Christmas Cracker Candy is the quintessential holiday treat that combines the delightful crunch of saltine crackers with rich caramel and smooth chocolate. This recipe is straightforward and yields an irresistible sweet and salty confection that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a charming gift. With layers of flavor and texture, it’s no wonder this candy is a favorite during the festive season.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cracker Candy
This Christmas Cracker Candy is not just easy to prepare; it delivers a delightful combination of flavors that will make everyone smile. Here are a few reasons to love it:
- It’s a quick recipe that takes just a few minutes to prepare.
- Perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later enjoyment.
- Versatile: You can customize it with different toppings and flavors!
- Ideal for sharing at holiday parties or as gifts for friends and family.
- Kids love making it, making it a fun family activity.
- It fits into the category of festive cracker treats that everyone enjoys.
- As a holiday cracker candy, it’s a classic choice for any festive occasion.
- It aligns with the American cuisine and is vegetarian-friendly.
Ingredients for Christmas Cracker Candy
Gather these items:
- 28 to 35 saltine crackers (about one sleeve, enough to line your baking tray)
- 1 cup (220g) firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 cup (225g or 2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (10 to 12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
How to Make Christmas Cracker Candy Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick aluminum foil or heavy-duty foil coated lightly with nonstick spray. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer across the bottom of the pan, ensuring full coverage.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and salt. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the butter is fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth. Continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil and darkens slightly in color. Do not allow it to boil for more than 30 seconds. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Carefully pour the hot brown sugar mixture over the saltine crackers, spreading it evenly with a heatproof spatula to ensure complete coverage.
- Step 4: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling vigorously across the surface. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 1 minute, until the bubbling subsides.
- Step 5: Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth (approximately 1½ minutes total).
- Step 6: Pour the melted chocolate over the slightly cooled caramel-covered crackers. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the chocolate evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Step 7: Allow the pan to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the chocolate and caramel to fully set.
- Step 8: Once chilled, lift the candy sheet from the pan and peel away the foil. Break or cut into irregular pieces using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze between layers of parchment paper for up to two months.
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cracker Candy
Keep these in mind:
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Can be frozen for longer preservation.
- For added flavor, try using different types of chocolate or sprinkle some sea salt on top before refrigerating.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cracker Candy
Here are some delightful serving ideas:
- Serve as a sweet snack during holiday gatherings.
- Package in decorative bags for creative Christmas cracker gifts.
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cracker Candy
For best results, store the candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze it between layers of parchment paper for up to two months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before serving, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cracker Candy
What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Cracker Candy?
The secret lies in not overcooking the caramel. Monitor it closely to achieve the perfect bubbly texture without burning. This will ensure that your Christmas treats have the ideal consistency.
Can I make Christmas Cracker Candy ahead of time?
Absolutely! This candy can be made a few days in advance. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container to keep it fresh for your holiday festivities.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Cracker Candy?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your oven is preheated and watch the caramel closely to prevent overcooking. Using quality chocolate will also enhance the overall flavor of your seasonal cracker confections.
Variations of Christmas Cracker Candy You Can Try
Get creative with these variations:
- Add crushed peppermint for a festive twist.
- Incorporate nuts or dried fruits into the chocolate topping.
- Experiment with different chocolate types, like dark or white chocolate.
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes section for inspiration!
Looking for more festive ideas? Try our Christmas cookie bars or Christmas bark recipe for delightful holiday treats!
Print
Christmas Cracker Candy: 7 Irresistible Sweet Treats
- Total Time: 505 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Cracker Candy Recipe combines saltine crackers, rich caramel, and melted chocolate for a perfectly sweet and salty holiday treat that’s simple yet irresistible.
Ingredients
- 28 to 35 saltine crackers (about one sleeve, enough to line your baking tray)
- 1 cup (220g) firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 cup (225g or 2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (10 to 12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick aluminum foil or heavy-duty foil coated lightly with nonstick spray. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer across the bottom of the pan, ensuring full coverage.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and salt. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the butter is fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth. Continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil and darkens slightly in color. Do not allow it to boil for more than 30 seconds. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract.
- Carefully pour the hot brown sugar mixture over the saltine crackers, spreading it evenly with a heatproof spatula to ensure complete coverage.
- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling vigorously across the surface. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 1 minute, until the bubbling subsides.
- Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth (approximately 1½ minutes total).
- Pour the melted chocolate over the slightly cooled caramel-covered crackers. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the chocolate evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Allow the pan to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the chocolate and caramel to fully set.
- Once chilled, lift the candy sheet from the pan and peel away the foil. Break or cut into irregular pieces using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze between layers of parchment paper for up to two months.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Can be frozen for longer preservation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
