This easy-to-make saltine cracker toffee candy recipe is a delightful combination of buttery toffee, rich chocolate, and the unexpected crunch of saltine crackers.
Indulging in a homemade treat often brings a sense of satisfaction that store-bought confections can’t quite capture. If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that seamlessly blends simplicity with decadence, look no further than the enchanting world of Saltine Cracker Toffee.
Sometimes the simplest recipes become the most cherished. This recipe requires just five ingredients and a mere 15 minutes of your time, with a bit of patience during the chilling process. Affectionately dubbed “Christmas Crack”.
No candy thermometer needed for this Christmas candy. We do have an English Toffee recipe that does use one. The recipe has been passed down through the generations and it is over 100 years old, and it makes the most delicious toffee.
Saltine Cracker Toffee Recipe
Undoubtedly, you’ve encountered the enchanting world of Saltine Cracker Toffee. If, by some chance, you haven’t had the pleasure, consider this your invitation to a taste sensation you won’t soon forget.
Known by a myriad of endearing names such as Saltine Sweeties, Cracker Toffee, Cracker Candy, Toffee Bark, Faux Toffee, Fooler Toffee, and the ever-popular Christmas Crack, this delightful treat has earned its aliases for a reason – its unparalleled deliciousness.
While this treat typically takes the spotlight during the holidays, I whip up batches all year round. Its versatility makes it a perfect companion for game day, baby showers, or simply whenever a craving strikes.
Cracker Candy Ingredients
It’s one of those easy recipes to make where you probably have the simple ingredients on hand without making a special shopping trip.
Saltine Crackers: Opt for salted crackers to enhance the sweet-savory balance, although unsalted can also be used. Aim for enough crackers to cover the base of a baking sheet, typically one package or approximately 40 crackers.
Butter: Whether chilled or at room temperature, select a high-quality butter for optimal toffee results. Margarine is not recommended as a substitute.
Brown Sugar: When measuring brown sugar, make sure to pack it in the cup for the correct measurement.
Chocolate Chips: Choose from milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate based on your preference. You’ll need one bag of chocolate chips to achieve that perfect chocolatey finish.
Nuts: Our two most popular choices in our house are pecans and almonds. They can be rough chopped or ground, which ever you prefer.
Saltine Cracker Candy Recipe Variations
Experiment with different toppings like sea salt, shredded coconut, chopped pretzels, Christmas sprinkles, or crushed candy canes for a personalized touch. If you are making this for another special occasion throughout the year, swap out the sprinkles to match the theme.
While pecans are most often used, there are so many delicious options to choose from; Hazelnuts, Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, or Macadamia nuts.
This recipe calls for saltine crackers; however, this is a versatile recipe so you could use Club Crackers, Ritz Crackers, Graham Crackers, Matzo, or even pretzels.
Saltine Cracker Toffee Easy Candy Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Butter 2 sticks and can be unsalted
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar packed
- 2 Sleeves Saltine Crackers about 40-60 crackers
- 2 Cups Chocolate Chips semisweet, milk chocolate or dark chocolate
- 1 Cup Nuts finely chopped pecans or various toppings, see the notes below
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
- Line a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper. For a 9 x 13 pan, the parchment should overhang the sides for easy removal. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. If using an 11 x 17 pan, refer to the notes section, as you should increase the amounts of the ingredients.
- Lay out the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared pan, ensuring the entire surface is covered.2 Sleeves Saltine Crackers
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir continuously until it reaches a smooth consistency and begins to boil. Then allow it to boil for 3-5 minutes without stirring, creating a rich toffee. 3 minutes gives more of a chewy consistency, whereas 5 minutes will be closer to a soft crack.1 Cup Butter, 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- Carefully pour the brown sugar mixture over the saltine crackers, ensuring an even coating. Make sure to scrape out the pan to get all of the sweet treat.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes or until the toffee becomes bubbly and golden.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the toffee. Let them sit for a couple of minutes to soften, and then spread the melted chocolate with a spatula.2 Cups Chocolate Chips
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the chocolate layer if desired.1 Cup Nuts
- Allow the toffee to cool completely. For faster cooling, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for about an hour.
