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About This Recipe
One of my absolute favorite treats to make each holiday season is Christmas Crack and this lightened up version is the perfect balance of all the classic taste you know and love but with a little less sugar and butter.
If you’ve never had Christmas crack before you have to try! It’s made with layers of saltine crackers, a soft toffee layer and a creamy chocolate layer on top! It’s sweet, salty and absolutely addicting.
And not only will you love this recipe but so will everyone else! Make a double batch and package up in cute tins for a gift everyone will love! Perfect for your kid’s teachers, co-workers, friends or family! It’s also perfect for your next holiday party.
Looking for more awesome holiday treats? Try my Healthy Scotcheroos, Dark Chocolate Pretzel Bark, Peanut Butter Fudge or Christmas White Chocolate Chex Mix, all guaranteed to bring holiday cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crack
- All the same amazing taste of the original recipe but with less sugar and butter.
- Lightened up so you can feel good about enjoying!
- A delicious treat for you or turn into gifts for friends, teachers, co-workers, etc.
- Can easily be made gluten-free or dairy-free!
- Quick and easy to make! Prepped in just 20 minutes!
- Saltine crackers – you can also use ritz crackers or club crackers.
- Butter – I used unsalted butter
- Brown sugar – I used Truvia brown sugar. Regular brown sugar or coconut sugar also works.
- Syrup – sugar free pancake syrup or pure maple syrup.
- Honey
- Chocolate chips – I used semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Make it gluten-free! Sub saltine crackers for gluten-free saltine crackers, almond crackers, gluten-free graham crackers, gluten-free pretzels, etc.
- Add your favorite toppings! Top with crushed candy canes, dried cranberries, pistachios, walnuts, drizzled white chocolate, M&M’s, holiday sprinkles, or your favorite candy topping!
- Use white chocolate! Sub the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for white chocolate.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray. Arrange crackers in a single layer on the sheet pan. You may need to break a few crackers in half.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, syrup and honey.
3. Bring the toffee to a boil while stirring continuously, then allow the mixture to boil for 3 minutes (270 to 290 degrees if using a candy thermometer or until it turns caramel in color).
4. Pour the toffee over the crackers. Working quickly, spread the toffee evenly over the crackers with a spatula. It’s okay if the crackers aren’t coated completely.
5. Bake for 4-5 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly.
6. Take out and top with chocolate chips. Return to the oven for another 2 minutes for the chocolate chips to melt.
7. Then remove and spread the melted chocolate with a spatula.
8. Freeze or refrigerate for 30 minutes or until chocolate has set. Then break the toffee into pieces and ENJOY!
Store this Healthy Christmas Crack recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. You can also freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw for 10 minutes before eating. Just make sure not to let it sit out at room temperature for too long or the chocolate will start to melt.
Make It A Gift!
This yummy Christmas cracker candy makes the best holiday gift or treat! Make a big batch and package in cute tins for neighbors, teachers, friends, co-workers or family! A few recommendations:
- Make as instructed and let freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- Line a tin with parchment paper.
- Place crack candy in tin and close lid.
- Keep in freezer until ready to deliver or gift.
Why did my Christmas crack candy come out chewy?
There are a few reasons this could have happened. Make sure you let the toffee boil for 3-4 minutes. It should darken in color and thicken up (needs to reach 270-290 degrees Fahrenheit) before removing it from the heat and pouring it over the crackers. Also, if you didn’t let the crack candy cool down enough before serving, there’s a chance it didn’t get enough time to firm up. Make sure to let it cool in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutes to harden.
Do I have to use saltine crackers for this recipe?
I love the taste of saltines (salty and sweet) in this recipe but you can use almost any type of cracker you prefer! Many people like to use ritz crackers or club crackers. You can also sub for any type of gluten-free cracker like gluten-free salt crackers, Simple Mills almond crackers, gluten-free graham crackers, gluten-free pretzels or make your own crackers for gluten-free Christmas crack.
Should I store this saltine cracker toffee candy on the countertop or fridge?
For best results, I recommend storing this healthy Christmas crack in the fridge or freezer! Technically, you can store it out on the counter top but if your house is warm (or you’re doing other Christmas baking) the chocolate topping might start to melt. If storing in the freezer, just be sure to let thaw for 10 minutes or so before eating!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Lightened up Christmas Crack (Less Butter & Sugar)
Ingredients
- 44 saltine crackers
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter 1.5 sticks
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (48g) I used Truvia
- 1/4 cup sugar free pancake syrup (60g) or pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp honey (42g)
- 1.25 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (224g)
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray.
- Arrange crackers in a single layer on the sheet pan. You may need to break a few crackers in half.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, syrup and honey. Bring the toffee to a boil while stirring continuously, then allow the mixture to boil for 3 minutes (270 to 290 degrees if using a candy thermometer or until it turns caramel in color).
- Pour the toffee over the crackers. Working quickly, spread the toffee evenly over the crackers with a spatula. It’s okay if the crackers aren’t coated completely.
- Bake for 4-5 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly.
- Take out and top with chocolate chips. Return to the oven for another 2 minutes for the chocolate chips to melt. Then remove and spread the melted chocolate with a spatula.
- Freeze or refrigerate for 30 minutes or until chocolate has set.
- Then break the toffee into pieces and ENJOY!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
