Description
Irresistible Christmas crack blends sweet and salty flavors in a quick, addictive holiday treat. Crisp saltine crackers become a magical dessert base that chocolate and caramel elevate to festive perfection you cannot stop eating.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 40 saltine crackers
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
Chocolate and Topping:
- 2 cups (350 g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking surface by lining a rectangular pan with aluminum foil, ensuring complete coverage and lightly greasing to prevent sticking. The foil should extend slightly over the edges for easy removal.
- Create a uniform base layer by meticulously arranging saltine crackers edge to edge across the entire prepared surface, filling every possible space without overlapping.
- Craft a rich caramel sauce by combining butter and brown sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring consistently until it transforms into a glossy, amber-colored liquid with a smooth consistency.
- Gently cascade the molten caramel across the cracker foundation, using a flexible spatula to distribute the mixture evenly and guarantee complete cracker coverage.
- Transfer the pan to a preheated oven, allowing the caramel to intensify and bubble for approximately 5 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent burning while enabling the caramel to slightly darken and develop deeper flavor notes.
- Extract the pan and immediately disperse chocolate chips across the hot caramel surface. Allow the residual heat to soften the chocolate, then smoothly spread into a uniform chocolate layer using gentle, sweeping motions.
- While the chocolate remains pliant, embellish the surface with optional toppings like chopped nuts, festive sprinkles, or crushed candy canes for visual appeal and textural contrast.
- Rapidly chill the decorated treat in the refrigerator or freezer until completely solidified, which typically requires 60-90 minutes depending on temperature.
- Once thoroughly set, fracture the confection into irregular, rustic pieces using gentle hand pressure. Store the delectable shards in an airtight container, maintaining freshness at cool room temperature or refrigerated.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality butter for the richest caramel flavor that coats the crackers perfectly.
- Stir the caramel mixture continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even texture.
- Test chocolate melting by using a gentle spatula press – if it spreads easily, it’s ready for spreading.
- Customize toppings with festive sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or toasted coconut for extra crunch and holiday flair.
- Choose salted crackers for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast that elevates the entire dessert.
- Keep a close eye during baking to prevent caramel from burning, as it can quickly turn from golden to scorched.
- Store in a cool, dry place to maintain the crisp texture and prevent chocolate from melting.
- Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 217
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg