This Christmas Crack Candy is the perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch. The perfect sweet treat for the holiday season.
If you have a big sweet tooth then you are going to love my Christmas crack candy. So easy to make and ideal for you to enjoy yourself or even add to mason jars as DIY gifts for friends and family. The crunchy candy has the ideal balance of saltiness from the crackers and sweetness from the homemade caramel and melted chocolate. Adding sprinkles and M&Ms finishes it off perfectly.
This recipe is so easy to make. Prepping can be done in less than half an hour, and the only thing you have to do is give it time to bake and then refrigerate so that you get that satisfying crack to form pieces. Yum! A great recipe to make at Christmas with the kids but you could ideally make this all year round using different colored candies and sprinkles. It lasts for two weeks when stored correctly, more on that later, but it doesn’t last a day in our home. You have to try it!
It’s one of those dessert recipes that have me begging for the holidays to get here sooner.
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What is Christmas Crack Candy?
“You know, it’s not called Saltine Crack for nothing!” They are addicting. So sweet with a little salt and crunch. The perfect combination. I love adding the Red and Green M&M’s on top and some sprinkles just to give it some Christmas Cheer.
You could actually make this year-round and just change up what’s on top. Even just changing the color of sprinkles on top can get you into a different holiday season.
When making this dessert recipe I would just like to advise you not to skimp on the butter. You need the whole 2 sticks to get the crackers covered. Also, do not layer your crackers or they probably won’t have enough caramel on them.
They really need to soak in the mixture which works best with a single layer of saltines. With that said, on with the Christmas crack recipe.
Why you will like this recipe
- Super easy to make – In just a few short steps you will have delicious candy to enjoy.
- Kid-friendly – Not only will the kids love eating this but they can get involved in making some themselves.
- Delicious flavors – That sweet and salty combination is addictive. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Ingredients
- Butter and Brown sugar – Combined together this is going to make an epic homemade caramel sauce. Yum!
- Saltines – provides a crispy, crunchy, mild-flavored base for the caramel and chocolate. The salty flavor helps to cut the sweetness from the sugar.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Use whatever chocolate you have on hand. I like to use semi-sweet chocolate so it isn’t overly sweet but you could use any chocolate that melts. You can use minis or regular size.
- Sprinkles and M&M’s – These are the chosen toppings. You can use whatever you like.
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and then pre-heat the oven to 325°.
- Line 9×13 jelly roll pan with aluminum foil. Spray foil with cooking spray and then line the pan with saltine crackers, not overlapping.
- Place butter and sugar in a medium-sized saucepan over low medium/low heat. Stir until butter is melted. Once butter is melted, bring to a boil for exactly 3 minutes. Stir constantly.
- When it has been bubbling for 3 minutes, pour evenly over crackers. Spread mixture with a knife. Try to move fast during this part so the toffee doesn’t harden.
- Place pan in oven and bake for 7-8 minutes. The mixture will spread evenly over the crackers as it bakes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and then sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the toffee while it’s still hot. Let the chocolate chips melt for a few minutes and then spread them all over the toffee with a spatula. Sprinkle M&M’s and sprinkles on top and then place in the fridge for 30 minutes. Once the chocolate has hardened break pieces off the foil. Serve up as a sweet treat at your next party or enjoy with a hot beverage. Yum!
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Items to help you make your Christmas Crack Saltines with M&M’s.
FAQs
Absolutely! Saltines are great because you have that balance of buttery and salty flavor, but you can use whatever you like. Whether sweet or salty, most crackers will work for this recipe. Experiment and see what you can create.
There are a couple of reasons why your candy might be chewy. It may be you haven’t cooked your butter or sugar long enough for it to form a caramel consistency, which means it won’t harden as it should.
You might also not have left it in the refrigerator long enough to set. If you notice it is chewy leave it to cool for as long as possible.
If you notice that your chocolate and caramel layers are separating then it may be because you have allowed the caramel to cool too much when you have taken it out of the oven. The trick is to add the chocolate chips when it is piping hot.
If you notice that the chocolate isn’t melting as it should or the layers are separating put the pan back in the oven. After a few minutes, the chocolate will have melted and you can then spread it out ready to set in the refrigerator.
Substitutions and Variations
- Crushed nuts are also a good option to add on top of the caramel and chocolate. Add walnuts or almonds when you add your chocolate chips.
