This White Chocolate Christmas Crack is so easy and fun! With crispy crackers covered in sweet white chocolate and a sprinkle of toppings, it’s a festive treat that everyone will love.
You won’t believe how quick it is to whip up! I like to share it with friends, but honestly, I usually end up eating half myself. Who can resist that crunchy, chocolatey goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These are the base of the recipe, providing crunch. If you’re looking for something different, try using matzo or even pretzels for an extra salty kick!
Unsalted Butter: This gives richness to the caramel. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter – just skip any added salt in the recipe.
Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely sweetness and a hint of molasses. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can replace it with white sugar and a tablespoon of molasses per cup.
White Chocolate Chips: They create a creamy layer. If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, feel free to substitute with dark or milk chocolate chips to match your taste.
Optional Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Use your favorite candies, nuts, or festive sprinkles. I’ve used Reese’s Pieces and crushed peppermint for a seasonal twist.
How Do I Ensure the Caramel Layer is Perfect?
The caramel layer is crucial for this recipe’s success! Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Cook the butter and brown sugar together until it reaches a gentle boil; this should take about 3 minutes.
- Stir constantly but stop stirring once it starts to boil. This helps create that nice caramel texture.
- Pour the caramel over the crackers as soon as it’s ready—don’t let it sit too long as it can harden up!
Timing is everything, so keep watch on the clock and enjoy the sweet smell of success! Happy baking!
White Chocolate Christmas Crack
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Baking Essentials:
- 40-45 saltine crackers (enough to cover baking sheet)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
Chocolate Layers:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or white almond bark melts
- 1/2 cup white chocolate candy melts (optional)
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup green chocolate candies (e.g., M&M’s)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips or white chocolate candies
- Red, green and white Christmas sprinkles
- 1/4 cup chocolate-covered nuts or candies (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and festive treat will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 5 minutes to bake. If you let it cool at room temperature, give it about 30 minutes to set—but you can speed things up by popping it in the fridge for that same amount of time. A quick and delightful treat to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, and spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking later on.
2. Arrange the Crackers:
Take your saltine crackers and arrange them in a single layer, end-to-end, to completely cover the bottom of your baking sheet. This will be the base of your delicious Christmas crack!
3. Make the Caramel:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together while stirring constantly. Once the mixture begins to boil gently, keep boiling without stirring for about 3 minutes. This will help caramelize the sugar. When ready, pour the caramel evenly over the arranged crackers.
4. Bake the Crack:
Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until you see the mixture bubbling up. This bubbling means your caramelization is working its magic!
5. Add the White Chocolate:
After baking, remove the sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the white chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to melt. Once melted, use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate over the caramel layer smoothly.
6. Drizzle and Decorate:
If you’re using white candy melts, melt them according to the package instructions and drizzle them on top of the white chocolate layer. Now’s the time to get creative—sprinkle your green chocolate candies, extra white chocolate chips, colorful sprinkles, and optional chocolate-covered nuts over the top before the chocolate sets!
7. Cool and Break:
Let the entire pan cool at room temperature until the chocolate is set. To speed up this process, you can place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Once fully set, break the crack into pieces and serve, or store in an airtight container.
Enjoy this festive, crunchy, sweet, and salty holiday treat that’s sure to delight everyone who tries it! Happy holidays! 🎄
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers?
Absolutely! While saltine crackers provide a great crunch, you can substitute them with Ritz crackers for a sweeter flavor or even pretzels for an extra salty kick. Just make sure the base layer covers the entire baking sheet.
What Can I Use Instead of White Chocolate?
If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, feel free to replace it with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, making it a little less sweet and more decadent.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Christmas crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate or freeze them, but be sure to let them come to room temperature again when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Treat Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular saltine crackers for gluten-free crackers or pretzels. This way, you can still enjoy the same delicious treat without gluten!
