Craving a festive treat that’s both sweet and salty? This easy 5-ingredient saltine cracker toffee recipe delivers rich, buttery, cracker-filled toffee with a smooth chocolate topping and a satisfying crunch.
This saltine cracker toffee is the ultimate solution for your sweet-and-salty cravings. Also known as “Christmas Crack,” it’s a holiday staple you’ll want right next to your favorite Cutout Sugar Cookies. The magic lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures: salty crackers, a rich layer of buttery toffee loaded with crisp, a layer of smooth, decadent chocolate and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Every bite is an irresistible explosion of flavor.
I love that you only need a few pantry staples and a handful of simple steps, too. No candy thermometer, no complicated techniques—just pure, straightforward deliciousness. It’s the perfect treat for beginner bakers and a quick favorite for seasoned pros. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, making it ideal for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or simply satisfying a sudden craving.
Saltine Cracker Toffee That Hits Every Sweet-Salty Craving
Scrambling for last-minute holiday dessert ideas? This easy toffee recipe is for you. Here’s why:
- Sweet and salty perfection. The combination of buttery toffee, salty crackers, and rich chocolate creates a flavor balance that’s irresistible and satisfies every craving.
- Easy to make. With just a few simple steps and everyday ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers. No candy thermometer required!
- Versatile for any occasion. Don’t have pecans? Use any nut you like! Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for white or dark chocolate, or top with candy canes for a festive twist. See the section below titled “Tips and Variation Ideas” for more.
Recipe Ingredients
With just 5 ingredients (plus sea salt, if you want it), this recipe is SO low-maintenance. Here’s a shopping list for you. For precise measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Salted saltine crackers – Their simple flavor works best, but Ritz crackers would also work in a pinch.
- Butter – Unsalted or unsalted should be fine, depending on how much saltiness you want.
- Light brown sugar – Packed into the measuring cup so you get the proper amount. Stick with light brown sugar. I tested dark brown sugar and, while it does give a deeper flavor, it ends up more grainy.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – If you prefer dark or milk chocolate chips, that’s fine. White chocolate chips would also work.
- Chopped pecans – Any nut will do!
- Flakey sea salt – To sprinkle on top. The sea salt is optional, but it’s a great complement to the saltines.
How to Make Saltine Cracker Toffee
This recipe requires less than 15 minutes of active time in the kitchen. Here’s a quick look at how it’s done (see the recipe card below for more detailed instructions):
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a 10×15 cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
Lay crackers in an even layer to cover the pan.
Melt the butter and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 3 minutes.
Pour the mixture over the crackers and spread into an even layer.
Bake for 5-6 minutes.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the toffee, let it sit for 5 minutes, and spread the melted chocolate over the top.
Sprinkle chopped pecans and flaky sea salt over the top. Cool completely before breaking or cutting into pieces.
Tips and Variation Ideas
Want to knock this recipe out of the park? Follow these tips and tricks. I threw in a few fun variations too:
- Hands off. As the butter/sugar mixture boils, don’t stir it. Stirring the mixture can cause the sugar to crystallize, resulting in a grainy toffee instead of a smooth one.
- Work quickly. The toffee will start to thicken/harden as soon as you take it off the heat, so pour it over the crackers right away so it doesn’t get too goopy.
- Maintain an even layer. The crackers may float around a bit when you add the toffee. That’s fine, just try to keep them in an even layer.
- Cooling is critical. Let the toffee cool completely before breaking it into pieces to ensure the proper texture. This can take 2 hours or more. Skimp on this time and you’ll find yourself with a sticky mess.
- Peppermint crunch. Want something a little different? Swap the pecans for crushed candy canes during the holidays.
- White chocolate cranberry. Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, and top with dried cranberries and chopped pistachios. The red and green is fun for the holidays.
How to Store
- Countertop/refrigerator. Seal the fully cooled toffee in an airtight container. It’ll keep at room temperature for up to one week or in the fridge for up to one month.
- Freezer. You can also freeze saltine cracker toffee. Once fully cooled, seal it in an airtight freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
More Christmas Candy Recipes
Saltine Cracker Toffee Candy
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ sleeves salted saltine crackers (45-50 crackers)
- 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (224g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups (338g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (56g) chopped pecans
- Flakey sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a 10×15 cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
- Lay crackers out into an even layer, covering the whole pan. It’s ok if there’s some space between the crackers.
- Combine the butter and brown sugar in a saucepan and heat over medium heat, allowing butter to melt. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to boil for 3 minutes. Do not stir.
- Immediately pour the mixture over the crackers. Some may float to the top, just keep them in an even layer. Spread into an even layer and fully cover the crackers.
- Bake in the oven for 5-6 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes for the chocolate to melt, then spread evenly over the crackers.
- Sprinkle some chopped pecans on top, then allow to cool completely.
- Break or cut toffee into pieces and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