- You don’t need to add chocolate on top of the toffee if you don’t want to. Peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips would work well.
- Use any chocolate that you like. I used semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe, but you could use white, milk, or even dark chocolate.
- I used M&Ms and sprinkles on top of my Christmas candy but you can add whatever you like. Themed holiday sprinkles or different colored candies make this candy something you can make all year round.
- You can add Sea Salt on top for a nice presentation instead of sprinkles.
Expert Tips
- You don’t want your saltine crackers to overlap but when you do lay them out try and ensure they are touching. This will stop the caramel layer from seeping through, which will make it hard to remove from the pan when it is set.
- Make sure you give the candy time to set in the refrigerator before serving. This helps to harden the candy and enables it to be broken off into pieces.
- Keep stirring your butter and sugar mixture as this helps to make the caramel smooth and stops it from burning.
Storage Tips
This Christmas crack candy needs to be stored in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you keep it in the fridge be mindful it will be hard.
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Recipe
Christmas Crack Candy with M&Ms
Ingredients
- 2 sticks salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar Firmly packed
- 1 sleeve saltines about 40
- 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
- Sprinkles and M & M’s
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 325°.
- Line 9×13 jelly roll pan with aluminum foil. Spray foil with cooking spray and then line pan with saltine crackers, not overlapping.
- Place butter and sugar in a medium sized saucepan over low medium/low heat. Stir until butter is melted. Once butter is melted, bring to a boil for exactly 3 minutes. Stir constantly.
- When it has been bubbling for 3 minutes, pour evenly over crackers. Spread mixture with a knife. Try to move fast during this part so the toffee doesn’t harden.
- Place pan in oven and bake for 7-8 minutes. The mixture will spread evenly over the crackers as it bakes.
- Remove pan from oven and then sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the toffee while it’s still hot. Let the chocolate chips melt for a few minutes and then spread all over the toffee with a spatula. Sprinkle M&M’s and sprinkles on top and then place in the fridge for 30 minutes. Once the chocolate has hardened break pieces off the foil and store for up to two weeks in a container or Eat ASAP.
Notes
- You don’t want your saltine crackers to overlap but when you do lay them out try and ensure they are touching. This will stop the caramel layer from seeping through, which will make it hard to remove from the pan when it is set.
- Make sure you give the candy time to set in the refrigerator before serving. This helps to harden the candy and enables it to be broken off into pieces.
- Keep stirring your butter and sugar mixture as this helps to make the caramel smooth and stops it from burning.
- Use your favorite small candies on top of the toffee. Crushed nuts are also a good option!
Theresa @DearCreatives says
I’ve seen this around too but, never have made it yet. I love sweet salty combos. Wow, that’s a lot of butter! But, isn’t everything better with butter? lol
Candi Elm says
They are crazy good and easy to make.
Carolann says
well this looks so yummy! I will have to give it a try!
Candi Elm says
Thanks for stopping by you have to try them.
Mitzi says
I love a sweet and salty snack– sounds like a great choice for our upcoming Christmas game night!
Candi Elm says
Yes they will be a bit hit at your game night.
Steph says
The name says it all! I’ll have to try adding M&Ms the next time I make this!
Candi Elm says
The M & Ms make it really pretty. But they are good regardless.
Heather says
Looks so good! I wonder I could make this fly for my cookie party.
Candi Elm says
I am sure they would be great, No one will complain.
Clare says
Oh my that looks dangerous – is it possible to not eat it all in one sitting?
Candi Elm says
No I think you have to eat the whole batch.
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
Wowza! And, I could make this gluten free by using the Blue Diamond Almond Nut crackers!
Candi Elm says
Great Idea Barbara, I will have to try that too.
Christina @ It Is a Keeper says
I love this stuff! I’ll bet it’s even better with M&Ms! I can’t wait to make it!
Megan says
I guess I know what I will be making later!
Heather M says
Yum! I hadn’t heard of Christmas Crack until this year.
Sharon Rowe says
I am popping over from How To Get Organized At Home, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this recipe, this looks awesome, I am so making this over the holidays. Thanks again for sharing.
sahana says
Yum!Thank you for linking up at Bloggers Brags pinterest party.I have pinned to bloggers brags pinterest board. We would love to see you again tomorrow.
Chris says
Easy recipe and very tasty. I use small pretzels instead of crackers.