Saltine Cracker English Toffee is a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining crunchy, buttery crackers with a rich, caramelized toffee layer and a smooth chocolate finish. In just 55 minutes, you can create this irresistible dessert that balances sweet and salty flavors perfectly. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures, from the crisp base to the velvety chocolate topping, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
This easy-to-make recipe delivers a decadent experience with minimal effort, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests. The golden toffee melts into the crackers, creating a chewy yet crunchy foundation, while the chocolate adds a luxurious touch. Warm, comforting, and utterly indulgent, this toffee is a nostalgic treat with a modern twist that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Saltine Cracker English Toffee
- 40 salted saltine crackers (arrange them close together for even coverage)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter (unsalted butter works too, but salted adds a nice contrast)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed for a richer flavor)
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or use dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a less sweet option)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (peanuts are classic, but almonds, pecans, or walnuts work too)
How to Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared pan, placing them close together so they touch.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 3 minutes without stirring (this creates the toffee base).
- Pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the saltine crackers, ensuring they’re fully coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and golden.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to melt, then use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the melted chocolate, pressing them gently to adhere.
- Let the toffee cool completely (you can speed this up by placing it in the fridge for about 30 minutes). Once set, break it into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!
Sweet & Savory Topping Ideas
While chopped nuts are a classic choice, you can get creative with your toffee toppings! Try sprinkling sea salt flakes for a sweet-and-salty twist, or add crushed pretzels for extra crunch. For a festive touch, use sprinkles or mini marshmallows. If you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a marbled effect.
How to Store and Keep It Fresh
Once your toffee has cooled and set, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months. If freezing, layer the pieces between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Quick Tips for Perfect Toffee Every Time
To save time, use a pre-measured bag of chocolate chips and pre-chopped nuts. If you’re short on time, skip the oven step and let the hot toffee mixture melt the chocolate chips directly on the crackers. For a smoother spread, use a small offset spatula to evenly distribute the melted chocolate. And don’t forget—patience is key! Let the toffee cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
Fun Recipe Variations to Try
Switch up the flavors by using dark chocolate chips or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate. For a nut-free version, swap the nuts with dried fruit like cranberries or apricots. You can also experiment with different crackers, such as graham crackers or Ritz crackers, for a unique twist on this classic treat.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use unsalted crackers? Yes, but you may want to add a pinch of salt to the toffee mixture for balance. What if my chocolate doesn’t melt evenly? Pop the pan back in the oven for 30 seconds to soften the chips. Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just use two pans or bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Saltine Cracker English Toffee
Ingredients
- 40 salted saltine crackers
- 1 cup butter 2 sticks
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts I used peanuts, you can use whatever kind you like
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Line a large jelly roll pan (mine was 15×10″) with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Lay the saltine crackers evenly on the pan (I put mine really close together so that they were touching).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Bring it to a boil and let it boil for three minutes without stirring. After three minutes, pour the hot brown sugar mixture evenly over the saltine crackers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips across the toffee. Let them melt for a couple of minutes and then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly across the toffee (like frosting).
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the melted chocolate. Let the toffee and chocolate cool completely (I put mine in the fridge to help it set up quickly). Break the toffee into bite-size pieces.