Christmas Crack is the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat that’s impossible to resist. With its buttery toffee base, crunchy crackers, and a generous layer of melted chocolate, every bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes, this no-fuss recipe delivers a decadent dessert that feels indulgent yet effortless to make.
The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and a hint of sea salt creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or need a quick gift idea, this addictive treat is guaranteed to impress. Plus, its irresistible aroma and golden, crackly appearance make it as delightful to look at as it is to eat!
What You’ll Need
- For the base:
- ▢ 30-35 saltine crackers (use a single layer to cover the baking sheet)
- ▢ 1 cup muscovado or dark brown sugar (light brown sugar works as a substitute)
- ▢ 1 cup unsalted butter (softened for easier melting)
- ▢ 1 good pinch of salt (enhances the sweet and salty contrast)
- ▢ 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (use pure vanilla for the best flavor)
- For the topping:
- ▢ 10 oz. quality dark chocolate, chopped (semisweet or milk chocolate can be used as alternatives)
- ▢ ¼ cup almonds, toasted, chopped (pecans or walnuts are great substitutes)
How to Make Christmas Crack
- Prepare the base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add butter into a saucepot. Melt it over medium-high heat. Once melted, add sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Cook the mixture for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.
- Pour the butter-sugar mixture over the saltine crackers in an even layer. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the topping: While the base bakes, chop the dark chocolate and set aside. Toast the almonds in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once toasted, chop them finely.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped chocolate over the crackers. Return to the oven for 45-50 seconds to melt the chocolate.
- Use the offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly. Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top.
- Let the Christmas Crack cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge to set for 4 hours or overnight.
- Once fully cooled and set, break into pieces and serve. Enjoy!
Creative Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Christmas Crack
While almonds and dark chocolate are classic, you can customize your Christmas Crack with other toppings! Try crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist, or sprinkle on sea salt flakes for a sweet-and-salty combo. For a nutty variation, swap almonds with pecans or walnuts. Feeling adventurous? Add a drizzle of white chocolate or caramel sauce for extra decadence.
How to Store and Keep Your Christmas Crack Fresh
Once cooled and broken into pieces, store your Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing, layer the pieces between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
Short on time? Use pre-chopped chocolate or chocolate chips instead of chopping a block. You can also skip toasting the almonds and use pre-toasted nuts for convenience. To speed up cooling, place the baking sheet in the fridge for 1-2 hours instead of waiting overnight. These small tweaks can save you precious minutes during the holiday rush!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Christmas Crack is a crowd-pleaser on its own, but it pairs beautifully with other holiday treats. Serve it alongside hot cocoa, eggnog, or a warm cup of coffee. For a festive dessert platter, arrange it with gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, and sugar-dusted shortbread. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines? Absolutely! Graham crackers add a sweeter, slightly spiced flavor. What if I don’t have muscovado sugar? Regular dark brown sugar works just as well. Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, simply swap the saltines for gluten-free crackers. These easy adjustments ensure everyone can enjoy this addictive treat!
Christmas Crack
Ingredients
For the base:
- 30-35 saltine crackers
- 1 cup muscovado or dark brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 good pinch salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 10 oz. quality dark chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup almonds, toasted, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Preheat your oven to 375 F. Line a 9×13-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add butter into a saucepot. Melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add sugar and stir until it is dissolved. Cook the butter-sugar mixture for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.
- Pour the prepared mixture over saltine crackers. Distribute the butter-sugar mixture with an offset spatula.
- Bake the crackers in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the topping; chop the chocolate and set aside.
- Add your almonds to a skillet and toast them over medium-high heat, for 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the almonds so they do not burn. Stir them occasionally so they are nicely toasted on all sides. Chop the almonds and set aside.
- Add the chopped chocolate over the saltine crackers and bake for 45-50 seconds in the oven.
- The chocolate will melt at this point. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and spread the chocolate with an offset spatula.
- Add chopped almonds over the chocolate and allow the chocolate to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into the fridge.
- Cool the Christmas crack for 4 hours or overnight.
- Break into pieces and serve.