If you like the richness of Heath toffee bars, then you’ll adore this simple four-ingredient Christmas Crack! I’ve never even heard of this stuff until about three years ago and I’ve been making it for my neighbors and family ever Christmas since! It’s a popular trending item on Pinterest and I can’t get over the name as it makes me giggle. My house sure smelled like a candy factory all day today while this beautifully SIMPLE holiday candy was baking. The best part about it is that it can be made in about 15 minutes. It’s quick and easy—and looks so beautiful to give out as gifts. My candy recipe contains saltine crackers, butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and, as options, red and green plain M&M’s, crushed candy canes, and or chopped nuts.
This recipe is a cross between homemade Almond Roca and Heath Bar. The toffee is scrumptious and this recipe uses whole ingredients. This is one showstopping treat that you need to bring to your holiday Christmas party! If you like this, then you’ll love my insanely addicting Peppermint Bark, 3-Ingredient Rolo Pretzel Holiday Bites, Oreo Truffles, Fudge, Snowman Cheeseball, Santa Party Platter, Caramel Apple Slices, Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites, and Easy No-Bake Nutella Pie recipes.
Ingredients in Christmas Crack
Saltine and Ritz crackers. You can use either or saltines and Ritz crackers. I personally like Ritz crackers the best.
Butter. Butter helps bind the sugar to form the toffee. Use unsalted or salted – either one works. We love using my homemade butter!
Brown sugar. Pack your brown sugar well.
Chocolate chips or chocolate almond bark. Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for the best results. You can also substitute with chocolate almond bark. Multiple people have tried making this with Nestle Toll House chocolate chips and have all stated the chocolate does not melt. Avoid using Toll House chocolate chips. Chocolate chips are made to retain their shape, so you may want to try finely chopping or grating chocolate almond bark instead.
M&M candies (optional). Either buy Christmas colored M&M candies, or pick out red and green M&M’s for the most festive, colorful holiday treat.
Candy canes (optional). To crush candy canes, I prefer to put the candy canes in a large freezer bag. Take it outside with a hammer and hammer until they’re in small pieces. It takes some effort.
Chopped nuts (optional). Top with chopped walnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds, or pistachios for the best flavors.
How to make the best Christmas Crack
STEP 1: Preheat oven to 325° F/160° C. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Line the baking sheet with crackers. Alternatively, you can use a nonstick silicone baking mat.
STEP 2: Add the butter and brown sugar to a 12-inch saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the butter is melted. As soon as it reaches a boil, continue stirring and boil for three minutes. Don’t stop stirring. After the three minutes are up, remove the pan from heat and pour over the saltine or Ritz crackers. Spread the mixture with a rubber spatula. As it bakes in the oven, it will spread and even out so it does not need to be spread perfectly even.
STEP 3: Bake for 8-10 minutes and expect the mixture to spread evenly as it bakes. Remove from the oven, but leave the oven turned on.
STEP 4: Spread the room temperature chocolate chips on top and place in the oven for 3 to 3 ½ minutes. Remove from the oven and use a rubber spatula to even out. Immediately sprinkle M&M’s, crushed candy canes, or any other topping such as nuts, over the melted chocolate. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes. We didn’t have room in ours so I left it out back on my deck for about 30 minutes with foil covering it. It was 50° F/10° C outside. Alternatively, you can leave it out at room temperature until it sets, at least 1 hour. Use your hands to break the pieces apart.
More festive recipes you’ll want to make!
Easy 4-Ingredient Peppermint Bark
3-Ingredient Rolo Pretzel Holiday Bites
Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Cup Cookies
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this Christmas Crack, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Christmas Crack
Ingredients
- 55 saltine crackers can also use Ritz crackers
- 1 c butter
- 1 c brown sugar packed
- 3 1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips can sub chocolate almond bark; avoid using Nestle Toll House chocolate chips as they don't melt well
- red and green plain M&M's, crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, etc. optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325° F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Line the baking sheet with crackers. Alternatively, you can use a nonstick silicone baking mat.
- Add the butter and sugar to a 12-inch saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the butter is melted. As soon as it reaches a boil, continue stirring and boil for three minutes. Don’t stop stirring. After the three minutes are up, remove the pan from heat and pour over the crackers. Spread the mixture with a rubber spatula. As it bakes in the oven, it will spread and even out so it does not need to be spread perfectly even.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes and expect the mixture to spread evenly as it bakes. Remove from the oven, but leave the oven turned on.
- Spread the room temperature chocolate chips on top and place in the oven for 3 to 3 ½ minutes. Remove from the oven and use a rubber spatula to even out. Immediately sprinkle M&M’s, crushed candy canes, or any other topping such as nuts, over the melted chocolate. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes. We didn’t have room in ours so I left it out back on my deck for about 30 minutes with foil covering it. It was 50° F outside. Alternatively, you can leave it out at room temperature until it sets, at least 1 hour. Use your hands to break the pieces apart.
Nutrition (per serving)
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