Saltine Cracker Candy
Saltine Cracker Candy is made from saltine crackers baked in a sugar syrup, rich semi-sweet chocolate, and crisp chopped pecans. It’s the perfect sweet, salty, and crunchy candy for the holidays!
Holiday candy making is my favorite! I love the way it makes my house smell. I love the way it makes me feel to give a yummy treat to someone I care about, and I love saving just a little to nibble on when I need a sweet treat!
This holiday season I’d like to share a delicious Saltine Cracker Candy recipe with you. Sometimes it’s called Christmas Cracker Candy, Saltine Toffee, or Candy Crack/Crack Candy.
I tested several different recipes for this type of candy and know I’ve found the best combination of salty-sweet candied crackers, creamy chocolate topping, and crunchy nuts.
You’ll never believe it, but the toasted flavor from the sugar and saltines almost tastes like a toasted marshmallow!
When you’re done making this easy recipe, you’ll have to try more Christmas candy recipes: Marshmallow Popcorn Balls, Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge, Marshmallow Fudge, and Church Window Cookies!
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Why this is the best Saltine Cracker Candy
- Cracker candy is a classic holiday treat. One bite, and you’ll be transported back in time.
- It’s also easy to customize. Leave it plain, or top with your favorite toppings (see variations below)!
- Candy crack is great for gift giving. This make ahead recipe stays fresh for up to a week.
- After comparing a handful of recipes, I learned that the best Saltine Cracker Candy is made with white sugar for perfectly crisp and toasted candy, as well as, the most balanced flavor.
Ingredients
- Saltine crackers create the base for this shortcut, toffee-like candy.
- I used salted butter and think the salt helps balance the sweetness of the candy.
- Granulated sugar will be mixed with the butter to caramelize the crackers. After comparing several recipes, I made this type of candy with both white granulated sugar and brown sugar. In a taste test with friends, the recipe with granulated sugar won out for its more balanced flavor and crisp texture.
- The chocolate topping is made by melting chocolate chips on top of the candied crackers. I used semi-sweet chips, but you could use milk chocolate chips if you prefer.
- I’m a big fan of nuts in and on my candy. This recipe calls for a sprinkling of finely chopped pecans. They provide extra crunch, texture, and nutty flavor to the finished candy.
How to Make Saltine Cracker Candy
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line a sheet pan with a silicone mat or aluminum foil.
Place the Saltine crackers in rows, salty side down, on the sheet pan.
Place the butter and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, just until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the mixture evenly over the crackers.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sugar mixture is light brown. Turn off the oven.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Return to the still-warm oven for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
Use an offset spatula to spread the warm chocolate evenly over the top (the spatula creates the prettiest swirls!).
Then sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
Let the candy cool completely before breaking it into pieces to serve.
Variations
- If desired, you can use a different snack cracker for the base. Mild, salty crackers like Ritz crackers, Townhouse crackers, or Club crackers would all work well as a substitution. Pretzel thins work, too!
- Since the topping is made from melted chocolate chips, you could experiment with different flavors of baking chips for the topping like white chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, milk chocolate, etc.
- Be creative, and use different toppings on your Christmas Cracker Candy! Try topping it with other types of chopped nuts, sprinkles, mini M&Ms or other small candies, shredded coconut, or flaky sea salt. The possibilities are endless.
- This recipe also makes a great decoration for embellishing a holiday cake or cupcakes.
- Lastly, you can replace the granulated sugar with 1 cup brown sugar. This swap will definitely make the candy sweeter and chewier with an overall richer toffee-esque flavor.
Storage information
This is a great make ahead recipe. You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Alternately, you can store it in the refrigerator if you prefer cold candy.
Can I freeze Saltine Cracker Candy?
Yes! It freezes really well. You can freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Defrost at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
More Christmas candy recipes
Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!
📖 Recipe
Saltine Cracker Candy
Ingredients
- 35 Saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet chips)
- ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a sheet pan with a silicone mat or aluminum foil.
- Place the Saltine crackers in rows, salty side down, on the sheet pan.
- Place the butter and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally, just until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the crackers.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sugar mixture is light brown. Turn off the oven.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Return to the still-warm oven for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
- Remove the pan from the oven and use a spatula to spread the warm chocolate evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
- Let cool completely, then break into pieces to serve.
Notes
- Use a different snack cracker for the base.
- Experiment with different flavors of baking chips for the topping.
- Top with creative toppings.
- Use as a decoration for a holiday cake or cupcakes.
- Replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar.
