Best Easy Christmas Crack

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Christmas Crack is the ultimate holiday treat—salty, sweet, buttery, and completely addictive. With just five ingredients, it transforms basic pantry staples into a crispy toffee bark that you won’t be able to stop eating. It gets its name for a reason: one bite, and you’re hooked!

Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a cookie exchange, wrapping it in festive tins as gifts, or just looking for something irresistible to munch on during holiday movie nights, this candy delivers. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you might find yourself baking it more than once in December.

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What Kind of Crackers Should I Use?

Saltine crackers are the classic choice for Christmas Crack because they offer the perfect balance of crisp texture and saltiness to contrast the rich toffee and chocolate. However, buttery Ritz or club crackers can be used if you want a more mellow base. Just make sure your crackers are fresh and cover the baking sheet edge to edge to create a solid foundation for the toffee.

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Ingredients for the Best Easy Christmas Crack

• 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped pecans or holiday sprinkles (optional)

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How To Make the Best Easy Christmas Crack

Step 1: Prep Your Base

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with nonstick spray. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer, covering the entire pan.

Step 2: Make the Toffee

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Let it boil for 3 minutes without stirring, then immediately pour over the crackers. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 3: Bake and Melt

Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for 2 minutes, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Cool

Sprinkle with chopped pecans or festive sprinkles, if using. Allow the pan to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

Step 5: Break and Serve

Once fully set, break the bark into pieces and store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

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Serving and Storing Christmas Crack

Christmas Crack is perfect for gifting or serving on a holiday sweets platter. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month—just thaw before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the toffee from becoming grainy?

Make sure to boil the butter and sugar mixture long enough (3 full minutes) and avoid stirring once it begins boiling. This helps the sugar fully dissolve.

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Absolutely. Try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. You can also swirl two types for a marbled effect.

What toppings work well on Christmas Crack?

Chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds), crushed candy canes, festive sprinkles, or even a drizzle of white chocolate all look great and add texture.

Is parchment paper better than foil?

Foil is preferred because it holds the shape and peels off easily. If using parchment, make sure it’s greased well.

Why is it called “crack”?

It’s a nickname that speaks to how addictive it is! The combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy makes it impossible to resist.

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Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Best Easy Christmas Crack, you’ll definitely want to explore these other festive favorites:

• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a rich and fruity twist.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with cinnamon sugar crunch.
• Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies that melt in your mouth.
• Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies for that no-bake magic.
• Cinnamon Donut Bread that brings cozy vibes to any gathering.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can revisit it anytime the sweet tooth strikes.

And let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you use pecans, sprinkles, or go rogue with crushed peppermint? Did it vanish in minutes like mine always does?

I love hearing about your kitchen wins, tweaks, and twists. Drop your questions below too—let’s bake better, together.

For more of my holiday favorites and everyday bakes, check out my Pinterest board: Nina Dishes on Pinterest.

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