt. 🎨
Perfect for Gifting: This candy makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors during the holidays. 🎁
1. Prep Your Pan:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick aluminum foil, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the bottom. 🍪
2. Make the Caramel:
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butter melts. Continue to cook, stirring often, for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture comes to a boil and darkens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. 🔥
3. Pour and Bake:
Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the saltine crackers. Bake for 5 minutes. The caramel will be hot and bubbly. ♨️
4. Melt and Spread Chocolate:
While the crackers are baking, melt the chopped chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth. Once the crackers are out of the oven, let them cool for exactly 1 minute. Pour the melted chocolate over the hot caramel and spread evenly with a spatula. 🍫
5. Chill and Crack:
Let the candy cool to room temperature, then move it to the refrigerator to chill overnight. Once firm, peel away the foil and break the candy into snack-sized pieces with your hands or a knife. ❄️
Problem: The chocolate layer separated from the caramel.
Likely Cause: The caramel cooled too much before the chocolate was added, or the candy was cooled too quickly (in the freezer).
Solution: Ensure the caramel is still warm when you pour the chocolate. If it has cooled, pop the pan back in the oven for a minute. Always chill the candy in the refrigerator overnight.
Problem: The caramel is grainy.
Likely Cause: The sugar didn’t fully dissolve.
Solution: Stir the caramel mixture frequently as it cooks to ensure the sugar melts completely. Using a wet pastry brush to wash down the sides of the pan can also help.
This sweet and salty treat is perfect on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with:
Refrigerator: Store the candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezer: For longer storage, place the candy in a freezer-safe bag between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 months. Let it warm up for a few minutes before eating to prevent it from being too hard.
This comprehensive guide ensures you’ll create perfect Christmas Cracker Candy every time, making your holiday season even sweeter!
This Christmas Cracker Candy is an easy and addictive holiday treat made with saltine crackers, a simple homemade caramel, and a layer of rich chocolate. It’s the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is foolproof and customizable with your favorite toppings.
