This recipe, often called saltine cracker toffee, Christmas crack, or chocolate toffee bark, has been a family favorite for years. It’s one of those foolproof treats that tastes like it took hours to make, but it’s actually incredibly easy. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie exchange, making something homemade for a neighbor, or just want a quick chocolate fix, this recipe will hit the spot every single time.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples like saltines and brown sugar.
- Perfect for gifting: Break into pieces, package in cute bags or tins, and share!
- Crowd-pleaser: A hit with both kids and adults, no one can eat just one piece.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional toppings: crushed peppermint candies, festive sprinkles, chopped nuts, or sea salt flakes for a little extra flair!
🍫 How to Make Sweet and Salty Cracker Toffee
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray to make sure your toffee doesn’t stick later.
Arrange your saltine crackers in a single layer on the sheet, salt-side down. Try to cover as much of the pan as possible, keeping the crackers close together.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil, then let it bubble for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a rich, golden caramel color.
Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the crackers. Use a spatula to spread it if needed so every cracker gets coated in that buttery goodness.
Step 3: Bake the Toffee
Place your baking sheet in the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until the caramel is bubbly and slightly darkened around the edges. Keep an eye on it, it can burn quickly!
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let them sit for a minute or two to soften, then use an offset spatula or butter knife to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the crackers.
Step 4: Chill and Break Apart
Transfer the pan to your freezer or refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes, or until completely cooled and hardened.
Once firm, remove the foil or parchment and break the toffee into pieces. You can make them big and rustic or smaller bite-sized pieces, it’s totally up to you!
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
Store your cracker toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge if your kitchen runs warm. It also freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead treat for the holidays.
🎁 Fun Variations
- Peppermint Cracker Toffee: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint pieces on top before chilling for a festive Christmas touch.
- Nutty Toffee Bark: Add chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for extra crunch.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a bit of white chocolate and drizzle over the top for contrast and extra sweetness.
- Sea Salt Finish: A pinch of flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate makes this treat next-level delicious.
🍽 Perfect for Any Occasion
You can even make themed versions for holidays:
🎃 Add orange and black sprinkles for Halloween
💕 Use heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day
🌸 Add pastel candies for Easter
It’s one of those recipes that you’ll want to keep on hand all year long!
🕯️ Final Thoughts
So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to make a treat that’s sweet, salty, and absolutely addicting!
We don't have Netflix so we won't be able to see this. But a couple of my daughters have it. I'm going to talk to them about it.
ReplyDeleteI really wanted to say something about the Count Olaf Salty Sweet Cracker Treat. This just might be my new favorite treat!! It's easy. Plus it will satisfy both my sweet tooth and the salty taste that I crave now and then!! Thank you so much!
Ahhh!! I will have to check out the show and make these asap!! I loved the movie!! I bet the show is fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteYour name for those treats sounds SO much nicer than Christmas Crack, the name I first saw it under on Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteCute recipe for not-so-cute show.
ReplyDeleteslehan at juno dot com
I enjoyed the series! And chocolate makes it that much more special!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this yet, but am going to add it to our list. The crackers look amazing! I love salty sweet combinations!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness if I made that treat I would have to hide it from myself or make it for someone else and just keep a small piece!
ReplyDeleteI havent seen this movie we dont have Netflix.
ellen beck
Thank for the recipe. It looks delicious! I have not read the Lemony Snicket books so I don't want to watch the movies or show yet. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you. Happy March!
ReplyDeleteI will have to watch Lemony Snickets sometime.
ReplyDeleteThe recipe sounds like it is a keeper for sure. I love the chocolate and the salty factor both being included.
ReplyDeleteMy grand kids just love Lemony Snickets. I love the sweet and salt combonation, but I am so afraid of the crackers becoming soggy. Will test this out though.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to watch this. My mom makes these cracker treats and they are so good. My daughter loves them :)
ReplyDeleteMy 11 year old twins enjoy the TV series but, my youngest son is most notably not a fan but, they all rotate through. AKA they suck it up while watching another's choice then they get to pick.
ReplyDeleteI have this in my list, but haven't had a chance to watch it yet. So many good shows on Netflix!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to watching Lemony Snicket on Netflix with my family. Thanks for the recipe for Count Olaf's Salty Sweet Crackers Treat. Perfect goody to eat while watching this movie. :-)
ReplyDeleteThese are ingredients I usually have on hand. I'll have to try them and check out the series on Netflix.
ReplyDeleteLemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events looks fun to watch with the family The recipe looks tasty and easy to make Thanks
ReplyDeleteCount Olaf's Salty Sweet Cracker Treats sound really fun and tasty and I would love it. My son has Netflix and I have to start watching it also!
ReplyDeletetwinkle at optonline dot net
I can see by looking at this trailer that Neil Patrick Harris is doing a fantastic job in playing this role.
ReplyDeleteI love this recipe - so delicious! I have Netflix and really enjoy it (we cancelled DirecTV, bought an antenna, and there's no going back). I haven't seen Lemony Snicket.
ReplyDeleteWe did the same and it was the best decision!
DeleteRead more here: http://www.nannytomommy.com/2016/12/how-to-save-on-television.html
These cracker treats look very delicious!
ReplyDeleteMust add these ingridents to my grocery list today. Can't wait to make this on Saturday. Stay Tuned!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recipe. I really enjoyed this series on Netflix. I love Neil Patrick Harris!
ReplyDeleteSo easy and looks so yummy, and i have all the ingredients.
ReplyDeleteI would love to make these!.... But I'm afraid they'd be gone within half an hour or so. :p
ReplyDelete--Ann
OMG your "Count Olaf's Salty Sweet Cracker Treats" look so good. I am going to have to make these. Wonder if chopped nut would be great on this :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect treat to go along with the movie. I have netflix but have not watched the movie...yet!
ReplyDeleteThese look so good and easy to make. I am going to try them.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely have to check this show out. These treats look delicious, will definitely try this recipe.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great show, we will definitely have to check it out! This recipe sounds amazing btw, and I cannot believe how easy it is to make! I will be making this very soon, thank you so much for sharing! :)
ReplyDelete