Saltine Toffee Recipe
Saltine Toffee is a delightful holiday treat featuring a crispy layer of salted saltine crackers topped with a rich, buttery brown sugar caramel, melted semisweet chocolate, and festive sprinkles or M&Ms. This easy-to-make dessert combines sweet and salty flavors for a perfect balance, ideal for holiday parties or gifting.
- Author: Windy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Yield: About 35 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Base
- 35 salted saltine crackers (1 sleeve)
Caramel Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
Chocolate & Decorations
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Christmas themed sprinkles
- Red & green mini M&Ms or regular size M&Ms
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10 inch cookie sheet with rims with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Arrange Crackers: Lay a single layer of 35 salted saltine crackers evenly in the prepared pan, ensuring they cover the entire surface without overlapping.
- Make Caramel: In a small saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Stir frequently as you bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cook for exactly 3 minutes while stirring constantly to create a smooth caramel.
- Pour Caramel Over Crackers: Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over the arranged saltine crackers, spreading it evenly to cover all crackers.
- Bake Caramel and Crackers: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. The mixture will bubble vigorously when done. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack immediately.
- Add Chocolate Chips: While still hot, sprinkle 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips over the caramel-coated crackers. Allow the chocolate chips to melt slightly for a couple of minutes.
- Spread Melted Chocolate: Using an offset spatula or butter knife, gently spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel and crackers to form a smooth chocolate layer.
- Decorate: Add Christmas-themed sprinkles and red & green mini M&Ms or regular M&Ms for a festive touch. Optionally, sprinkle a light layer of flaky sea salt to enhance flavor.
- Cool and Set: Allow the toffee to cool and harden at room temperature, which may take an hour or more. To speed up the process, place the tray in the refrigerator.
- Serve: Once fully set, cut the toffee into squares and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Using salted saltine crackers balances the sweetness with a subtle saltiness for an improved flavor profile.
- Ensure you cook the caramel for the full 3 minutes at a low boil for proper toffee consistency.
- Be careful pouring the hot caramel over the crackers to avoid burns.
- You can customize toppings with different sprinkles, nuts, or candies according to preference.
- Store the toffee in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- If the chocolate does not melt evenly, you can briefly place the tray back in the warm oven for a few seconds.
Keywords: Saltine Toffee, Holiday Toffee, Christmas Candy, Salted Cracker Toffee, Easy Toffee Recipe, Festive Dessert