Saltine Toffee (Christmas Crack): Sweet & Salty Holiday Candy

Warning!!

This dessert is dangerously addictive. With just five ingredients, this saltine toffee — often called “Christmas crack” — comes together in minutes. The crunchy salted cracker base, buttery caramel, melted chocolate, and toasted pecans create the perfect sweet-and-salty bite. The first time many people try this, they’re surprised to find a cracker in a candy, but the contrast of textures and flavors makes it an instant favorite.

This recipe is part of a holiday baking series and reflects a love for chocolate and toffee, but there are many other flavors and treats to explore.

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Store leftover pieces in an airtight container for up to a couple of weeks, though they rarely last that long. For the best texture and flavor, keep them in the freezer and enjoy them cold — they’re especially delicious straight from the icebox. This version was adapted from a classic AllRecipes preparation.

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Saltine Toffee (Christmas Crack)

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5 out of 5
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An easy and irresistible holiday treat made with salted-top saltine crackers, butter, brown sugar, chocolate, and pecans.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Servings:
24 pieces

Ingredients

  • 40
    saltine crackers – salted tops
    (about 1 sleeve)
  • 1
    cup
    butter
  • 3/4–1
    cup
    brown sugar
  • 12
    oz
    (about 2 cups) chocolate chips
  • 1
    cup
    chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer with the salted sides up.
  • In a saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
  • Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the crackers, covering them as much as possible.
  • Bake for 5–7 minutes until the caramel is bubbling. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let the chips sit for a few minutes to melt, then spread the chocolate into an even layer with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the melted chocolate.
  • Allow the toffee to cool completely, then break it into bite-sized pieces (about 2-inch squares).
  • Store in an airtight container for 1–2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
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Author:
Steve Cylka