Description
If you love quick holiday treats that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, this saltine toffee is about to become your new obsession. It starts with simple crackers, gets drenched in buttery caramel, and finishes with a glossy blanket of melted chocolate. The whole thing comes together fast—no thermometer, no stress, just pure sweet-and-salty bliss. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding sparkle to your Christmas dessert spread!
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 40 saltine crackers (roughly one sleeve)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Holiday sprinkles or toffee bits
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Heat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed 10×15-inch tray with foil or parchment, leaving extra along the edges so you can lift everything out later. Cover the entire bottom of the sheet with saltines—keep them snug, and break a few if you need to fill gaps.
- Make the Caramel-Toffee Layer: Set a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until combined. Once it reaches a lively boil, keep it bubbling for exactly 3 minutes, stirring nonstop until it’s smooth and glossy like caramel.
- Coat and Bake: Pour the hot mixture over the crackers as soon as the 3-minute timer ends. Work quickly to spread it across the crackers. Slide the tray into the oven for 5 minutes—when it’s ready, the caramel will be bubbling enthusiastically.
- Add the Chocolate: Pull the pan out and scatter the chocolate chips across the top. Leave them alone for 2–3 minutes so they soften, then spread the melted chocolate into an even layer.
- Add Toppings & Chill: While the chocolate is still soft, shower on your favorite toppings—nuts, candy canes, sprinkles, or sea salt all work beautifully. Chill the tray in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, or until everything has solidified completely.
- Break Into Pieces: Use the foil overhang to lift the entire slab from the tray. Break it apart with your hands for a rustic look or use a knife for cleaner pieces. Enjoy immediately or package it for gifting!
Notes
- Real butter is essential for proper toffee texture—skip margarine or substitutes.
- Lining the pan well makes cleanup easy and ensures nothing sticks.
- Chill thoroughly before cutting or breaking to get crisp, clean edges.
- Mix and match toppings to create your own festive combo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Calories: 190 kcal