A stack of three festive chocolate toffee bark pieces with red and green candies, surrounded by more bark.

Sweet & Salty Christmas Crack (Saltine Toffee Candy)

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If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that’s impossibly addicting and incredibly easy, this holiday classic is a must! With just five pantry staples and under 30 minutes, you’ll have a crunchy and chewy candy that disappears fast at any party. Welcome to the magic of Christmas Crack—the signature saltine cracker toffee that brings smiles all season!

If you’re craving a festive treat that’s impossibly addicting and incredibly easy, this Christmas Crack Recipe is your holiday must-have! Made with just five pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, this sweet-and-salty saltine toffee bark will vanish fast at any party.

A close-up stack of chocolate-covered toffee bark with red and green M&M candies, on a white background.
Indulge in this irresistible stack of homemade chocolate toffee bark, studded with vibrant red and green candies! Perfect for holiday treats.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Double the decadence: Sweet caramel meets a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, finished with melted chocolate and festive toppings.
  • Time-saving: Only 15 minutes of hands-on work—perfect for busy holiday schedules.
  • Tradition made better: It’s easier than fudge or brittle, yet just as memorable. Kids love making it with you!
  • Customizable: Try it with graham crackers, Ritz, or add chopped nuts and sprinkles for endless combinations.

Ingredients

Arrangement of baking ingredients: chocolate chips, butter, a box of Nabisco Premium Crackers, and brown sugar on a white counter.
Everything you need for a delicious treat! This minimalist still life features essentials like butter, chocolate chips, crackers, and brown sugar.
  • 48 saltine crackers (about 1½ sleeves)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, cubed
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or white, milk, or dark)
  • ½–1 cup M&Ms, nuts, or sliced almonds

Optional: Graham crackers, peanut butter chips, crushed candy canes, sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

A four-panel image illustrating the steps to make cracker toffee: crackers on a tray, pouring caramel, caramel-covered crackers, and chocolate-covered crackers with chips.
Follow these four simple steps to create delicious homemade cracker toffee! From laying out the crackers to adding melted chocolate and chips, a sweet treat awaits.
  1. Prep Your Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 15×10 jelly roll pan with parchment or foil, sprayed with nonstick.
  2. Layer Crackers: Arrange saltines tightly in a single layer. Break a few to fill any gaps.
  3. Cook Caramel: Melt butter and sugar over medium-low, stirring to a full boil. Simmer 3 minutes until thick and amber.
  4. Bake: Pour caramel over crackers and spread quickly. Bake for 8 minutes—watch for bubbling!
  5. Top & Melt: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top, let sit a minute, then spread smooth. Add your favorite toppings.
  6. Chill & Crack: Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to set. Then break into pieces, and serve!

Pro Tips to Fill Recipe Gaps

  • Avoid separation: Pour chocolate immediately while caramel’s hot to keep layers together.
  • Not melting? Return pan to the warm oven for 1–2 minutes until chips glisten.
  • Tools matter: A candy thermometer is optional but guarantees perfectly chewy crack (270–290°F for the caramel).

Creative Variations

  • Try pretzel crisps for extra crunch.
  • Use white chocolate & peppermint for a fun twist.
  • Swap in gluten-free crackers or add a drizzle of peanut butter chips.

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Counter: Airtight up to 1 week—if it lasts!
  • Fridge: 2 weeks; perfect for warm kitchens.
  • Freezer: 3 months in freezer-safe bags, with wax paper between layers.

Festive Internal Links to Try Next

Final Thoughts

Satisfy your sweet (and salty) tooth this Christmas—and don’t forget to experiment with flavors and toppings. Rate the recipe after making it and share your variations below!

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