If you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert to make this holiday season, then Christmas Crack is the perfect recipe for you. This sweet and salty treat is made with just a few simple ingredients and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
To make Christmas Crack, you’ll need saltine crackers, butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans. The recipe is very easy to follow and can be made in just a few minutes.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and then arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the sheet. In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together until they are combined and smooth. Pour the mixture over the crackers, making sure to cover them completely.
Bake the crackers in the oven for about 5-6 minutes, or until the toffee mixture is bubbly. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the crackers. Let the chocolate chips sit for a few minutes to soften, and then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the crackers.
Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the chocolate and let the Christmas Crack cool completely. Once it has cooled, break the crackers into pieces and serve.
Overall, Christmas Crack is an easy and delicious recipe that is perfect for holiday parties or as a gift for friends and family. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a sweet and salty treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients Required
To make Christmas Crack, you will need a few basic ingredients that are easily available at your local grocery store. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:
- Saltine crackers
- Butter (unsalted or salted)
- Brown sugar
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate)
- Sea salt
- Vanilla extract
You can also add toppings of your choice to make the recipe more festive and delicious. Some popular toppings include chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts), sprinkles, candy canes, coconut, M&Ms, toffee bits, and peanut butter chips.
To make the toffee layer, you will need saltine crackers, butter, and brown sugar. The crackers provide a crunchy base, while the butter and brown sugar combine to create a rich and buttery caramel flavor.
For the chocolate layer, you can use your favorite type of chocolate chips. Semi-sweet, milk, and dark chocolate are all great options. You can also mix and match different types of chocolate for a more complex flavor.
To add a touch of saltiness, sprinkle some sea salt over the chocolate layer. This will balance out the sweetness of the toffee and chocolate layers.
Finally, add a splash of vanilla extract to the toffee layer for a warm and comforting flavor. You can also add other flavorings like peppermint or almond extract if you prefer.
Overall, the ingredients for Christmas Crack are simple and easy to find. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and create a unique holiday treat that everyone will love.
Christmas Crack Recipe Preparation Steps
Making Christmas Crack is easy and quick, taking only 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cook time. Here are the steps to follow:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil. Grease the foil with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared pan, covering as much of the bottom of the pan as possible. Set the pan aside.
- In a pot, melt unsalted butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling for 3 minutes or until the mixture turns a rich golden color.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 5-6 minutes or until the caramel is bubbly.
- Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips over the caramel. Let the chocolate chips sit for a minute or two to melt, then spread them evenly over the caramel with a spatula.
- If you want to add a white chocolate drizzle, melt white chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle it over the semi-sweet chocolate layer. Let the Christmas Crack cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Once the Christmas Crack has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate. Once the chocolate has hardened, remove the aluminum foil from the pan, separating the Christmas Crack from the foil.
- Break the Christmas Crack into bite-sized pieces and serve. Enjoy the sweet and salty, crunchy treat that is sure to be addictive!
Storing the Christmas Crack
Once you have made your delicious Christmas Crack, you may be wondering how to store it properly to ensure its freshness and flavor. Here are some tips on storing your Christmas Crack:
- Store the Christmas Crack in an airtight container: This will help to keep the moisture out and prevent the crackers from getting soggy. You can use a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag.
- Keep the Christmas Crack at room temperature: The Christmas Crack can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to store it in the refrigerator to prevent it from getting sticky.
- Freeze the Christmas Crack for longer storage: If you want to store the Christmas Crack for longer than a week, you can freeze it. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. The Christmas Crack can be frozen for up to three months.
- Thaw the Christmas Crack before serving: If you have frozen your Christmas Crack, be sure to thaw it before serving. You can let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Store the Christmas Crack away from strong odors: The Christmas Crack can absorb strong odors from other foods, so be sure to store it away from strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic.
By following these simple storage tips, you can keep your Christmas Crack fresh and delicious for longer.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to holiday treats, it’s important to indulge in moderation. That’s why it’s helpful to know the nutritional information for Christmas Crack, so you can make informed decisions about how much to enjoy.
One serving of Christmas Crack (about 1 oz or 28 grams) contains approximately:
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 13g
- Protein: 1g
It’s worth noting that these values may vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. For example, if you use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate, the nutritional information will be slightly different.
While Christmas Crack is certainly not a health food, it can be enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation. To keep your intake in check, try measuring out a portion ahead of time instead of mindlessly snacking on it straight from the container.
