Christmas Crack – Easy Holiday Candy Recipe Everyone Loves!

Nothing says the holidays quite like a batch of Christmas Crack—a sweet, salty, and completely addictive treat that’s become a tradition in homes across the country. Made with crispy saltine crackers, buttery toffee, melted chocolate, and festive toppings, this easy holiday candy is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re whipping up gifts for neighbors or filling your cookie trays, this bark-style candy is quick to make, doesn’t require a candy thermometer, and vanishes in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🎄 Just 5 ingredients – pantry staples you probably already have
• ⏱️ Quick and simple – ready in under 30 minutes
• 🎁 Perfect for gifting – package in tins or bags for holiday cheer
• ❄️ Freezer-friendly – make it ahead and stash for later
• 🧂 Sweet & salty perfection – an irresistible flavor combo

Ingredients

• 40 saltine crackers (1 sleeve)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional toppings:
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Sprinkles
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Sea salt flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, then parchment paper.
2. Arrange saltines in a single layer to fully cover the pan. Set aside.
3. Make the toffee: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly until thick and bubbly.
4. Pour the toffee evenly over crackers and spread with a spatula.
5. Bake for 5 minutes. The toffee will bubble up—this is perfect.
6. Add chocolate chips on top and let sit for 2–3 minutes to melt.
7. Spread chocolate evenly using a spatula.
8. Add toppings while the chocolate is still soft.
9. Chill in the fridge or freezer until set (about 30–45 minutes).
10. Break into pieces and serve or store.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 24 pieces
• Estimated Cost: $6–8 per batch

Nutrition Facts (per piece)

• Calories: 180
• Carbs: 20g
• Sugar: 16g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g

Tips & Variations

🎁 Tips

• Line the pan with foil AND parchment for easy cleanup.
• Don’t use wax paper—it melts in the oven!
• Watch the toffee closely—boil gently and stir to avoid burning.

🔄 Variations

• 🍫 Use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips
• 🍬 Add M&Ms or pretzels for crunch
• 🌰 Try chopped almonds or pistachios for a gourmet twist
• ❄️ Make peppermint bark version with crushed candy canes

FAQs

Why is it called “Christmas Crack”?
Because it’s incredibly addictive! Sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolatey—it’s hard to stop at one bite.

Can I use graham crackers instead?
Yes! Graham crackers or Ritz crackers work well too, but the saltines give it a perfect salty kick.

Does it need to be refrigerated?
No, but it lasts longer if chilled. Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.

What if the toffee separates?
Make sure you’re stirring constantly and not boiling too aggressively. Use medium heat and watch it closely.

Christmas Crack (Saltine Toffee Bark)

This easy Christmas Crack recipe is made with saltines, buttery toffee, melted chocolate, and festive toppings. A fast, addictive holiday treat perfect for gifting and sharing!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 30

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

• Rimmed baking sheet
• Saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Knife (for breaking pieces)

Ingredients

  

• 40 saltine crackers
• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional toppings: candy canes chopped nuts, sprinkles, sea salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with foil and parchment.
• Lay saltines in a single layer to cover the pan.
• In a saucepan, melt butter and sugar. Boil gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring.
• Pour caramel evenly over crackers.
• Bake for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and let melt 2–3 minutes.
• Spread melted chocolate evenly.
• Add desired toppings.
• Chill 30–45 minutes until set.
• Break into pieces and store.

Notes

Don’t use wax paper—it will melt!

Toffee should be thickened but not overcooked

Best enjoyed within 7 days or frozen for later

Keyword Christmas Crack, Saltine Toffee Bark

Conclusion

Christmas Crack is a holiday staple that checks every box—fast, festive, flavorful, and foolproof. It’s the kind of treat that brings people back for seconds (and thirds) and makes any dessert tray feel complete. Whether you stick to the classic version or dress it up with toppings, this bark-style candy is a sweet reminder of how simple ingredients can create magic. Share it, gift it, or stash it—just be warned: it disappears fast!