Christmas Crack, also known as Saltine Bark, is the ultimate holiday treat that’s sweet, salty, and completely addictive. With just a few simple ingredients, this easy-to-make dessert comes together in no time, making it a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table or a fantastic gift for friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Irresistible combination: The mix of salty crackers, buttery toffee, and rich chocolate is a match made in heaven.
- Quick and easy: With only five ingredients and minimal prep, this treat can be made in about 30 minutes.
- Customizable: You can easily add toppings like crushed nuts, festive sprinkles, or sea salt to make it your own.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to make this holiday favorite. The full ingredient list can be found in the recipe card below.
- Saltine crackers for the crispy base
- Butter for a rich, golden toffee coating
- Brown sugar for that deep, caramel-like sweetness
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips for a perfect melt-in-your-mouth finish
- Optional toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a pinch of sea salt
Check the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet, covering as much of the surface as possible.
- Make the toffee: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir frequently and bring to a boil. Once it begins to boil, let it cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to create a thick, bubbly toffee.
- Pour the toffee: Carefully pour the hot toffee over the saltine crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula to coat the crackers completely.
- Bake the crackers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the toffee is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Add the chocolate: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften, then spread the melted chocolate into a smooth layer.
- Optional toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts, festive sprinkles, or a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate.
- Cool and break: Allow the bark to cool completely at room temperature or place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to speed up the cooling process. Once set, break it into pieces.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the toffee: Be sure to keep an eye on the toffee while it boils. If it cooks too long, it may become too hard, resulting in a brittle texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate: For the best flavor and texture, choose good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars.
- Add variety: For a twist, drizzle white chocolate over the top or add crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Nutty version: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the chocolate layer for extra crunch and flavor.
- Peppermint bark: Crush candy canes and sprinkle them over the melted chocolate for a peppermint bark variation.
- Different crackers: While Saltine crackers are traditional, you can experiment with other crackers like graham crackers or even pretzels for a salty-sweet combo.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Christmas Crack is perfect on its own, but you can serve it alongside other holiday treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread, or fudge. It also makes a delightful gift when packaged in cute tins or gift bags.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or store it in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
- Freeze: Christmas Crack freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the toffee mixture to help balance the flavors.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! This treat can be made up to a week in advance, and it stays fresh and delicious when stored properly.
What’s the best way to break the bark into pieces?
Once the bark is fully set, break it into pieces by hand or use a large chef’s knife to cut it into squares or chunks.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can be used in place of semi-sweet chocolate, depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Christmas Crack is the ultimate holiday snack that combines simplicity, indulgence, and the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this addictively delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or gifting to loved ones. Once you try it, you’ll be making it every year!
Print
Christmas Crack (Saltine Bark)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30–40 pieces (depending on how it’s broken)
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
also known as Saltine Toffee Bark, is a delightful holiday treat that combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
This easy-to-make candy features a buttery toffee layer atop crisp saltine crackers, all topped with rich chocolate and optional nuts.
It’s a favorite for holiday gatherings and makes an excellent gift.
Ingredients
- Saltine Crackers: 35-40 crackers
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226g)
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (200g)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 2 cups (340g)
- Optional Toppings: Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, almonds), toffee bits, or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer, covering the entire surface.
- Make Toffee: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
- Pour Toffee: Carefully pour the hot toffee over the crackers, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly.
- Add Chocolate: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the toffee. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soften, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee layer.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle your choice of optional toppings over the chocolate layer.
- Cool and Break: Allow the bark to cool completely, then break it into pieces.
Notes
- For a festive touch, consider adding holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugars on top.
- Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 1 oz)
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg