Irresistible Crunchy Cracker Candy Recipe: Sweet Magic in Minutes

Sweet meets salty in this delightful cracker candy that will turn heads at any gathering.

Layers of buttery crackers meld perfectly with rich chocolate in a cracker candy that promises pure indulgence.

The simple ingredients create magic in your kitchen.

Caramel and chocolate combine to form an irresistible treat that looks far more complicated than its easy preparation.

Crisp crackers provide the perfect base for this decadent dessert.

Anyone can master this recipe with just a few basic steps.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1-2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 166 kcal

Servings: 24

Cracker Candy: What You’ll Need

• Saltine Crackers: Provides a crispy, salty foundation that balances the sweet caramel and chocolate, choose fresh and crisp crackers for the best texture.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, golden caramel sauce that coats the crackers, select high-quality unsalted butter and dark brown sugar for deeper flavor complexity.

• Chocolate Chips: Adds a smooth, decadent chocolate coating, opt for semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips depending on personal preference.
• Holiday Sprinkles, Candy Canes: Brings festive color and extra crunch, select seasonal decorations that complement the candy's color palette.

Tools That Make Cracker Candy

• Baking sheet: 9×13-inch sheet for creating the candy base.
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil: Prevents sticking and helps with easy removal.
• Cooking spray: Light greasing to ensure crackers don't stick.
• Medium saucepan: For preparing the caramel mixture.
• Spatula: Needed for spreading caramel and chocolate smoothly.
• Measuring tools: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Oven: For baking and melting caramel and chocolate.

How to Make Cracker Candy at Home

• Prep Your Baking Station

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Carefully arrange saltine crackers in a perfect single layer covering the entire surface.

• Craft the Caramel Magic

In a saucepan, transform butter and brown sugar into a rich, golden caramel by stirring constantly over medium heat. Watch it bubble and thicken into a luscious mixture.

• Drench the Crackers

Pour the molten caramel generously over the crackers, ensuring every inch gets coated with the sweet, sticky goodness.

• Bake and Melt

Slide the tray into a preheated oven and let the caramel become wonderfully bubbly. Remove and let it rest momentarily.

• Chocolate Transformation

Scatter chocolate chips across the hot surface. Allow them to melt naturally, then smooth them into a glossy layer using a spatula.

• Add Festive Flair

Sprinkle holiday-themed toppings or crushed candy for a playful finish.

• Set and Serve

Let the candy cool completely at room temperature or speed up the process in the refrigerator. Once hardened, break into delightful bite-sized pieces and enjoy your homemade treat.

Cracker Candy Flavor Tweaks to Try

• Caramel Crunch Perfection: Use high-quality butter and brown sugar for a rich, deep flavor that elevates the entire candy.
• Chocolate Melting Magic: Let chocolate chips sit for exactly 2-3 minutes after spreading over hot caramel to ensure smooth, glossy coverage without burning.
• Dietary Twist Options: Swap traditional saltines with gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version, or use dark chocolate for a lower-sugar alternative that's still deliciously decadent.
• Storage Savvy: Keep cracker candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness. Pro tip: Layer pieces between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Festive Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different toppings like chopped nuts, sea salt, or themed sprinkles to match holidays or personal preferences. Crushed peppermint works wonderfully for winter celebrations.

Serving Cracker Candy for Holidays

• Sweet Party Platter: Arrange broken cracker candy pieces on a decorative holiday tray with peppermint sticks scattered around for a festive presentation.
• Dessert Gift Idea: Package cooled cracker candy in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifting to friends and family.
• Ice Cream Topping Surprise: Crush cracker candy into small chunks and sprinkle over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an unexpected crunchy, sweet twist that adds delightful texture.
• Coffee Companion: Break cracker candy into bite-sized pieces and serve alongside hot cocoa or coffee as a delectable sweet accompaniment that complements warm beverages perfectly.

Cracker Candy: How to Keep It Crisp

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep your cracker candy in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Stack pieces between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch up to 3 days before serving. Cool completely, break into pieces, and store in sealed containers at room temperature or chilled for maximum flavor preservation.
• Temperature Tricks: Store at cool room temperature (around 65-70°F) if serving within 2-3 days. Avoid warm spaces that might cause chocolate to melt or caramel to become sticky.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual pieces or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying crisp, delicious candy.

Crunchy Cracker Candy Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Homemade cracker candy delivers a sweet and salty symphony of flavors that delights taste buds. Simple ingredients combine to create an irresistible treat that satisfies both snack cravings and dessert desires.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
• 1 cup (226 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (220 grams / 7.9 oz) packed light brown sugar
• 2 cups (340 grams / 12 oz) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• ½ cup holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly greasing with cooking spray for easy release.
2. Cracker Base: Arrange saltine crackers in a single, compact layer across the entire sheet, ensuring full coverage without gaps or overlapping.
3. Caramel Creation: In a saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar, heating and stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, amber-colored syrup with a glossy, thickened texture.
4. Chocolate Layer: Pour the molten caramel evenly over the cracker foundation, spreading with a spatula to ensure complete coverage. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the caramel bubbles and deepens in color.
5. Chocolate Finishing: Immediately scatter chocolate chips across the hot caramel surface, allowing them to melt naturally for 2-3 minutes. Gently spread the chocolate into a smooth, uniform layer using consistent strokes.
6. Decoration and Cooling: Sprinkle with optional toppings like crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles while the chocolate remains slightly warm. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or allow to cool at room temperature until completely set.
7. Serving: Break the hardened confection into rustic, irregular pieces, ready to be devoured and enjoyed.

Notes

• Prevent Cracker Slipping: Lightly spray parchment paper with cooking spray to help crackers stay perfectly positioned during caramel pouring.
• Master Caramel Technique: Stir butter and brown sugar constantly to avoid burning, watching for rich amber color as key doneness indicator.
• Chocolate Melting Precision: Let chocolate chips sit untouched on hot caramel for 2-3 minutes to ensure smooth, even melting without additional heat.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate, and try alternative toppings such as chopped nuts, sea salt, or crushed cookies for unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1-2 hours
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg