Chocolate-Caramel Christmas Crack Recipe

The Sweetest Chocolate-Caramel Christmas Crack Recipe Ever Made

Crafting this irresistible chocolate-caramel christmas crack promises a delightful adventure in holiday baking.

Sweet layers of buttery crunch melt seamlessly across your taste buds.

Crackling textures blend perfectly with rich chocolate and caramel notes.

Festive treats like these spark instant joy among gathered loved ones.

Minimal ingredients create maximum happiness in every single bite.

Crisp edges and gooey centers make this dessert pure magic.

Baking something spectacular becomes wonderfully simple with this foolproof recipe.

FAQs

  • Are pistachios and glace cherries mandatory?

No, they’re optional toppings. You can customize with other nuts like almonds or skip them entirely for a simpler version.

  • Can I use different types of biscuits?

Yes, Salada crackers work best, but similar plain sweet or salted crackers like graham crackers or saltines can also be used successfully.

  • How long does Christmas Crack stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this treat remains delicious for about 1-2 weeks. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.

  • Is this recipe child-friendly to make?

Absolutely! Kids can help with spreading chocolate, sprinkling toppings, and breaking the bark into pieces. Adult supervision is recommended for caramel and oven steps.

Why Christmas Crack Keeps Getting Requested

  • Effortless Holiday Magic: Whip up this festive treat with minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this delightful dessert in just a few simple steps, ensuring you'll have a showstopping treat ready in no time.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily swap nuts or add your favorite toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours, creating a personal touch for holiday gatherings.
  • Gift-Worthy Goodness: Package these irresistible chocolate-caramel pieces as a homemade gift that will wow friends and family during the festive season.

Christmas Crack with Chocolate Caramel Ingredients

Base:
  • Salada Biscuits: Crisp crackers forming the crunchy foundation of the dessert.
Caramel Layer:
  • Brown Sugar: Provides rich, deep sweetness to the caramel.
  • Butter: Creates smooth and rich caramel texture.
  • Cream: Helps bind and enrich the caramel sauce.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Melts: Smooth chocolate coating for the dessert.
  • Pistachios, Glace Cherries: Decorative and crunchy toppings that add festive color and texture.

Making Chocolate-Caramel Christmas Crack at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges hang over for easy removal. Arrange crispy crackers or saltine crackers to completely cover the base of the pan in a single layer.

Step 2: Create Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Unsalted butter

Stir continuously until sugar dissolves and mixture turns smooth and golden. Pour heavy cream into the mixture and let it boil while stirring. Cook for about 30 seconds until sauce slightly thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 3: Bake Caramel Layer

Pour hot caramel evenly over the cracker base. Place pan in preheated oven and bake until caramel bubbles and becomes slightly darker. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Topping

Gently melt chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals. Stir between heating to ensure smooth consistency. Pour melted chocolate over cooled caramel layer, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Add Festive Decorations

Sprinkle decorative toppings over melted chocolate:
  • Chopped pistachios
  • Glazed cherries
  • Optional: Festive sprinkles or sea salt

Step 6: Allow Chocolate to Set

Let the dessert rest at room temperature for approximately one hour or until chocolate hardens completely. Alternatively, refrigerate for faster setting.

Step 7: Break and Serve

Once fully set, lift parchment paper and break into irregular pieces. Serve immediately or package as delightful holiday gifts.

Crack Candy Tips for That Caramel Crunch Finish

  • Prep Like a Pro: Use high-quality baking paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the Christmas crack.
  • Caramel Control: Stir continuously while making caramel to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture.
  • Chocolate Magic: Melt chocolate gently using short microwave bursts or a double boiler to avoid scorching.
  • Topping Technique: Sprinkle nuts and cherries while chocolate is still soft for perfect adherence and beautiful presentation.
  • Gifting Genius: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making it an ideal homemade holiday gift.

