With only 5 ingredients, you can make this holiday “crack” candy recipe in just over 15 minutes. Customize this treat with your favorite toppings!
The week before the holidays, I was finishing up some work meetings when I came downstairs for a break. The kitchen smelled great. My little baker was in the kitchen and just finished making this holiday “crack” candy for us.
She had read about this online and was compelled it try it at home. Addie used a few different toppings – regular M&Ms, peanut M&Ms, and chopped nuts. Since I am weird and don’t like peanuts, I only taste tested the regular M&M pieces. We packaged these up and gave some to our neighbor, and she gifted some to friends at school.
I was very impressed that Addie was able to make the caramel/toffee layer on her own. I remember being scared to attempt a homemade caramel several years ago and was astonished that my junior baker tackled this without hesitation. She did a great job too, as no caramel burned, and nothing scorched on the bottom of my pan. The oven didn’t get dirty either!
I’d call that a win for sure.
We saved some of the candy and brought it to us in the Midwest to share with my in-laws. This recipe turned out to be a hit with them, and I was pleased to share that I did not help in any way. Looks like I’m on my way to baking retirement soon. My sous chef will soon become head chef!
Husband’s rating: 4 out of 5
Addie’s rating: 4.5 out of 5
My rating: 4.5 out of 5
Holiday "crack" candy
Ingredients
- 48 saltine crackers about 1 and ½ sleeves
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 16 Tablespoons) unsalted butter cubed
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- ½ to 1 cup M&M candies can also use chopped peanuts, peanut M&Ms or other candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325℉. Line a large jelly roll pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat. If you don't own a jelly roll pan (typically 15" x 10"), use two trays with high sides. You don't want the toffee layer to ooze off the pan onto the bottom of the oven!
- Line your saltine crackers in a single layer on your pan.
- In a medium sized saucepan, melt the two sticks of butter with the brown sugar over medium heat. Allow the mixture to boil and let it cook for another 3 minutes. The mixture should turn a medium amber color (do not let it get too dark or burn).
- Pour the caramel over the saltines and use a silicone spatula to spread it over the crackers in an even layer.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 8 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Use a silicone spatula to even out the chocolate.
- Top with the M&Ms or your candy of choice. Allow it cool slightly, then freeze in your freezer for about 15 minutes.
- Break into pieces, and serve!