Remember, the key to a healthy and happy holiday season is balance. Enjoy your favorite treats, but also make sure to incorporate plenty of nutritious foods and physical activity into your routine.
Variations of Christmas Crack
If you’re looking to mix up your Christmas Crack recipe this year, try one of these variations. They all start with the classic base of crackers, toffee, and chocolate, but add in some fun and festive twists.
Sweet Variations
For those with a sweet tooth, try adding in some candy or sprinkles to your Christmas Crack. Here are a few ideas:
- Crushed candy canes: Add a festive touch to your Christmas Crack by sprinkling crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate layer.
- M&Ms: Mix in some colorful M&Ms to add a pop of color and extra sweetness.
- Sprinkles: Use red and green sprinkles to give your Christmas Crack a fun and festive look.
Festive Variations
Want to make your Christmas Crack even more festive? Try these variations:
- Holiday spices: Add some cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the toffee mixture for a warm and cozy flavor.
- Cranberries: Mix in some dried cranberries for a tart and festive twist.
- White chocolate: Use white chocolate instead of milk or dark chocolate for a snowy look.
Aluminum Variations
If you’re looking to make your Christmas Crack a little more eco-friendly, try these variations that don’t require aluminum foil:
- Silicone mat: Use a silicone mat instead of aluminum foil to line your baking sheet.
- Parchment paper: Use parchment paper instead of aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
- Non-stick spray: Skip the lining altogether and use a non-stick spray on your baking sheet.
Addicting Variations
Warning: these variations may make your Christmas Crack even more addicting!
- Peanut butter: Mix in some peanut butter with the toffee mixture for a nutty and creamy flavor.
- Pretzels: Add some crushed pretzels to the top of your Christmas Crack for a salty and crunchy twist.
- Caramel: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top of the chocolate layer for an extra gooey and delicious treat.
Try one (or all!) of these variations to make your Christmas Crack recipe your own. Happy baking!
Christmas Crack Making Video
If you’re new to making Christmas Crack, or just want to see how it’s done, there are plenty of helpful videos available online. Watching a video can give you a better idea of what the process looks like from start to finish, and can also help you pick up on any tips or tricks you might not have known about otherwise.
When searching for a Christmas Crack making video, be sure to look for one that matches the recipe you plan to use. While the basic process is the same across most recipes, there may be slight variations in ingredient amounts or cooking times that could affect your outcome.
Once you’ve found a video that matches your recipe, take the time to watch it all the way through before you start cooking. This will help you get a sense of the timing involved, as well as any key steps or techniques you’ll need to be aware of.
As you watch the video, take note of any tools or equipment that are being used, such as a candy thermometer or silicone baking mat. If you don’t have all the necessary tools on hand, you may need to make a quick trip to the store before you get started.
Finally, don’t be afraid to pause the video or rewind if you need to double-check something. Making Christmas Crack can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to candy-making, so take your time and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be making delicious Christmas Crack in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients in Christmas crack?
The main ingredients in Christmas crack are saltine crackers, butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and pecans. Some variations may include additional ingredients like toffee bits, sprinkles, or sea salt.
How do I make Christmas crack without chocolate?
If you want to make Christmas crack without chocolate, simply omit the chocolate chips and follow the recipe as usual. You can also experiment with other toppings like white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or caramel drizzle.
Can I make Christmas crack in a crockpot?
While it is possible to make Christmas crack in a crockpot, it is not recommended as the mixture may not cook evenly and can result in a chewy texture. It is best to stick with the stovetop method for this recipe.
What is the difference between Christmas crack and toffee?
The main difference between Christmas crack and toffee is the base ingredient. Toffee is made with a layer of caramelized sugar and butter, while Christmas crack uses saltine crackers as a base. Additionally, Christmas crack is often topped with chocolate and nuts, while toffee is typically just coated in chocolate and nuts.
Why did my Christmas crack turn out chewy?
If your Christmas crack turned out chewy, it may be due to overcooking the caramel mixture or not spreading it evenly over the crackers. To avoid a chewy texture, be sure to cook the caramel mixture until it reaches a hard crack stage and spread it evenly over the crackers before baking.
Do I need to refrigerate Christmas crack?
No, you do not need to refrigerate Christmas crack. Simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warm or humid climate, you may want to store it in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting.
