Saltine Toffee (a.k.a. Christmas Crack)

Looking for a sweet, salty, and totally irresistible treat? Saltine Toffee is exactly what you need!

This candy is made with just a few simple ingredients: saltine crackers, butter, sugar, and chocolate. The combination of crunchy, sweet, and salty flavors is absolutely addictive.

Once you make it, you’ll be hooked! It’s the perfect dessert for holiday gatherings, parties, or just a quick snack whenever you need something sweet.

What are you waiting for? Grab some saltine crackers and let’s make this quick and easy Saltine Toffee today! You’ll love how simple and delicious it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Ingredients: Only five pantry staples needed—no need for fancy tools.
• Perfect Texture: Buttery toffee crisps up underneath smooth melted chocolate.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holiday trays, snack tables, or gifting.
• Quick to Make: 15 minutes of prep and the rest is chill time.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe to make with little helpers—no baking experience needed.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

Servings:
One standard batch makes about 35–40 small squares—perfect for sharing or snacking.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly with no baking skills required—just follow the timing on the stovetop closely.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Rimmed baking sheet (13×9 or quarter sheet pan)
• Parchment paper or foil
• Medium saucepan
• Heatproof spatula or spoon
• Offset spatula (optional, for spreading chocolate)
• Butter knife or hands for breaking once cooled

Ingredients for Saltine Toffee

Here’s what you’ll need (measurements listed again in the recipe card below):

• Saltine Crackers: A full sleeve (about 40 crackers) for the base layer.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates the toffee when melted with sugar.
• Light Brown Sugar: Dissolves into the butter for a soft caramel base.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted on top for the smooth chocolate layer.
• Flaky Sea Salt (optional): Sprinkled over the chocolate for balance and texture.

Variations for Saltine Toffee

• Use Different Crackers: Swap Saltines for Ritz crackers or graham crackers for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Top with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the melted chocolate before it sets.
• Add a Drizzle: Once the chocolate is set, drizzle with melted white chocolate or caramel for extra flair.
• Try Different Chocolate: Milk, dark, or even a combo of both adds a twist.
• Holiday Sprinkle Option: For festive occasions, add red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies before chilling.

How to Make Saltine Toffee: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Crackers

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If using foil, lightly grease it.
• Arrange Saltine crackers in a single layer, edge to edge, covering the entire bottom of the pan.

2. Make the Toffee

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter and brown sugar together.
• Once it begins to boil, stir constantly for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away slightly from the edges of the pan.
• Carefully pour the hot mixture evenly over the crackers. Use a spatula to spread it so every cracker is coated.

3. Bake the Toffee Layer

• Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling all over.
• Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top.

4. Melt and Spread the Chocolate

• Let the chocolate chips sit for 3–5 minutes until soft from the residual heat.
• Use a spatula or butter knife to gently spread the melted chocolate into a smooth layer.
• (Optional) Sprinkle flaky sea salt, chopped nuts, or any toppings now—before the chocolate firms up.

How to Serve Saltine Toffee

This simple dessert can be served in many ways:

• As a Snack or Sweet Treat: Break into pieces and place in a bowl or tray for sharing.
• For Gifting: Stack in a cellophane bag or small tin with a ribbon—perfect for holidays or thank-you gifts.
• On a Dessert Board: Pair with chocolate bark, cookies, and dried fruit for a fun platter.
• With Coffee or Tea: A small square alongside a hot drink adds the perfect sweet bite.

Storing Saltine Toffee

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Keep in a cool, dry spot.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for 2 weeks chilled in an airtight container. Great for extra crunch.
• Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment and store in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving if frozen.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Watch the Toffee Closely: Once the sugar and butter boil, stir constantly to prevent burning or separation.
• Line the Pan Well: Toffee is sticky—use parchment paper or greased foil for easy cleanup and release.
• Even Spreading: Make sure both the toffee and the chocolate are spread edge to edge for uniform coverage.
• Cool Completely: Let it chill fully in the fridge before breaking. This ensures crisp texture and clean breaks.
• Break Gently: Use your hands or a butter knife to gently snap into squares or shards—no need to be perfect.

Nutrition

Serving Size	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Sugar	Protein
1 piece (approx. 1″x2″)	~120	7g	15g	12g	1g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on the specific brands used and toppings added.

Saltine Toffee FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor and texture. Margarine may separate or cause the toffee to be greasy.

Why is my toffee grainy or soft?
Grainy texture usually comes from not fully melting the sugar or boiling it long enough. Stir constantly and make sure it’s bubbling before pouring.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking sheet or two pans. Just make sure to spread the toffee evenly.

Does this need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily. It keeps well at room temp, but chilling gives it extra crunch.

Conclusion

Saltine Toffee is one of those simple treats that surprises you with how satisfying it is. With just five ingredients and a few easy steps, you get a candy-like dessert that’s crisp, sweet, chocolatey, and just a little bit salty. Whether it’s for gifting, sharing, or sneaking a square in the afternoon, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.