- Once completely cooled and set, lift the toffee out of the pan using parchment paper. Cut it into squares or break it into irregular pieces.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Recipe Tips
If using a half sheet pan 11 X 17 increase the ingredients.- 2 Sleeves of Saltine Crackers
- 1 ½ Cups Butter, or Unsalted Butter
- 1 1/2 Cups Brown Sugar
- 2 ½ Cups Chocolate Chips
- 1 Cup of Nuts
Saltine Cracker Candy Recipe Variations
Experiment with different toppings like sea salt, shredded coconut, chopped pretzels, Christmas sprinkles, or crushed candy canes for a personalized touch. If you are making this for another special occasion throughout the year, swap out the sprinkles to match the theme. While pecans are most often used, there are so many delicious options to choose from; Hazelnuts, Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, or Macadamia nuts. This recipe calls for saltine crackers; however, this is a versatile recipe so you could use Club Crackers, Ritz Crackers, Graham Crackers, Matzo, or even pretzels.Storage:
Store the Saltine Cracker Toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.Can you Freeze Saltine Cracker Toffee?
Yes, they store well in the freezer. To freeze, layer the toffee pieces with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. A great make ahead Christmas candy recipe.Easy pan clean up.
Immediately, fill pan with hot water and a squirt of dish soap. Let sit for ten minutes and it easily washed right off.Nutrition
Recipe Tips
If using a half sheet pan 11 X 17 increase the ingredients.
- 2 Sleeves of Saltine Crackers
- 1 ½ Cups Butter, or Unsalted Butter
- 1 1/2 Cups Brown Sugar
- 2 ½ Cups Chocolate Chips
- 1 Cup of Nuts
Prevent Sticking: Completely line your baking sheet and over the sides with parchment. Add a little non-stick cooking spray just to make sure that nothing sticks.
Storage:
Store the Saltine Cracker Toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can you Freeze Saltine Cracker Toffee?
Yes, they store well in the freezer. To freeze, layer the toffee pieces with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. A great make ahead Christmas candy recipe.
Easy pan clean up.
Immediately, fill pan with hot water and a squirt of dish soap. Let sit for ten minutes and it easily washed right off.
What does cracker candy taste like?
Cracker candy, also known as Saltine Cracker Toffee or Christmas Crack, is a delightful confection that combines the contrasting flavors and textures of sweet toffee, rich chocolate, and crispy saltine crackers. The taste is a harmonious blend of sweet and salty, with the buttery toffee layer providing a luscious sweetness that complements the slight saltiness of the crackers. The chocolate topping adds a creamy and decadent element to the overall flavor profile.
Why Is My Cracker Candy Chewy?
If your cracker candy is turning out chewy instead of having the intended crisp and crunchy texture, a few factors could be contributing to this issue. Here are some common reasons and potential solutions:
Undercooking the Toffee
The toffee layer might not have reached the proper temperature during cooking. Make sure it is at a rolling boil, then continue to cook the toffee mixture for the full 3 minutes. The toffee should have a golden color and a firm texture when cooled.
Incorrect Sugar Measurement
Ensure you are using the correct amount of brown sugar as specified in the recipe. Too much or too little sugar can affect the texture of the toffee.
Inadequate Cooling Time
If the cracker candy is not allowed to cool completely, it may not set properly, resulting in a chewy texture. Make sure you give it enough time to cool and harden before cutting into pieces.
Humidity
High humidity can impact the texture of toffee and make it chewy. Try making cracker candy on a dry day or in a climate-controlled environment.
Chocolate Layer Issues
If the chocolate layer is not properly set or tempered, it can contribute to a chewy texture. Allow the chocolate to fully harden before cutting the candy into pieces.
Enjoy this irresistible Saltine Cracker Toffee as a delightful treat for the Holiday season or any occasion!
Here are a few other candy recipes for you to explore.
