Historical Overview
Christmas Crack, also known as Saltine Toffee Bark, originated in the mid-20th century as a thrifty holiday treat. Home bakers discovered that layering simple ingredients—saltine crackers, butter, sugar, and chocolate—could create an irresistible toffee-like dessert. Its signature “crack” comes from the sound when breaking the bark into pieces, as well as its addictive sweet-salty flavor. Over the years, it’s become a beloved holiday staple, shared at cookie swaps, office parties, and Christmas gatherings around the world.
Christmas Crack (Saltine Toffee Bark) – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes + cooling
- Yield: About 35 pieces 1x
Description
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate holiday treat! This Christmas Crack recipe is sweet, salty, and perfectly crunchy, making it a must-have for your winter dessert table. With gooey caramel toffee, melted chocolate, and festive sprinkles, it’s the perfect make-ahead snack for Christmas parties or edible gifting. Best of all—it’s easy to make in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
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1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
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1 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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½ cup festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer on the sheet.
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In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes.
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Pour the hot caramel over crackers and spread evenly.
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Bake for 5 minutes until bubbly.
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Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Let melt for 2 minutes, then spread evenly.
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Add sprinkles while warm.
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Cool completely, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
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Break into pieces and serve!
Notes
Substitute graham crackers or matzo for saltines if desired.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Top 3 FAQs
1. Why is my Christmas Crack chewy instead of crunchy?
If your toffee layer didn’t reach the correct temperature, it may not harden properly. Boil the butter and sugar mixture for a full 3 minutes or until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer for a crisp finish.
2. Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work wonderfully. You can even swirl two types together for a marbled look.
3. How long does Christmas Crack last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw for 10 minutes before serving for that perfect crunch
