Making Christmas candy has never been easier than this salty-sweet cracker candy. Made with a unique, crisp base of saltine crackers, smothered in crunchy homemade toffee, and blanketed with semi-sweet chocolate and Nutella, this easy-to-prepare treat is *almost* addictive! Scattered with any combination of toasted nuts, chopped candy, or eye-catching sprinkles, it's a stellar addition to a cookie platter or gift box. Plus, with entirely shelf-stable ingredients, this chocolate dessert stays fresh for over a week!
What kind of crackers are in Christmas cracker candy?
Flaky saltine crackers shake up this dessert with an irresistibly salty and crunchy bite. They work especially well for this particular dessert because the square corners fit together so nice and snuggly in the pan. Club crackers, graham crackers, or matzos are other great options that won’t create as many gaps as buttery round crackers.
Why is my Christmas cracker candy soft?
The key to successful, crunchy toffee is getting that butter and sugar mixture to the correct temperature. For foolproof candy, using an instant-read or candy thermometer is your best bet to getting the sugar to what is known a the “hard-crack stage,” which is over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t happen to have those nifty tools, make sure the mixture boils for a full 5 minutes to ensure it hardens after being spread over the crackers.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
- Yields:
- 16 - 20 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 15 mins
- Total Time:
- 2 hrs 15 mins
Ingredients
Cooking spray
- 1
sleeve salted Saltine crackers (about 45)
- 1 c.
unsalted butter
- 1 c.
firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp.
vanilla extract
- 2 c.
semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 c.
Nutella
- 1 c.
Christmas sprinkles, red and green M&M's, chopped Christmas candy
- 1/2 c.
toasted slivered almonds
Directions
- Step 1Line a rimmed half sheet pan completely with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Step 2Place the saltine crackers in a single layer over the entire sheet pan, breaking crackers in half as necessary to fit.
- Step 3In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and bring to a boil until it forms an amber caramel and the temperature reaches 300°F, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Immediately pour the mixture over the crackers, spreading into an even layer.
- Step 4Meanwhile, in a microwave safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power until melted and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 15 seconds. Stir in the Nutella. Microwave for 15 seconds more to make a smooth mixture. Pour the chocolate mixture over the toffee crackers, spreading into an even layer.
- Step 5Top with sprinkles, candy, and toasted almonds. Refrigerate the crackers until set, about 2 hours.
- Step 6Carefully remove the foil and break the cracker candy into pieces.
Tip: Who said you could only have this at Christmas? Top the cracker candy with any type of sprinkles or candy to reflect Valentine’s Day, Halloween, or any other time of year!
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Most Popular Easter Candy by State 2024
13 Best Chocolate Bunnies for Any Easter Basket
These Easter Peeps Products Go Way Beyond Candy
Fill Your Baskets With the Best Easter Candy
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below