Satisfy your family’s chocolatey cravings the fun way this holiday season!
It wouldn’t be Christmastime without a little indulgence, right? At first, I thought candy-making would be difficult, and that’s certainly the case if I’m going for something ornate like ribbon candy. But when I was first introduced to Christmas crack, I realized that I had been approaching sweet treats all wrong. Sometimes, especially for the holidays, the easiest recipes are the best. That way, I can spend less time worrying about my homemade treats and more time focused on family and friends.
Christmas crack is designed to satisfy those sweet and savory cravings that often creep up on us during the winter. With a crispy crust of saltine crackers, a layer of melted chocolate, and a topping of crunchy pecans, this makes a great snack as well as dessert. My cousins and I have even snuck some pieces for breakfast on Christmas morning. So, don’t be shocked if your kiddos do the same. Christmas crack can be as addictive as its wordplay name implies! That’s why my mom, in the same way she hid our presents, had special hiding spots in the kitchen for this sneaky, sweet snack. With how enticing Christmas crack is, you might want to do the same with yours.
Christmas crack and peppermint bark fusion
My mom and I used to bake together during every Christmas season, and we came up with some concoctions that I have yet to find anywhere else. While I’ll probably write a cookbook all about them one day, for now, I’d like to share with you the way we tweak Christmas crack with a blissful bite of peppermint bark.
It’s super simple. All we do is replace the chopped pecans with crushed peppermint candy canes. If we want even more mouthwatering mint, we’ll mix the peppermint pieces into the melted chocolate, so that the flavors mingle throughout. However you choose to do it, this minty chocolate combo is perfect for the holiday season!
How do I store leftovers?
Break your Christmas crack into pieces and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Enjoy the leftovers cold or at room temperature. You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months; however, enjoying Christmas crack fresh is always best.
Similar recipes to try
Ready to craft a whole buffet of desserts for the holiday season? We are too! Alongside your Christmas crack, dish out some Keto Christmas Cookies—because who says cookies can’t be low-carb? Plus, try these luscious No-Bake Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Balls or fudgy Chocolate-Caramel Gluten-Free Brownies. All of that, plus a comforting Keto Hot Chocolate, and your chocolatey Christmas is set.
Christmas Crack Recipe
Ingredients
- 35 to 40 saltine crackers or fewer larger crackers (as pictured)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans
- Christmas sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with foil or parchment and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Arrange crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt unsalted butter and salt with packed brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to boil and thickens slightly. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot butter and sugar mixture evenly over the crackers. Use a spatula to help spread it out so every cracker is coated.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes until the mixture is bubbling.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let sit for about 1 minute to allow the chocolate to soften.
- Using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the surface. Then sprinkle chopped pecans and sprinkles (if using) over the chocolate.
- Allow the entire tray to cool until the chocolate hardens. Once set, break into pieces and serve.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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