If you’re looking for a festive, easy-to-make treat that everyone will love, Christmas Cracker Candy is the answer. This sweet and salty candy, made with a layer of buttery caramel, crisp saltine crackers, and rich melted chocolate, is a holiday favorite. Perfect for gifting or serving at your holiday parties, this cracker candy is both simple to make and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Salty Perfection: The combination of salty crackers, sweet caramel, and smooth chocolate makes this candy highly addictive.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Gifting: This candy stores well and is great for packaging in festive tins or bags for holiday gifts.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Christmas Cracker Candy is for anyone who loves a simple, yet delicious holiday treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. It’s ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 28 to 35 saltine crackers (about one sleeve, enough to line your tray)
- 1 cup (220 g) packed dark brown sugar
- 1 cup (225 g or 2 sticks) unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (10 to 12 ounces) good-quality semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 10×15-inch baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave or double boiler for melting chocolate
- Large knife for cutting candy
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tray
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil extends up the sides to create a rim that prevents caramel from spilling. Arrange 28 to 35 saltine crackers side by side on the tray to cover it completely.
2. Make the Caramel
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of packed dark brown sugar, 1 cup of unsalted butter, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Melt the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once melted, bring the mixture to a boil and continue to cook, stirring, for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is fully caramelized and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Pour the Caramel over the Crackers
Immediately pour the hot caramel over the saltine crackers, using a spatula to spread the caramel evenly across the crackers, making sure they are all covered.
4. Bake the Crackers
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. The caramel will bubble and thicken further as it bakes.
5. Melt the Chocolate
While the crackers are baking, melt 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate. You can melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, or use a double boiler to melt it gently over simmering water.
6. Add the Chocolate
Once the crackers and caramel have baked, remove the tray from the oven and let it sit for 1 minute until the bubbling subsides. Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the caramel layer and spread it evenly with a spatula.
7. Cool and Cut
Allow the cracker candy to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set.
Once cooled, peel the foil off the candy and use a large knife to cut it into squares or break it into pieces.
8. Serve and Store
Serve immediately or store the candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 1 week—if it lasts that long!
Tips and Tricks
- Use Good-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate that melts smoothly.
- Customize Your Candy: Add toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt before the chocolate sets for a fun twist.
- Cut While Cold: Chilling the candy before cutting ensures cleaner, neater portions.
