Saltine Cracker Toffee Recipe

Sharing is caring!

Saltine Toffee Bars are hands down one of my favorite sweet-and-salty treats. With just five simple ingredients and about 20 minutes to make, they’re perfect for when I’m craving something quick and delicious.

The buttery toffee combined with the crunchy saltines and melted chocolate? Seriously, it’s a flavor combo that’s impossible to resist! There’s a reason people call this Christmas Crack!

This saltine cracker candy has been a cherished Christmas tradition in our home for years—no holiday season feels complete without it. That said, it’s so simple and delicious that I find myself making it all year round. The ingredients are pantry staples, and if I ever run out of M&M candies, I just toss in chopped nuts, pretzels, or whatever I have on hand. It’s a super flexible recipe that never fails to impress and is always a crowd-pleaser!

If you are looking for more holiday treats, try my cinnamon cookies, super easy chocolate walnut fudge, and these fun little strawberry bites. All are impressive and uncomplicated.

Why you’ll love this saltine toffee recipe

• Quick and easy – The process just takes 20 minutes and you won’t need a candy thermometer.
• Pantry staples – More than likely you already have the ingredients in your cabinets.
• Sweet and salt – I’m a huge fan a good sweet and salty treat
• Customizable – There are a ton of different delicious variations. See below for a some great idea.

Simple Ingredients

• Saltine Crackers – One sleeve plus a few more crackers.
• Butter – I use salted butter, but unsalted butter will work just fine too.
• Brown Sugar – I use light brown sugar in this recipe.
• Chocolate Chips – I used semi-sweet, but milk chocolate chips would also work. I haven’t tried the recipe with white chocolate, but if you do, please let me know what you think!
• M&M’s and Sprinkles – Use the colors representing the holiday or event.

How to make easy saltine toffee bars

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Prepare the baking sheet

Line a 12×17-inch rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single, even layer on the sheet, covering the entire surface. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the toffee

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil. Let the brown sugar mixture boil for about 3 minutes, whisking constantly to prevent burning. TIP – Don’t walk away from this mixture!

Step 4: Pour the toffee

Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the toffee mixture evenly over the saltine crackers. I use an offset spatula to spread it evenly until the crackers are covered.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes or until the toffee starts to bubble around the edges.

Step 6: Add the chocolate

Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them soften for a few minutes, then spread the melted chocolate evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Top it off
Sprinkle mini M&Ms, nuts, or your preferred topping over the melted chocolate.

Step 8: Cool and set
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until the chocolate and toffee are completely set.

Step 9: Break and serve
Once hardened, break the toffee into pieces and enjoy!

Substitutions

Who will you be serving? Whether it’s family, friends, or partygoers, this recipe can be customized to please any crowd. Think about what they love—would kids be thrilled with sour gummy worms? Or would adults prefer a touch of sophistication with nuts or dark chocolate? The possibilities are truly endless when making saltine toffee!

Here are some fun variations to inspire you:

1. S’mores Toffee Bars:
   Swap the saltine crackers for graham crackers and sprinkle mini marshmallows on top instead of M&M candies. You’ll get that gooey, campfire flavor in every bite.
2. Nutty Delight:
   I personally love this recipe with pecans, but walnuts, peanuts, or even almonds work beautifully. Mix and match for a crunchy, nutty twist.
3. Holiday Peppermint:
   Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the melted chocolate for a festive holiday treat. It’s perfect for Christmas parties and adds a refreshing minty crunch.
4. Dark Chocolate Elegance:
   Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate and top with flaky sea salt or chopped pistachios for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
5. Candy Explosion:
   Replace M&Ms with chopped Reese’s, Snickers, or your favorite candy bars. This version is indulgent and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
6. Pretzel Crunch:
   For an extra salty bite, sprinkle crushed pretzels over the melted chocolate. It’s a crowd-pleaser that hits that sweet-and-salty craving.
7. Tropical Twist:
   Add toasted coconut flakes and a sprinkle of chopped macadamia nuts for a tropical-inspired flavor.
8. Potato Chips:
   Crumble plain potato chips over the chocolate for an ultra-crunchy, salty-sweet combo that will surprise and delight your guests.

This recipe is endlessly versatile and can easily be tailored to any occasion or personal preference. Have fun experimenting; you’ll surely find a combination everyone will love!

FAQ

Serving suggestions

• I love adding this pretty toffee to holiday gift boxes for friends and neighbors. It’s a great option for cookie exchanges, too. If you are making boxes, include this fun holiday cookie.
• Surprise everyone at your next potluck gathering with this sweet treat.
• Need a quick and easy treat for a kid’s class party or a neighborhood get-together? This toffee bark is perfect!

Sharing is caring!