White Chocolate Christmas Crack is a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for the holidays! It’s made with salty crackers, sweet white chocolate, and a sprinkle of festive toppings to make it extra special.
This yummy snack is super easy to make, and you can enjoy it with family or share it as a gift. Trust me, it’s hard to resist just one piece—it’s like a holiday hug in every bite! 🎄❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These add the perfect crunch and a touch of saltiness. If you don’t have saltines, you could use graham crackers, but that will change the flavor slightly.
White Chocolate: I recommend using good quality white chocolate chips or bars for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using dairy-free white chocolate chips. Just check the packaging to confirm they fit your needs.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best since you can control the saltiness. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half the butter with coconut oil, but it might alter the taste a bit.
M&M’s: Feel free to swap in any holiday-themed candies you like, such as Skittles or chopped nuts. I sometimes use mini marshmallows for a fun twist!
Candy Canes: Crushed peppermint adds a festive and refreshing touch. If you can’t find candy canes, peppermint extract can be used instead; just a few drops will suffice!
How Do I Get That Perfectly Even Topping?
Evenly spreading your toppings ensures every piece has a nice blend of flavors. After you sprinkle the white chocolate, let it sit to soften for a few minutes. Then, use an offset spatula to gently spread it over each cracker layer. This technique helps you cover every nook and cranny!
- Pour the white chocolate from the center, then use the spatula to spread it outward.
- Top it quickly while the chocolate is still melted—this makes the candies stick better.
- Feel free to press the M&M’s and candy cane pieces gently into the melted chocolate for extra adherence.
With these tips and substitutions, your White Chocolate Christmas Crack will be a hit during the holiday season! Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat!
White Chocolate Christmas Crack Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 40 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
For the Topping:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or white baking chocolate
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s (or any holiday-themed candies)
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- Red and green colored sugar or sprinkles (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take you about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour to chill in the fridge. With baking, you’ll spend a total of 20 minutes before letting it set. Perfect for a quick and festive dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take a large baking sheet and line it with foil or parchment paper. This will help with easy cleanup later! Next, arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they cover the whole surface with no gaps. It creates a solid base for your crack!
2. Make the Toffee Layer:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the packed brown sugar. Stir constantly as it heats up until it comes to a boil. Let it boil for 3 minutes without stirring—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
3. Pour and Bake:
Carefully pour the hot butter and sugar mixture evenly over the saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread it out gently so all the crackers are covered. Now, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. This will create a lovely toffee layer!
4. Adding the White Chocolate:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the white chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee layer. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften. After it’s softened, use a spatula to gently spread the melted chocolate evenly over all the crackers.
5. Finishing Touches:
While the white chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the red and green M&M’s, crushed candy canes, and any optional colored sprinkles on top. This is where your Christmas Crack gets its festive flair!
6. Cooling Time:
Let the tray cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cool, pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow it to set up nicely. It’ll be worth the wait!
7. Breaking it Apart:
Once set, take it out of the refrigerator and break it into pieces (they don’t have to be perfect!). Serve and enjoy your White Chocolate Christmas Crack at holiday parties or share it as gifts!
Happy Holidays and enjoy your delicious treat! 🎉
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers?
Absolutely! While saltine crackers are traditional for this recipe, you can use graham crackers or even pretzel crisps for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that using different types may alter the overall flavor and texture slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover White Chocolate Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for longer shelf life, but it may lose some of its crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this ahead! Prepare the White Chocolate Christmas Crack and store it in an airtight container once it’s set. It will stay fresh for up to a week, making it a great treat for holiday gatherings!
What Can I Use Instead of White Chocolate?
If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can substitute it with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness level, as these chocolates have different flavor profiles compared to white chocolate.