The Best Cracker Candy Recipe

If you’re looking for an addictive and easy-to-make treat, Cracker Candy is the perfect choice. With its irresistible combination of crunchy saltine crackers, buttery toffee, and melted chocolate, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s quick, simple, and only requires a few basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Ideal for gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this sweet and salty delight is as fun to make as it is to eat!

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice looking for a no-fail dessert, this recipe has everything you need. Let’s get started with the ingredients, tips, and step-by-step instructions for making The Best Cracker Candy.

Ingredients for Cracker Candy

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to whip up a batch of Crack. All of these can easily be found in your pantry or local grocery store, making it a convenient choice for spontaneous holiday treats.

• 40 saltine crackers (1 package)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams)
• 1 cup brown sugar (200 grams)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
• 2 cups chocolate chips (about 1 package or 340 grams)

Ingredient Breakdown

• Saltine Crackers: These provide the base layer of the candy and offer a crunchy contrast to the sweet toppings. Feel free to use other plain crackers like graham crackers for a slightly different texture.
• Unsalted Butter: This is the key to creating that rich, caramel-like toffee. Make sure the butter is unsalted to avoid overpowering the dish with salt.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar pairs perfectly with butter to create a deep, molasses-flavored toffee.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the toffee.
• Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips based on your preference.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, ensuring that the foil covers the sides as well. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray—this is crucial for easy removal later.

Tip: For a quicker cleanup, use parchment paper under the foil. It will prevent sticking and make it easier to lift the candy out once it’s chilled.

2. Laying the Crackers

Place the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Break some in half if needed to ensure the entire surface is covered. This forms the crispy base of your candy.

3. Making the Toffee

Melt the butter in a small pot over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and stir until combined. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for exactly 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from burning. The toffee mixture should be thick, bubbly, and fully dissolved by the end of this step.

Tip: Timing is essential when making toffee. Setting a timer for 3 minutes ensures that the caramel reaches the perfect consistency. Undercooking will result in a softer texture, while overcooking may lead to a bitter taste.

4. Pouring the Toffee Over the Crackers

Remove the toffee mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Immediately pour the caramel over the crackers, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface. Be sure to cover each cracker with a generous layer of the toffee.

5. Baking the Cracker Candy

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it—once the toffee is bubbly and golden, it’s ready to come out of the oven. Let the crackers cool for 1-2 minutes before moving on to the next step.

6. Melting and Spreading the Chocolate

Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel-coated crackers. Place the baking sheet back into the warm (but turned off) oven for about 30-60 seconds, just enough to melt the chocolate chips.

Once the chocolate is melted, remove the tray from the oven and use a spatula to spread the chocolate smoothly over the entire surface of the crackers, making sure to cover the edges.

7. Cooling and Chilling

Allow the cracker candy to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes. After it has cooled, transfer the baking sheet to the fridge to chill for 3-4 hours. This will help the chocolate and toffee harden, making it easier to slice or break into pieces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cracker Candy

• Burnt Toffee: Toffee can burn quickly if it’s not watched carefully during the cooking process. Always set a timer for exactly 3 minutes once the mixture starts to boil.
• Uneven Chocolate: If you don’t spread the chocolate quickly, it may harden before you get the chance to create an even layer. Work fast once the chocolate has melted.
• Sticky Foil: Spraying the foil with non-stick cooking spray is a crucial step. Skipping this may result in the candy sticking to the foil, making it difficult to remove.

Storage Tips for Cracker Candy

Cracker candy can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just be sure to place parchment paper between layers of the candy to prevent sticking.

Tip: If you live in a humid climate, keeping the candy in the fridge is the best option to maintain its crunch.

Creative Variations on Crack

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Add Toppings: After spreading the chocolate, sprinkle on chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, or festive holiday sprinkles for an extra touch of flavor and color.
• Use Different Chocolate: Try dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter option. You can even swirl two types of chocolate together for a marbled effect.
• Change the Base: While saltine crackers are traditional, feel free to swap them out for graham crackers, Ritz crackers, or even matzo for different textures and flavors.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Cracker Candy

For the holidays, consider serving cracker candy on a decorative platter, lined with festive parchment paper. Break the candy into rustic, irregular pieces for a casual look, or slice it into neat squares for a more polished presentation.

Tip: Crack makes for a fantastic homemade gift! Pack pieces in cellophane bags tied with holiday ribbon, or place them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful, delicious present.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Small saucepan
• Spatula
• Knife for cutting

FAQs

Why is my caramel grainy?
Grainy caramel can result from undissolved sugar crystals. Stir the mixture well and ensure the sugar has fully dissolved before removing it from the heat.

Can I use other types of crackers?
Yes, you can use graham crackers or Ritz crackers for a slightly different texture and taste. Each variation will bring a unique flavor to your candy.

Conclusion

Cracker Candy is the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy, making it an irresistible treat during the holiday season. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, as a gift, or just to enjoy at home, this simple recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward process, even beginner cooks can create a festive dessert that everyone will love.

Once you’ve made this delicious treat, don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Feel free to share this recipe with others and subscribe to the blog for more holiday inspiration and quick, tasty recipes.

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