This White Chocolate Christmas Crack is a sweet and crunchy treat that makes the holiday season even brighter! It’s made with delicious crackers, creamy white chocolate, and festive toppings.
The best part? It’s super easy to whip up! I love making this to share with friends and family, and I might sneak a piece (or three) while it cools—who can resist? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These add a perfect salty crunch to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have saltines, pretzel crisps or graham crackers can work in a pinch. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
Butter: Using unsalted butter gives better control over saltiness in the final treat. However, if you only have salted butter, you can use it but reduce any added salt in the recipe.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is traditional, but dark brown sugar adds a richer flavor. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses as a substitute (1 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses).
White Chocolate: While white chocolate chips are convenient, you can chop a block of white chocolate for a smoother melt. If you want a different flavor, try using dark or milk chocolate instead!
Nuts: I love using cashews for their creaminess, but any nut works—almonds, peanuts, or pecans are great alternatives. You can also skip the nuts for nut-free needs.
How Do I Get the Caramel to Set Just Right?
The caramel is key for that delicious crunch! To get it perfect, follow these steps:
- **Don’t Rush the Boil**: When melting butter and sugar, bring it to a boil without stirring. This helps create a nice thick base.
- **Timing is Important**: Boil for exactly 3 minutes. If overcooked, it may become too hard, and if undercooked, it won’t set properly.
- **Spread Quickly**: Pour the hot caramel over the crackers right after cooking, as it will set fast! Use a spatula to work quickly and cover all crackers evenly.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll achieve a crunchy, delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).
White Chocolate Christmas Crack
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 40 saltine crackers (enough to cover a large baking sheet)
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
For the Topping:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1 cup cashews (or mixed nuts of choice)
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
- Red and green festive sprinkles (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 2 hours to rest in the refrigerator. You’ll be ready to enjoy your Christmas Crack in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by lining a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This will keep your Christmas Crack from sticking! Now, arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer all over the baking sheet. They should cover the whole surface nicely.
2. Make the Caramel Topping:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the packed brown sugar. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to boil. Let it boil for exactly 3 minutes without stirring. This step is crucial for achieving a thick caramel!
3. Spread the Caramel:
Carefully pour the hot caramel evenly over the arranged saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread it gently and make sure all crackers are covered. It might be a little messy, but that’s part of the fun!
4. Bake:
Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. During this time, the caramel will bubble and set onto the crackers. Yum!
5. Add White Chocolate and Toppings:
Once the 5 minutes are up, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the white chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Let it sit for 5 minutes to melt. Then, take a spatula and spread the melted white chocolate smoothly over the caramel.
6. Top with Nuts and Candies:
While the white chocolate is still warm, quickly sprinkle the cashews, red and green M&M’s, and festive sprinkles evenly over the surface. It should look colorful and festive!
7. Cool and Set:
Allow the Christmas Crack to cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cool, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This will help it set beautifully.
8. Break and Serve:
After it’s completely set, take it out of the fridge and break it into pieces. Now it’s time to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container, if there are any left!
Enjoy the sweet, salty, and festive crunch of this White Chocolate Christmas Crack!
Can I Use Other Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for white chocolate, you can substitute milk or dark chocolate if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the taste will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Saltine Crackers?
No worries! If you don’t have saltines, you can use pretzel crisps, graham crackers, or even rice cakes as an alternative. Just make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warm climate, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Can I Make This in Advance?
Yes! This treat can be made a few days in advance. Just ensure it’s fully cooled and stored properly in an airtight container. It makes a great gift or party treat that you can prepare ahead of time!