Easy Christmas Crack

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There’s a reason why Christmas crack, a popular holiday treat, is called “crack”–it’s so delicious it’s addictive! I know, I know–the name is kind of crass, so if you want to avoid using “crack,” you can also call it Christmas Toffee. The saltines make for a salty, crunchy base, while the melted chocolate and toffee topping add that perfect caramel-y sweetness. Plus, it’s the easiest christmas sweet you’ll ever make. 

It’s also super customizable! Vegan? No prob–just use margarine. Don’t like pecans? Use pistachios (or your favorite nut). Don’t have Saltines handy? Use another cracker. Last year I even made a kosher-friendly Matzo Crack recipe for Passover! 

For more holiday treats, try my Build Your Own Hot Chocolate Board (and this Spiked version!), Christmas Dessert Board, Christmas Tree Dessert Board, Oh Christmas Brie Board, Cheesecake Toppings Board, and Caramel Apple Board.

Christmas Crack Ingredients

• 1 sleeve of saltine crackers

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• Sea salt, to taste

How To Make Christmas Crack 

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the saltines on the sheet in a single layer.

• In a medium saucepan over medium-high, melt butter and brown sugar together and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally until combined and sugar is melted. Continue boiling, undisturbed for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and pour caramel mixture over the cracker layer. Spread out with a spatula to cover the saltines evenly.

• Transfer the sheet to the oven and bake for 5-6 minutes, or until just bubbly.

• Remove the sheet from the oven and sprinkle immediately with chocolate chips. Return to the oven for 2 minutes, or until the chocolate begins to melt and becomes shiny. Remove from the oven and spread the chocolate out with an icing spatula. Immediately sprinkle with the pecans and salt. 

• Transfer the sheet to the freezer until the chocolate is firm, about 30 minutes. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months (see more below!).

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Best Christmas Crack Ingredient Swaps

Crackers

• Ritz

• Graham Crackers

• Ginger snaps

• Shortbread cookies

• Club crackers

• Pretzels

Toppings

• Chopped pistachios 

• Crushed pretzels

• Chopped peanuts

• Festive sprinkles

• Chopped M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces

• Crushed potato chips

Recipe for Vegan Christmas Crack

If you’re vegan or just prefer to avoid dairy, you can make this recipe with margarine instead! The best way to do it is to find stick margarine and substitute it for the butter one-to-one. It may not be exactly the same as the butter version, but it’ll still be totally delicious (and addictive!) 

You can learn more about using margarine in baking here! 

Can You Freeze Christmas Crack?

The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Make the Crack in advance of the holidays and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for 3 months. That way it’s ready to eat whenever you need a holiday treat. Just bring it to room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Show Me Your Christmas Crack

I hope this post inspires you to make this recipe. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the snacks and sweets you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share! 

And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.