Keeping Chocolate-Caramel Christmas Crack Fresh After Serving

  • Store in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 7 days. Keep chilled to maintain chocolate's crisp texture and prevent melting.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving to preserve original crunch.
  • Place in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and texture. Keep in cool, dry spot.
  • Not recommended. Gently warm chocolate-caramel crack for 5-10 seconds at 50% microwave power if needed, but this might alter original crispy consistency.

Pairing Treats for Christmas Crack

  • Flavor Fusion: Pair with Spiced Mulled Wine
  • Complement the rich chocolate and caramel with a warm, spiced mulled wine that echoes the festive notes. The wine's cinnamon and clove undertones will harmonize beautifully with the sweet Christmas crack.
  • Beverage Boost: Serve Creamy Espresso Martini
  • Match the dessert's decadence with a smooth espresso martini that balances the sweetness. The coffee's bold flavor cuts through the rich chocolate while maintaining a luxurious drinking experience.
  • Nutty Companion: Offer Roasted Almond Liqueur
  • Select a roasted almond liqueur to highlight the pistachio topping and enhance the dessert's nutty profile. This drink creates a delightful sensory connection between the treat and the accompanying beverage.
  • Refreshing Contrast: Serve Chilled Peppermint Schnapps
  • Introduce a cool, minty schnapps to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, rich Christmas crack. The crisp peppermint will cleanse the palate and add a festive winter touch.

Caramel Christmas Treat Takes

  • Gluten-Free Cracker Base: Replace Salada biscuits with gluten-free crackers or almond flour shortbread for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Nut-Free Version: Swap pistachios with sunflower seeds or toasted coconut flakes to accommodate nut allergies while maintaining crunch.
  • Vegan Christmas Crack: Use coconut oil instead of butter, dairy-free dark chocolate, and replace cream with coconut cream for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free chocolate to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly treat.
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Chocolate-Caramel Christmas Crack Recipe

Chocolate-Caramel Christmas Crack Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Festive chocolate-caramel christmas crack elevates holiday snacking with irresistible sweet-salty layers of crisp crackers, smooth chocolate, and rich caramel. Guests will crave this simple yet spectacular treat that delivers pure seasonal indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 Salada biscuits (or similar plain crackers)
  • 125 grams (4.4 ounces) salted butter, chopped
  • 300 grams (10.6 ounces) white or milk chocolate melts

Sugars and Cream:

  • 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons thickened cream

Toppings:

  • 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons glace cherries, patted dry and chopped

Instructions

  1. Carefully line a rectangular baking pan with double parchment layers, ensuring edges overhang for easy extraction. Create a uniform base by precisely arranging crisp Salada crackers across the entire surface.
  2. Craft a rich caramel sauce by gently melting brown sugar and butter together, stirring continuously until perfectly smooth. Introduce cream and allow the mixture to gently bubble, creating a luxurious golden liquid with a silky consistency.
  3. Pour the molten caramel evenly across the cracker foundation, ensuring complete and uniform coverage. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven and bake until the caramel transforms into a glistening, effervescent layer.
  4. Remove the pan and let the caramel-cracker base cool completely, allowing it to stabilize and solidify at room temperature. This crucial resting period ensures a perfect textural foundation.
  5. Gently melt chocolate using your preferred method – either microwave or double boiler technique. Drizzle the liquefied chocolate across the cooled caramel surface, using a spatula to create a smooth, even coating.
  6. Elegantly garnish the chocolate layer with vibrant chopped pistachios and festive glace cherries, distributing them artfully for visual appeal and delightful textural contrast.
  7. Allow the confection to set naturally at ambient temperature, which typically requires approximately one hour. Once completely firm, fracture into rustic, irregular pieces ready for serving or gifting.

Notes

  • Swap standard crackers with gluten-free alternatives like rice crackers or special gluten-free saltines for celiac or sensitive diets.
  • Toast pistachios briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Control chocolate’s temperature carefully while melting to prevent seizing or burning, using low power in microwave and stirring every 15 seconds.
  • Store layered treat in refrigerator for faster setting and increased chocolate glossiness, which helps maintain crisp texture and prevents melting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 178
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 165mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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