Best Easy Christmas Crack

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Sweet, salty, crunchy, and completely addictive—Christmas Crack is the holiday treat everyone fights over. With a buttery toffee layer melted over saltine crackers, then topped with rich chocolate and festive sprinkles, this dessert is a no-bake miracle you can whip up in under 30 minutes. It breaks into beautiful shards perfect for gifting, snacking, or sneaking straight from the fridge when no one’s looking.

Whether you call it saltine toffee, cracker candy, or Christmas Crack, one thing is universal: it disappears FAST. It’s wildly simple, uses pantry ingredients, and requires zero candy thermometer. If you’re looking for a festive, foolproof treat, this recipe delivers big holiday flavor with barely any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crack

• Incredibly easy to make with only 5 ingredients
• No special tools required
• Sweet + salty perfection in every bite
• Great for gifting or making ahead
• Breaks apart into shards—no slicing needed!

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What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use for Christmas Crack?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best because they melt smoothly and balance the sweetness of the toffee. However, you can also use dark chocolate if you prefer a deeper, richer flavor, or swirl in white chocolate for a marble effect. Avoid milk chocolate as it can be too sweet and more difficult to set cleanly.

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Ingredients for the Best Easy Christmas Crack

Saltine Crackers
These provide the base for the entire treat, giving it that addictive salty crunch and a stable structure for the toffee.

Unsalted Butter
Essential for the toffee layer, butter creates that golden caramel base when boiled with sugar.

Brown Sugar
Adds depth to the toffee and combines with the butter to create that perfect chewy-snap texture.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
These melt into a glossy topping that sets up perfectly once chilled.

Festive Sprinkles or Sea Salt (Optional)
Adds a colorful holiday touch or a hint of extra salt for balance.

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How To Make the Best Easy Christmas Crack

Step 1: Prep the Base

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and spray lightly with non-stick spray. Lay the saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the entire pan.

Step 2: Make the Toffee

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it bubble for exactly 3 minutes, stirring constantly. It should thicken slightly and become glossy.

Step 3: Pour and Bake

Carefully pour the hot toffee over the crackers and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 5 minutes until the toffee is bubbling all over.

Step 4: Add Chocolate

Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the surface.

Step 5: Decorate and Chill

Add sprinkles or sea salt on top while the chocolate is still melted. Transfer the pan to the fridge for at least 1 hour or until completely set.

Step 6: Break and Serve

Once fully set, remove the bark from the pan and peel off the parchment. Use your hands to break it into irregular pieces. Serve or store.

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How to Serve Christmas Crack

This recipe yields about 35 to 40 pieces, making it ideal for holiday parties, dessert tables, or edible gifts. A few shards per person go a long way thanks to its rich flavor. Serve it cold or at room temperature for best texture.

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How to Store Christmas Crack

Once set and broken into pieces, store your Christmas Crack in an airtight container. It will last:

• At room temperature: up to 1 week
• In the fridge: up to 2 weeks
• In the freezer: up to 2 months (freeze flat in a bag or container and thaw at room temp)

Keep it away from humidity, and layer parchment between pieces to prevent sticking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?
Yes, but the texture and salt balance will change. Graham crackers are sweeter and softer.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. The toffee may be slightly softer but still delicious.

Why is my toffee grainy or separating?
It’s important to boil the sugar and butter mixture for exactly 3 minutes while stirring constantly. Overcooking or undercooking can affect texture.

Can I add nuts?
Absolutely! Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top of the chocolate before chilling.

How do I gift this treat?
Once broken into pieces, pack in holiday tins, cellophane bags, or mason jars for a charming edible gift.

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Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Christmas Crack, check out these other festive favorites:

• Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies for a buttery, nostalgic cookie.
• Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with cream cheese frosting for autumn charm.
• Apple Bars Recipe if you’re craving fruit-forward comfort.
• Earthquake Cake when you want chocolate, coconut, and surprise layers.
• Rocky Road Brownies for gooey, marshmallow-loaded richness.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use sea salt, sprinkles, or both? Did you try dark chocolate or add nuts?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Check out more of my daily recipes and holiday treats on Pinterest: Mad For Meals

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