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Easy Christmas Crack Recipe for the Holidays

Easy Christmas Crack Recipe for the Holidays
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This Easy Christmas Crack Recipe for the Holidays is a quick and delightful treat combining buttery saltine crackers, rich caramel, and a smooth chocolate layer. Perfectly crunchy, sweet, and customizable with festive toppings, it’s ideal for holiday parties, gifting, or a fun seasonal snack. With simple pantry ingredients and under 30 minutes of prep and cook time, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that balances salty and sweet beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 40 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)

Caramel Topping

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

Chocolate Layer

  • 2 cups chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate)

Optional Toppings

  • Sprinkles
  • Chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts)
  • Flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, then arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer, covering the entire surface without gaps.
  2. Make the Caramel Topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 3 minutes without stirring to develop rich caramel flavor and thick consistency.
  3. Spread Caramel Over Crackers: Immediately pour the hot caramel over the arranged crackers and use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring each cracker is coated.
  4. Bake to Set: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 5 minutes. This helps set the caramel and gives a glossy finish.
  5. Add Chocolate Layer: Remove the tray from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel, and let them sit for a few minutes to soften. Then, spread the melted chocolate smoothly over the entire surface with a spatula.
  6. Add Toppings and Chill: If desired, sprinkle festive toppings such as nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt over the melted chocolate. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for about 2 hours until the chocolate is fully set.
  7. Break Into Pieces and Enjoy: Once completely chilled, break the Christmas crack into bite-sized pieces. Serve immediately or package for gifting.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter and ingredients to ensure smooth melting and even coating.
  • Watch caramel closely while boiling to prevent burning; stir gently and do not overcook.
  • Allow chocolate chips to soften a few minutes before spreading for an even chocolate layer.
  • Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for clean, crisp pieces when breaking apart.
  • Store leftover Christmas crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain crunch.
  • For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Enjoy this treat cold or at room temperature; to slightly soften chocolate, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes rather than reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas crack, holiday dessert, caramel cracker treat, easy Christmas recipe, festive sweet, holiday gift treat

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