Saltine cracker toffee, often affectionately known as “Christmas Crack,” is a delightful confection that balances simplicity with irresistible flavor. This recipe, passed down from my grandma, is a testament to the beauty of classic, no-fuss desserts, reminiscent of the resourceful and heartwarming spirit of a pioneer woman. It’s a treat we enjoy year-round, proving that some sweets are timeless, perfect for any occasion, not just the holidays.
My life can get incredibly busy, and sometimes the simplest pleasures, like sharing a cherished family recipe, get put on the back burner. But amidst the chaos of daily life – laundry piles, unexpected fender benders, and the usual family illnesses – I find myself drawn back to the comforting recipes of my past. Recipes like this Saltine Cracker Toffee, a sweet legacy from Grandma Peterson.
Grandma Peterson’s house was always a haven of sweet treats. She had a particular fondness for See’s Candies and Dairy Queen Dilly Bars – the old-fashioned, generously swirled kind, not the mass-produced versions of today. While countless versions of saltine cracker toffee might exist across the internet and in cookbooks, this is Grandma’s version. And trust me, if you’ve never experienced the magic of saltine cracker toffee, you are in for a delightful surprise.
This isn’t your average toffee. The ingenious twist lies in the saltine crackers, providing a unique, savory crunch that elevates the sweetness to a whole new level. It’s incredibly simple, uses minimal ingredients you likely already have, and best of all, you don’t need a candy thermometer to achieve perfect results. It’s straightforward, honest baking, just like you’d expect from a pioneer kitchen.
Saltine crackers lined on baking sheet for toffee
Just arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on your baking sheet. While some recipes call for graham crackers, I find the subtle saltiness of saltines to be the perfect counterpoint to the sweet toffee. You could even experiment with Ritz crackers or pretzels for a slightly different flavor profile.
Brown sugar and butter mixture poured over saltine crackers
The magic happens when you create a luscious brown sugar and butter mixture on the stovetop. Once it reaches a boil and deepens into a rich caramel color, you pour it directly over the crackers. This is how it should look as it bakes in the oven, transforming into that addictive toffee base.
Baked saltine cracker toffee with bubbly caramel
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While semi-sweet chocolate chips are my personal favorite topping, the possibilities are endless. Consider butterscotch chips for a caramel-on-caramel experience, peanut butter chips for a nutty twist, or even dark or white chocolate chips to cater to your chocolate preferences.
Chocolate chips spread over melted toffee
Once the toffee is baked, sprinkle your chocolate chips of choice evenly over the hot surface. Let them sit for a minute or two to soften and melt from the residual heat. Then, using a spatula, gently spread the melted chocolate into a smooth, even layer.
Broken pieces of saltine cracker toffee with sea salt
As it cools, the toffee hardens into a delightful bark-like candy. Break it into rustic pieces – no need for perfection here, just like pioneer cooking! A final sprinkle of sea salt is the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the sweet and salty symphony of flavors.
What exactly is Christmas Crack?
“Christmas Crack” is simply another name for this saltine cracker toffee. The name comes from its incredibly addictive nature – it’s truly hard to stop eating once you start! The saltine cracker base becomes infused with the buttery brown sugar caramel, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture with that signature salty-sweet contrast. Topped with chocolate, it becomes an utterly irresistible indulgence, perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a simple yet satisfying treat. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly modern, much like the enduring appeal of pioneer recipes.
Grandma’s Pioneer Saltine Cracker Toffee Recipe
This recipe is a nod to simple, resourceful baking, reminiscent of pioneer women who created delicious meals with minimal ingredients and maximum heart.
Yields: 24 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Equipment:
- Cookie sheet with at least a 1/2 inch edge or jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Spatula
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Continue boiling for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns a deep caramel color.
- Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the saltine crackers, spreading with a spatula to cover completely.
- Bake in preheated oven for 5-6 minutes. The toffee will become bubbly, and the crackers may appear to float slightly.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
- Spread the melted chocolate smoothly over the toffee with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
- Cool completely at room temperature, or for faster setting, refrigerate for a few minutes.
- Once firm, break the toffee into pieces and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
- Salted vs. Unsalted: This recipe works best with salted butter or salted saltine crackers, but avoid using both to prevent it from becoming too salty. Grandma Peterson often used salted crackers and unsalted butter.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Try chopped nuts, sprinkles, dried cranberries, or different types of chocolate chips.
- Storage: Store saltine cracker toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Source: Grandma Peterson’s Family Recipe, a true pioneer of delicious home baking.
Enjoy this simple yet incredibly satisfying Saltine Cracker Toffee – a taste of tradition and a treat that’s sure to become a family favorite, just like it is in mine. It’s pioneer woman simplicity at its finest, delivering big flavor with minimal fuss.
