Sweet & Salty Magic: Irresistible Cracker Candy Recipe

Sweet meets salty in this irresistible cracker candy that dances between decadent and delightful.

Layers of buttery goodness create a magical treat everyone adores.

Minimal ingredients unlock maximum flavor in this simple dessert.

Chocolate and caramel meld into a crunchy symphony that satisfies every sweet tooth.

Sea salt adds unexpected dimension, turning ordinary crackers into an extraordinary confection.

Crisp, golden crackers provide the perfect base for this addictive treat.

Whip up this easy recipe and watch magic happen at your next gathering.

You won’t be able to stop at just one bite of this incredible confection.

Why Cracker Candy Is a Crowd Favorite

• Create an impressive dessert using just a few pantry staples like saltine crackers, butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips.
• Customize this recipe for any occasion by switching up toppings- use holiday sprinkles, crushed nuts, or seasonal candy pieces to match the mood.
• No complicated techniques required; even beginner bakers can achieve professional-looking results with simple step-by-step instructions and minimal cooking skills.

What You Need for Cracker Candy

• Saltine Crackers: A crisp, salty foundation that provides a delicious crunch and acts as the base for the candy.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal from the baking sheet.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Create a rich, golden caramel sauce that coats the crackers with sweet, deep flavor. Choose unsalted butter for better control of sweetness.

• Chocolate Chips: Melts smoothly to create a luxurious chocolate layer. Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chips work well depending on preference.

• Holiday Sprinkles, Candy Canes: Add festive color and extra crunch. Optional but great for seasonal variations. Crush candy canes finely for best results.

Making Cracker Candy with Crunch

Step 1: Arrange the Base

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spread saltine crackers across the entire surface in a single, neat layer.

Step 2: Create Caramel Magic

• Melt butter over medium heat
• Add brown sugar
• Stir constantly
• Watch it bubble and turn rich golden brown
• Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens

Step 3: Drench Crackers in Caramel

Pour the hot caramel over the crackers, using a spatula to spread it evenly and cover every single cracker.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the caramel becomes beautifully bubbly.

Step 5: Chocolate Blanket

Scatter chocolate chips across the hot caramel. Let them sit and melt for 2-3 minutes, then smooth them into a gorgeous chocolate layer.

Step 6: Add Festive Flair

• Colorful sprinkles
• Crushed candy canes
• Chopped nuts
• Festive sugar crystals

Step 7: Chill and Break

Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature or speed up the process in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Once hardened, break into delightful bite-sized pieces.

Smart Tips for Cracker Candy Fans

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil that overhangs the edges, making removal and cleanup super easy.
• Control Caramel Perfection: Stir constantly while boiling to prevent burning and achieve that rich, golden caramel color without scorching.
• Melt Chocolate Smoothly: Let chocolate chips sit on hot caramel for 2-3 minutes, then spread gently with a spatula for an even, glossy coating.
• Customize Flavor Creatively: Swap traditional chocolate chips with dark, milk, or white chocolate, or sprinkle nuts, sea salt, or festive toppings for unique variations.
• Chill for Clean Breaking: Refrigerate the candy for 1-2 hours to ensure a crisp, clean break when dividing into pieces, creating perfect bite-sized treats.

How to Store and Reheat Cracker Candy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 7 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain crisp texture and prevent chocolate from melting.
• Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for best taste and crunch.
• If serving within 2-3 days, store in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Ensure environment is cool to prevent chocolate from softening.
• Always use clean, dry utensils when transferring or serving to prevent moisture introduction that could compromise candy's texture and quality.

Pairing Snacks with Cracker Candy

• Complement the buttery, chocolatey cracker candy with a creamy, spiced chai that balances the sweetness and adds warming notes of cinnamon and cardamom.
• Pair with a port wine or moscato, whose sweet and slightly fortified character enhances the caramel and chocolate layers, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Match with a peppermint mocha or caramel macchiato to echo the candy's rich flavors and add a festive touch that mirrors the holiday spirit of the treat.
• Serve alongside almond or hazelnut milk, which provides a smooth, nutty undertone that softens the candy's intense sweetness and adds subtle complexity.

Creative Cracker Candy Versions

• Gluten-Free Cracker Variation: Replace saltine crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free rice crackers for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Nut-Lover's Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over melted chocolate for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Vegan Friendly Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version of the classic treat.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar and dark chocolate with minimal sugar content for a reduced-sugar alternative.

Cracker Candy Help Section

• What are saltine crackers, and why do they work in this recipe?

Saltine crackers are thin, crispy crackers with a salty taste that provide a perfect base for the caramel and chocolate layers. Their neutral flavor and sturdy texture create an excellent foundation for this sweet and salty treat.

• Can I use a different type of cracker instead of saltines?

While saltines work best due to their thin, crisp texture, you can experiment with graham crackers or butter crackers. However, the texture and taste might slightly differ from the original recipe.

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Stir the butter and brown sugar constantly over medium heat and watch closely. The caramel is ready when it turns a rich golden-brown color and thickens, which typically takes 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.

• What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?

Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips melt smoothly and provide a classic flavor. Choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best taste and smooth melting texture.

Cracker Candy Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet and salty Cracker Candy melds buttery toffee with chocolate-draped saltines for an irresistible holiday treat. Crisp crackers layered with caramelized brown sugar create a quick dessert you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (220 grams) packed light brown sugar

Chocolate and Topping:

• 2 cups (340 grams) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

Decoration:

• ½ cup holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Meticulously line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing generous overhang and creating a non-stick surface with light cooking spray.
2. Methodically arrange saltine crackers in a precise, unbroken layer covering the entire sheet’s base, ensuring complete coverage without overlapping.
3. Craft a rich caramel sauce by gently melting butter in a saucepan, incorporating brown sugar and stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a deep amber liquid with a glossy, thickened consistency.
4. Delicately drizzle the molten caramel across the cracker foundation, using a spatula to distribute the sauce evenly and guarantee complete cracker coverage.
5. Transfer the prepared sheet to a preheated oven, allowing the caramel to bubble and intensify for approximately 5-7 minutes, developing a rich golden hue.
6. Remove from heat and immediately cascade chocolate chips across the hot caramel surface, permitting them to melt naturally for 2-3 minutes.
7. Smooth the now-melted chocolate into a uniform layer using gentle, consistent strokes to create a flawless chocolate coating.
8. Embellish with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes while the chocolate remains slightly warm to encourage adherence.
9. Allow the confection to cool completely at room temperature or expedite setting by refrigerating for 1-2 hours until firm.
10. Fracture the hardened treat into irregular, bite-sized pieces ready for serving and enjoying.

Notes

• Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness and prevent the candy from becoming too salty.
• For a gluten-free version, swap saltine crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or rice crackers to maintain the crispy base.
• Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate to create unique flavor combinations and suit various taste preferences.
• Create a nut-lover’s version by sprinkling chopped almonds, pecans, or sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for added crunch and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1-2 hours
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 166
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg