Get ready to indulge in a holiday treat that’s both irresistible and addictive – Christmas Crack Candy! This delightful confection combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making it a favorite among friends and family during the festive season.
Christmas Crack Candy
Ingredients:
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1-2 cups of chocolate chips
- M&M’s (optional)
- Almond bark, melted (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the sheet.
- Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a caramel consistency. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour Caramel Over Crackers: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the saltine crackers, spreading it out with a spatula to cover them completely.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and beginning to darken.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel-covered crackers. Allow the chocolate chips to melt for a minute or two.
- Spread Chocolate: Once the chocolate chips have softened, use a spatula to spread them evenly over the caramel layer, creating a smooth chocolate coating.
- Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle M&M’s or any other toppings of your choice over the melted chocolate layer.
- Chill: Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate has hardened.
- Break into Pieces: Once the candy has cooled and hardened, break it into pieces or cut it into squares.
- Optional Drizzle: If using almond bark, melt it according to package instructions and drizzle it over the cooled candy for added flavor and decoration.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Christmas Crack Candy as a delicious holiday treat! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
This sweet and salty Christmas Crack Candy is sure to be a hit with family and friends during the holiday season
Best Tips to Make Christmas Crack Candy
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips to ensure the best flavor and texture for your Christmas Crack Candy.
- Prep Your Pan Properly: Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent the candy from sticking. This makes cleanup easier and ensures the candy can be easily removed from the pan once cooled.
- Evenly Space Saltine Crackers: Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced and cover the entire surface. This ensures each piece of candy has a consistent amount of cracker base.
- Monitor Caramel Consistency: Keep a close eye on the butter and brown sugar mixture as it melts. Stir constantly to prevent burning, and cook until it reaches a rich caramel consistency. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes over medium heat.
- Quickly Add Chocolate Chips: As soon as the caramel-coated crackers come out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot surface. The residual heat will help melt the chocolate, creating a smooth and even layer.
- Spread Chocolate Evenly: Use a spatula to gently spread the melted chocolate chips evenly over the caramel-coated crackers. This ensures that every bite of the candy has a balanced amount of chocolate.
- Customize with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Sprinkle M&M’s, chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, or other festive toppings over the melted chocolate layer before chilling for added flavor and decoration.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the Christmas Crack Candy to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate has completely hardened. This ensures that the candy sets properly and maintains its shape when broken into pieces.
- Break with Care: Once the candy has cooled and hardened, use a sharp knife or your hands to break it into pieces or cut it into squares. Take care to break it along the natural lines of the saltine crackers for neat and uniform pieces.
- Store Properly: Store any leftover Christmas Crack Candy in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It can be enjoyed for several days, making it a perfect make-ahead holiday treat
FAQ: Christmas Crack Candy
Q: Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter? A: Yes, you can use unsalted butter if you prefer. The saltiness of the crackers provides enough saltiness to balance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
Q: Can I use a different type of cracker? A: While saltine crackers are traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with different types of crackers for variation. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
Q: How long does it take for the caramel to reach the right consistency? A: The caramel mixture usually takes about 3-5 minutes to reach a caramel consistency over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even melting.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips? A: Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Dark chocolate chips can also be used for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Q: How can I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting? A: Make sure to melt the chocolate chips slowly over low heat or using a double boiler, stirring constantly until smooth. Avoid overheating or adding moisture to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
Q: Can I skip the optional toppings? A: Absolutely! The M&M’s and almond bark are optional and can be omitted if desired. Feel free to customize the candy with your favorite toppings or leave it plain.
Q: How do I know when the candy is fully chilled and ready to be served? A: The chocolate should be firm to the touch and no longer soft or tacky. It typically takes 1-2 hours in the refrigerator for the candy to fully chill and harden.
Q: Can I make this candy ahead of time? A: Yes, Christmas Crack Candy can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for holiday gift-giving or party preparation.
Q: How long does Christmas Crack Candy stay fresh? A: When stored properly in an airtight container, Christmas Crack Candy can stay fresh for several days at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Enjoy it within a week for the best taste and texture.
Q: Can I freeze Christmas Crack Candy? A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, Christmas Crack Candy can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.
Enjoy making and sharing your Christmas Crack Candy with your loved ones during the holiday season! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask
