Christmas Crack is the holiday treat that’s as addicting as its name suggests. Made with buttery toffee, crisp saltine crackers, and a thick layer of melted chocolate, this festive bark comes together in just minutes and disappears even faster. Whether you’re making it for a cookie swap, gifting it in holiday tins, or sneaking a bite with coffee, this sweet and salty combo is a seasonal must-have.
With only five simple ingredients and endless topping possibilities, Christmas Crack is your shortcut to homemade holiday candy that wows every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Just 10 minutes of hands-on time.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone (and we mean everyone) loves it.
- Budget-Friendly – No fancy candy thermometers or specialty tools needed.
- Customizable – Go classic or add festive toppings.
- Perfect for Gifting – Stores and travels well in cute tins or bags.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans, almonds, or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and parchment paper.
- Lay out saltines in a single layer, covering the entire baking surface.
- Make the toffee: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly until bubbling and thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Pour caramel over crackers and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over hot toffee. Let sit 1 minute, then spread smooth.
- Top with extras like chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or flaky salt.
- Chill for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: ~2 hrs 20 minutes
- Servings: 35–40 bite-sized pieces
- Calories: ~180 per piece
Tips & Variations
- Don’t skip the foil/parchment – It makes clean-up (and release!) easy.
- Try different crackers: Club crackers or graham crackers work well.
- Flavor swaps: Use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or mint chips.
- Festive toppings: Crushed candy canes, mini M&Ms, toffee bits, or colored sprinkles.
- Add sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates the sweet-salty contrast.
- For crunchier bark: Bake toffee 1–2 minutes longer, but don’t burn.
FAQs
Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?
Yes! They’ll make the bark slightly sweeter and softer.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
Nope! This is a beginner-friendly candy recipe.
Can I freeze Christmas Crack?
Absolutely. Store pieces in an airtight bag for up to 2 months.
What’s the best way to store it?
Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for 1 week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Try using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Christmas Crack (Saltine Toffee Bark)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and parchment.
- Arrange saltines in a single layer on the pan.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until bubbly and thick (about 3–4 min).
- Pour caramel mixture over crackers and spread evenly.
- Bake for 5 minutes until bubbling.
- Remove from oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top; let melt, then spread smooth.
- Add toppings like chopped nuts or sprinkles.
- Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Break into pieces and serve or store.
Notes
– Add crushed peppermint, M&Ms, or toffee bits for variety.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, high-reward holiday recipe, Christmas Crack is it. With its buttery crunch, melty chocolate layer, and endless ways to customize, it’s a holiday classic for a reason. Make a batch, break it up, and share the joy—though don’t be surprised if there’s none left to gift!