Christmas Crack

Christmas Crack is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Jose.elcook on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 2 hrs 20 min | Total: 2 hrs 50 min

Cost: $4.90 total, $0.41 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 stick Unsalted Butter (softened, room temperature)
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 30 pieces Saltine Crackers (plain, no seasoning)
  • 8 oz Low‑Cacao Chocolate (70% cocoa or higher, chopped)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tray

    Line a full‑size baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray the foil generously with non‑stick cooking spray.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Arrange Crackers

    Lay the saltine crackers side‑by‑side on the prepared sheet until the whole surface is covered, overlapping slightly if needed.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Melt Butter and Sugar

    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the packed brown sugar (and vanilla if using) until fully combined.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Boil to 330°F

    Attach a candy thermometer, bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it reach 330°F (165°C). Do not let it boil longer than 30 seconds at this temperature.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 330°F

  5. Cool Slightly

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel sit for about 2 minutes until glossy ribbons form when stirred.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Pour Caramel Over Crackers

    Quickly pour the hot caramel over the arranged crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula before it begins to set.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Bake to Set Caramel

    Place the sheet in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to re‑heat and set the caramel layer.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Melt Chocolate

    While the oven is heating, melt the chopped low‑cacao chocolate in a microwave‑safe bowl in 30‑second bursts, stirring between bursts, until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Add Chocolate Layer

    Remove the tray from the oven and immediately drizzle the melted chocolate over the warm caramel, spreading to cover all edges.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Chill to Set

    Transfer the sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate and caramel are completely firm.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 4°C

  11. Break and Serve

    Remove the sheet from the fridge, lift the foil, and break the Christmas crack into irregular pieces using a knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately or store as directed.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
300
Protein
2g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
18g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy

Last updated: March 24, 2026

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Christmas Crack

Recipe by Jose.elcook

A festive, sweet‑and‑salty holiday treat made by layering buttery caramel and rich low‑cacao chocolate over a sheet of saltine crackers. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun family cooking activity.

EasyAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 25m
Prep
15m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
2h 59m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.90
Total cost
$0.41
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Reaching exactly 330°F without exceeding 30 seconds of boil
  • Pouring the hot caramel quickly and spreading evenly
  • Drizzling chocolate while the caramel is still warm

Safety Warnings

  • Caramel reaches >300°F and can cause severe burns; handle with care and keep children away from the stove.
  • Use a candy thermometer to avoid over‑cooking the caramel.

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