A Brief History of Christmas Crack
Christmas Crack, also known as Saltine Toffee Bark, first appeared in American kitchens in the 1960s. It became popular as a quick and inexpensive holiday treat that combined salty crackers, buttery toffee, and melted chocolate. The playful name “Christmas Crack” comes from both the “crack” sound when it’s broken apart and its irresistible, addictive flavor. Over the years, it’s become a cherished Christmas tradition, passed down through generations for cookie exchanges and festive dessert platters.
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Christmas Crack (Saltine Toffee Bark) – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes + 30 minutes cooling
- Yield: About 24 pieces 1x
Description
This Christmas Crack is an irresistible holiday treat — buttery, crunchy, and delightfully sweet! Perfect for winter gatherings, cookie swaps, or gifting, this easy recipe layers crisp saltine crackers, rich caramel toffee, and smooth chocolate for the ultimate Christmas indulgence. The festive sprinkles on top add a merry touch, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert that everyone will love this season!
Ingredients
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1 sleeve (about 40) saltine crackers
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1 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Holiday sprinkles for topping
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
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Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
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In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Immediately pour the toffee mixture evenly over crackers.
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Bake for 5 minutes until bubbling. Remove and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
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Let sit for 2 minutes, then spread melted chocolate evenly.
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Add festive sprinkles while warm.
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Cool completely, then break into pieces.
Notes
Substitute graham crackers or matzo for saltines if desired.
Add chopped nuts, sea salt, or white chocolate drizzle for extra flavor.
🎄 FAQ
1. Why did my toffee turn grainy?
Grainy toffee happens if the sugar crystallizes. To prevent this, avoid stirring once the mixture starts boiling and make sure the butter and sugar are fully melted before boiling.
2. Can I use other types of crackers?
Yes! Graham crackers or Club crackers work well. Saltines add the perfect salty balance, but you can experiment with your favorite varieties.
3. How do I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips — the texture and flavor stay amazing!
