This Christmas Crack (aka: Saltine Cracker Toffee) is one of my easiest, most dependable holiday treats! Just a few simple ingredients and you get that perfect sweet-salty, chocolatey crunch everyone goes wild for. It comes together in minutes, makes a huge batch, and is truly one of the best "make-ahead and gift-away" recipes you can keep in your back pocket.
My mom has been making this recipe for Christmas for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I only knew it as "Mary Ann's Stuff," because that's exactly what my mom had scribbled on the old recipe card after her friend Mary Ann made it for a Christmas party years back. Over time I realized this beloved treat goes by a dozen names: Christmas Crack, Saltine Cracker Toffee, Christmas Cracker Candy, Toffee Bark. But whatever you call it, it's outrageously delicious, wildly addicting, and one of the easiest holiday sweets you'll ever make.
This recipe absolutely deserves a spot in every cookie box and on every dessert table, and the best part is how simple and customizable it is. The base takes minutes to throw together, and you can top it with anything from classic chopped pecans and flaky sea salt (my favorite!) to festive sprinkles, M&Ms, different nuts, or even a pretty drizzle of white chocolate. If you're looking for a low-effort, high-impact holiday treat that everyone will ask you for, make this at least once this season. You'll see why it's been a family staple for decades.
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Equipment
For this recipe you will need:
- Parchment lined baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Silicone spoon or offset spatula
- Measuring cups
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Saltine crackers: I highly recommend sticking with classic saltines for this recipe. They have the perfect texture and salt level that makes this recipe truly delicious. That beings said, you can substitute with Ritz crackers or even graham crackers. Just keep in mind it will affect the texture as well as overall taste.
- Butter: I recommend using unsalted as you get quite a bit of salt from the crackers.
- Brown sugar: I typically use light brown sugar but dark will also work. It has a deeper flavor from the additional molasses.
- Vanilla extract: You could substitute with vanilla bean paste if desired.
- Chocolate chips: I recommend using good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chips can also be used if you prefer a slightly more bitter bark. I've tried milk chocolate before and personally found it too sweet, but that's also an option if you prefer.
- Chopped pecans: You can omit these entirely or substitute with walnuts, peanuts or pistachios. You could also substitute with M&Ms, sprinkles or other toppings.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): I love finishing off desserts with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. However, this candy already has salt from the saltine crackers so feel free to omit if preferred.
Step-by-Step Photos
Recipe FAQs
I highly recommend using the saltines but if you prefer you can use Ritz crackers or even graham crackers. Just be aware that it will result in a softer bark with a less salty flavor.
This usually happens if the butter and sugar weren't fully combined before boiling, or if the mixture wasn't boiled long enough. Make sure to stir until smooth, then let it boil without stirring for the full 2 minutes.
Let the toffee cool for 1-2 minutes before adding chocolate chips so they melt gently. If the pan is too hot, the cocoa butter can separate and create white spots (totally safe to eat, just not as cute).
It keeps well for about 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature, or 2 weeks in the fridge (though it rarely lasts that long in our house). You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
More easy holiday treats for you to enoy.
Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Peanut Butter Balls
Made this Christmas Crack recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Recipe
Christmas Crack (aka: Saltine Cracker Toffee)
Equipment
- parchment lined baking sheet
- Saucepan
- whisk
- Measuring cups
- offset spatula
Ingredients
- 48 saltine crackers About 1.5 sleeves
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- flaky sea salt optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the saltine crackers in a single even layer.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Immediately pour the hot toffee evenly over the crackers Then bake for 5 minutes at 400 F.
- Remove the candy from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to melt, then use an offset spatula or back of a spoon to spread into an even layer.While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle with chopped pecans (or your preferred toppings) and flaky sea salt. Let it cool completely in the fridge for about 2 hours until fully set. Then break into pieces and serve. Enjoy!
Helen
Easy and delicious Christmas crack! I made this recipe with my kids and they loved it!!
Beth
This stuff is addictive and dangerous to have around!!! I gave it as a holiday gift to our neighbors and they all loved it!
Lee
Crack is the perfect name for these. They're addictive. They're also easy, which is a huge plus.
Jess
This is absolutely delicious, and it's so easy. I absolutely WILL NOT be waiting for Christmas to make this again.
Gigi
Loved this toffee!! So easy and delicious.