This festive treat is perfect for the holiday season! It’s a simple yet delicious candy that combines the salty crunch of saltine crackers with a rich caramel layer and decadent chocolate. Not only is it a delightful snack, but it also makes for a fun activity to share with kids as they can help with decorating!
Ingredients:
- 1-2 packs of saltine crackers (about 40-50 crackers)
- 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: colorful sprinkles, crushed nuts, mini marshmallows, or holiday-themed candies
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your candy will bake evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Make sure to spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the candy from sticking.
- Arrange the Crackers: Lay the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. You can cover the entire surface or create a fun pattern using different shapes if you have extra crackers.
- Make the Caramel Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, add the unsalted butter and brown sugar.
- Over medium heat, stir the mixture continuously until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Allow it to come to a gentle boil, then let it boil for about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it reaches a caramel-like consistency. Be careful not to let it burn!
- Pour the Caramel: Once the caramel is ready, carefully pour it evenly over the arranged saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread it gently, ensuring that all the crackers are covered.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. The caramel will bubble and become slightly firmer.
- Add Chocolate Chips: After 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel. Allow them to sit for a minute to soften, or if you prefer, pop it back into the oven for an additional minute to help melt the chocolate.
- Spread the Chocolate: Once melted, use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the caramel layer.
- Decorate: Now comes the fun part! Let the kids sprinkle colorful toppings like festive sprinkles, crushed nuts, or mini marshmallows on top of the melted chocolate. This not only adds flavor but also makes the candy visually appealing for the holidays.
- Cool and Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and allow the candy to chill for at least 1-2 hours or until it’s completely cold and firm.
- Break into Pieces: Once set, remove the candy from the refrigerator. Use your hands to break it into irregular pieces or use a sharp knife to cut it into squares, depending on your preferred presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious holiday saltine cracker candy on a festive platter or package them in decorative bags to share with friends and family. They make great gifts!
Tips:
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the chocolate before it sets.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate, for a unique twist.
- This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to get creative with your toppings!
This delightful holiday treat is sure to become a favorite in your household, and it’s a wonderful way to spread some festive cheer. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious candy with your loved ones!
Feel free to adjust any parts of the recipe to suit your taste or preferences!