Christmas Crack (Saltine Bark)

Name: Christmas Crack (Saltine Bark)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 pieces
Ingredients: 1 sleeve Saltine crackers; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); Sea salt for sprinkling

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

This Christmas Crack, also known as Saltine Bark, is a delightful sweet and salty treat that's perfect for the holiday season. With a crunchy base of Saltine crackers, topped with a rich layer of caramel and chocolate, it's a snack that everyone will love.

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2025-12-18T14:28:36.312Z

Christmas Crack is a festive treat that has garnered a lot of love over the years. It's the perfect mix of sweet and salty, making it addictive and hard to resist. This recipe is not only easy to make but also a great way to get the whole family involved in holiday baking!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with buttery caramel
Perfect crunch from Saltine crackers
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for holiday gatherings
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings

      

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Christmas Crack, or Saltine Bark, is a festive dessert that combines sweet and salty flavors in a way that’s irresistible. The crunch of the Saltine crackers provides a delightful texture, while the buttery caramel and rich chocolate create a decadent topping that will satisfy any sweet tooth. This treat is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent addition to your holiday dessert table.

The versatility of this recipe makes it a favorite among home bakers. You can easily customize the toppings to suit your taste or to use up whatever you have on hand. Whether you prefer nuts, sprinkles, or even crushed peppermint, the possibilities are endless, ensuring that every batch can be unique and tailored to your holiday celebrations.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best aspects of making Christmas Crack is how simple and quick it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch in no time. This makes it an ideal recipe for busy holiday seasons when you want to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

The entire process, from preparation to baking, takes less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute addition to your holiday festivities. Just a little bit of patience while it cools, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to share. It’s also a fun recipe to make with kids, allowing them to help with layering the crackers and sprinkling on toppings.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your Christmas Crack has cooled and set, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its freshness. You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, or refrigerate it for longer shelf life. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This treat also makes for excellent gifts; simply package it in a decorative box or jar for a thoughtful homemade present.

For serving, consider plating the bark on a festive tray or arranging it in individual treat bags for guests. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee, making it a delightful snack for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, this Christmas Crack is sure to impress and spread holiday cheer.

Ingredients

For the Bark

1 sleeve Saltine crackers
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Sea salt for sprinkling

Make sure to have everything ready before you start!

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.

Arrange the Crackers

Place the Saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, covering the entire surface.

Make the Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring frequently until it comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 3-4 minutes without stirring.

Pour the Caramel

Pour the caramel over the Saltine crackers, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, until bubbly.

Add Chocolate

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let them sit for a couple of minutes to soften before spreading the melted chocolate into an even layer.

Add Toppings

If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts and a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate layer.

Cool and Break

Let the bark cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes until set. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips for Success

To ensure your caramel turns out perfectly, keep an eye on the saucepan as it cooks. Stirring too frequently can cause it to crystallize, so let it boil undisturbed for a few minutes. If you notice any crystallization, a drop of lemon juice can help smooth it out.

When spreading the melted chocolate, use a spatula for an even layer. If your chocolate chips don’t melt completely, place the baking sheet back in the oven for a minute or two to help them along. This will facilitate easier spreading and a smooth finish.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate! Dark chocolate or white chocolate can provide a unique twist to the flavor profile. You can also add a layer of caramel sauce on top of the chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

For a holiday-themed version, try topping the chocolate with crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles. This not only adds a pop of color but also a delightful crunch that enhances the overall experience of this delicious treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of crackers?

Yes, you can use other types of crackers, but Saltine crackers provide the best balance of flavor and texture.

→ How do I store Christmas Crack?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it a few days in advance and keep it stored properly.

→ Is it possible to add other toppings?

Yes! Feel free to add toppings like toffee bits, coconut flakes, or different types of nuts.