Description
Irresistible Christmas crack blends sweet and salty flavors in a festive holiday treat. Crisp saltine crackers become a delectable dessert with chocolate and caramel layers that melt in your mouth and delight holiday guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (350 grams / 12.35 oz) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup (225 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 grams / 7 oz) brown sugar
- 40 saltine crackers
- ½ cup (60 grams / 2 oz) chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Surface: Line a rectangular pan with aluminum foil, extending slightly over edges, and lightly grease to prevent sticking.
- Cracker Foundation: Meticulously arrange saltine crackers edge to edge across the entire surface, filling every possible space without overlapping.
- Caramel Creation: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir consistently until the mixture transforms into a glossy, amber-colored liquid with a smooth, rich consistency.
- Caramel Distribution: Pour the molten caramel across the cracker base, using a flexible spatula to ensure complete and even coverage.
- Oven Transformation: Preheat the oven and place the pan inside. Bake for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the caramel to bubble and slightly darken, developing deeper flavor notes while monitoring to prevent burning.
- Chocolate Layer: Remove the pan and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips across the hot caramel. Let the residual heat soften the chocolate, then spread smoothly using gentle, sweeping motions to create a uniform layer.
- Decorative Finish: While the chocolate remains pliant, embellish with optional toppings like chopped nuts, festive sprinkles, or crushed candy canes for added visual and textural appeal.
- Chilling and Setting: Rapidly chill the treat in the refrigerator or freezer until completely solidified, typically requiring 60-90 minutes depending on temperature.
- Final Preparation: Once thoroughly set, fracture the confection into irregular, rustic pieces using gentle hand pressure. Store the delectable shards in an airtight container at cool room temperature or refrigerated.
Notes
- Prevent Cracker Shifting: Press saltine crackers firmly and tightly to create a solid base that won’t move during caramel pouring, ensuring even coverage and preventing gaps.
- Monitor Caramel Carefully: Watch the caramel closely during heating to achieve the perfect amber color without burning, which can create bitter undertones and ruin the entire batch.
- Chocolate Spreading Technique: Use a clean offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread chocolate smoothly and evenly, creating a consistent layer that covers the entire caramel surface.
- Customize Toppings Strategically: Add toppings immediately after spreading chocolate while it’s still warm and soft, allowing them to naturally adhere and create a professional, artistic finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 221
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 153 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg