Irresistible Saltine Cracker Candy Recipe: Sweet & Salty Magic

Sweet meets salty in this incredible saltine cracker candy that turns basic pantry staples into a decadent treat.

Layers of buttery caramel and rich chocolate transform humble crackers into an irresistible dessert.

Crisp crackers provide the perfect crunchy base for a luxurious confection that surprises everyone.

Each bite delivers a complex blend of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together in mere minutes, making this recipe a go-to for impromptu gatherings.

Chocolate drizzles and sprinkled nuts add elegant finishing touches to this crowd-pleasing delicacy.

Prepare to become the star baker who can whip up magic from unexpected ingredients.

Candy That Snaps Sweet and Salty Into One Easy Treat

• Effortlessly Create Crowd-Pleasing Treat: This recipe is super simple, requiring minimal baking skills and basic ingredients anyone can handle.
• Make in a Snap: Whips up quickly with just a few steps, perfect for last-minute gatherings or unexpected sweet cravings without complicated techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Transforms inexpensive saltine crackers into a luxurious-tasting dessert that looks and tastes like a gourmet candy, impressing guests without breaking the bank.
• Holiday Gift Potential: Easily packaged as a homemade gift, this sweet and salty candy becomes a charming, personal present that shows thoughtfulness and culinary creativity.

Saltine Cracker Candy (Christmas Crack) Ingredients

• Saltine Crackers: Classic crispy base for this sweet treat.
• Butter: Rich and creamy foundation for caramel sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, subtle depth to the caramel.
• Chocolate Chips: Smooth chocolate topping for extra indulgence.

• Aluminum Foil, Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Essential for easy preparation and clean release.

Assembling Saltine Cracker Candy That’s Sweet and Snappy

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Get a baking sheet ready by lining it completely with aluminum foil. Ensure the foil covers all sides and edges. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cracker Base

Carefully arrange saltine crackers in a single uniform layer across the baking sheet. If needed, break crackers to fill any empty spaces and create a complete layer.

Step 3: Craft Caramel Magic

Grab a saucepan and melt butter over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar and stir until fully combined. Watch the mixture transform and bring it to a rolling boil. Continue boiling for exactly 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and quickly mix in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Coat Crackers with Caramel

Pour the hot caramel sauce over crackers, using a spatula to spread it evenly and ensure complete coverage.

Step 5: Bake and Bubble

Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven and bake until caramel becomes wonderfully bubbly, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Chocolate Transformation

Remove from oven and generously sprinkle chocolate chips across the caramel-coated crackers. Return to oven for 30-60 seconds to allow chocolate to melt smoothly.

Step 7: Smooth Chocolate Layer

Take the baking sheet out and use a spatula to spread melted chocolate into a perfect, even layer covering all crackers.

Step 8: Chill and Set

Let the candy cool at room temperature for 20 minutes. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for 3-4 hours until completely set.

Step 9: Break and Serve

Carefully peel off the foil and break or cut the candy into delightful bite-sized pieces. Serve and enjoy this irresistible holiday treat!

Candy Tips for Saltine Christmas Crack Success

• Select Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality chocolate chips and real butter for the most delicious flavor and smooth texture.
• Control Caramel Cooking: Watch the caramel closely while boiling to prevent burning; it should be golden brown and slightly foamy when ready.
• Keep Chocolate Smooth: Ensure chocolate melts evenly by removing from oven as soon as chips look glossy to prevent scorching or seizing.
• Store Properly: Keep candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Experiment with Toppings: Sprinkle crushed nuts, sea salt, or festive holiday sprinkles over melted chocolate for added crunch and visual appeal.

Save Christmas Crack Without It Sticking Together

• Store leftovers in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 1 week. Keep refrigerated to maintain crisp texture and prevent chocolate from melting.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bag, storing flat for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve original crunchiness.
• If serving within 2-3 days, keep in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Place sheets of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Warm briefly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore optimal taste and texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent chocolate from burning or crackers becoming soggy.

Saltine Cracker Candy Match Suggestions

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Robust cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel complements the sweet and salty candy, cutting through the richness with their tannic structure and fruity undertones.
• Match with Smooth Coffee: Freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee balances the candy's sweetness, offering a warm, intense contrast that enhances the chocolate and caramel flavors.
• Serve with Creamy Vanilla Scoop: Vanilla ice cream provides a cool, silky counterpoint to the crunchy, sweet-salty treat, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
• Accompany with Spiced Chai: Warm, aromatic chai tea with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger adds complexity and depth to the candy's simple yet indulgent profile.

Saltine Candy Holiday Crunch Mixes

• Gluten-Free Cracker Swap: Replace saltine crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or rice crackers for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Alternative: Use dairy-free chocolate chips or coconut milk chocolate for a vegan-friendly version.
• Nut Lover's Edition: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the melted chocolate for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for Saltine Cracker Candy?

You’ll need saltine crackers, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips. These simple ingredients create a delicious sweet and salty treat.

• Can I use different types of chocolate for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your preference. Some people even mix different types of chocolate for a unique flavor.

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Keep the heat at medium-high and stir occasionally while boiling. Watch the caramel closely and remove from heat after exactly 3 minutes to prevent burning. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan also helps distribute heat evenly.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

Yes, the basic recipe doesn’t contain nuts. However, always check your specific ingredient labels to ensure no cross-contamination if you have severe allergies.

Saltine Cracker Candy Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Saltine cracker candy delivers sweet and salty magic in one irresistible treat. Rich chocolate and buttery caramel elevate simple crackers into a dessert masterpiece you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 40 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (340 grams) chocolate chips (about 1 package)

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil, ensuring complete coverage of sides. Apply a light non-stick spray across the surface.
2. Create a uniform base by arranging saltine crackers in a precise single layer. Trim or split crackers as necessary to fill the entire sheet without overlapping.
3. Craft a rich caramel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium-high temperature. Incorporate brown sugar and stir until fully integrated. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, maintaining steady stirring for approximately 3 minutes.
4. Eliminate heat and infuse vanilla extract into the caramel, creating a smooth and fragrant mixture.
5. Gently cascade the caramel across the cracker foundation, utilizing a spatula to distribute the sauce uniformly and ensure complete coverage.
6. Transfer the prepared sheet to a preheated 350°F oven. Bake until the caramel transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape, approximately 5-7 minutes.
7. Carefully extract the sheet and generously blanket the surface with chocolate chips. Return to the oven momentarily, allowing chocolate to melt into a glossy layer.
8. Smooth the melted chocolate across the surface using a clean spatula, creating an even, decadent coating.
9. Allow the confection to stabilize at room temperature for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours until completely set.
10. Liberate the candy from the foil and fragment into rustic pieces or precise squares. Serve and savor the sweet-salty delight.

Notes

• Choose thin, crispy saltine crackers for the best texture and base that won’t become soggy during baking.
• Watch the caramel closely to prevent burning; it should be golden and bubbly without turning dark brown.
• Use a spatula or offset knife to spread melted chocolate smoothly, creating an even layer across the crackers.
• Swap regular chocolate with dairy-free alternatives for vegan versions, or use gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly treats.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 82 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg