I got seriously hooked on this saltine cracker candy. Combining crunchy saltines with a gooey, buttery caramel sauce, melted milk chocolate, and creamy peanut butter brings a sweet and salty harmony that feels both indulgent and super homemade. It’s a quick treat that totally satisfies my craving for an effortless dessert.

Jump to Recipe

I’ve been experimenting with simple treats lately and discovered that Saltine Cracker Candy, also known as Christmas Crack or Saltine Christmas Bark, is truly a game changer for holiday snack ideas. I start with a sleeve of 40 saltine crackers as the base, layering them with a mix of 1 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup packed light brown sugar.

These ingredients melt together to create a toffee base that’s surprisingly rich in calories and satisfying for a quick energy boost, much like an old time Christmas candy. Then I add 2 cups of milk chocolate chips and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, both of which add protein and fats, making it a more filling treat.

I love that this recipe is great for Candy Exchange Ideas and works perfectly as a Southern Christmas candy among my other Simple Christmas Treats Baking creations. Enjoy a no-fuss, tasty treat that’s as fun as it is fast to make.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First off, it’s super simple to make and almost foolproof. I don’t need a candy thermometer or fancy tools, which means I can whip this up whenever I’m in the mood for a sweet treat.

Another reason I like it is the amazing mix of salty and sweet flavors. Every bite has that perfect balance of crunchy saltine crackers, gooey chocolate, and rich butter-sugar sauce – it’s like an instant happy surprise in your mouth.

Also, I really dig that it has a mix of textures. The crackers stay a bit crisp even after all that melted chocolate and warm peanut butter is added. It might not be perfect every time, but that’s the fun part because it always tastes unique.

Lastly, it’s comforting to use common ingredients that I probably already have in my kitchen. Knowing that I can make something so delicious with just a few simple items feels really satisfying and not overly complicated.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Saltine Crackers: low fiber, provide simple carbs and crunchy, salty base perfect for candy.
Unsalted Butter: rich flavor and essential fats create a smooth, meltable base enhancing treats.
Light Brown Sugar: natural sweetness with moisture adding rich, caramel notes to the candy.
Milk Chocolate Chips: generous sweetness, smooth texture and satisfying cocoa taste in every bite.
Peanut Butter: offers creamy texture, protein boost and a salty contrast that perfectly balances sweetness.
Holiday Candy: blending crunchy, smooth, sweet and salty flavors creates an unforgettable festive treat.
Final Twist: Each ingredient squares together for a quick holiday delight to share with friends.

Ingredient Quantities

1 sleeve saltine crackers (around 40 crackers)

1 cup unsalted butter (that’s about 2 sticks)

1 cup packed light brown sugar

2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semisweet if you prefer)

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Lay out your 1 sleeve of saltine crackers in a single layer, covering the entire sheet.

3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar, stirring constantly until you see a bubbly mixture forming.

4. Once the mixture is bubbly, carefully pour it evenly over the crackers so every cracker gets some of that yummy sauce.

5. Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce starts to bubble even more.

6. Remove the sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of milk chocolate chips evenly over the hot sauce so they start to melt.

7. Let everything sit for about 3 minutes then use a spatula to gently spread the melted chocolate evenly over all the crackers.

8. Next, warm up 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter in the microwave for like 20 seconds and then drizzle it all over the chocolate layer.

9. Use the spatula to swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate if you want a marbled look – it doesnt have to be perfect.

10. Place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 1 hour until the candy is set, then break it into pieces and enjoy your Saltine Cracker Candy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – Used to bake the candy layer for a short time
2. Baking sheet – A flat pan for spreading the crackers evenly
3. Parchment paper – Placed on the baking sheet to prevent sticking
4. Medium saucepan – Needed for melting the butter and brown sugar together
5. Wooden spoon – For stirring the mixture until it gets bubbly
6. Spatula – To spread the melted chocolate and to swirl the peanut butter
7. Microwave – To quickly warm the peanut butter
8. Refrigerator – To chill the finished candy and set it before breaking into pieces

FAQ

Q: How quickly can I whip this up?

A: It only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, so it's quick enough for any last minute holiday treat.

Q: Can I use semisweet chocolate chips instead if I dont have milk chocolate?

A: Yeah, you can swap them out without any probs. Both work great, so go for whichever you like best.

Q: Will the saltine crackers get soggy under all that candy?

A: Not if you let the caramel cool completely. Just spread it evenly and wait til it's hardened so the crackers keep their crunch.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Sure thing! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Right before serving, let it sit out a bit so it isn't too hard.

Q: What if my peanut butter seems too thick?

A: You can warm it up a bit or stir it well to loosen it up, making sure it mixes nicely with the melted chocolate.

Saltine Cracker Candy That’s Quick And Fast (Aka Christmas Crack) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of saltine crackers you can try graham crackers or even Ritz crackers if you’re feeling adventurous
If you don’t have unsalted butter, salted butter will work too just cut back a pinch of salt elsewhere
Swap out light brown sugar for dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor or even try coconut sugar for a twist
You can replace milk chocolate chips with semisweet chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips if you’re up for something different
If creamy peanut butter isn’t available, crunchy peanut butter or almond butter could be a fun alternative

Pro Tips

1. When you’re melting the butter and brown sugar, make sure to constantly stir so it doesn’t burn. It’s real easy to overcook if you step away for too long.
2. Try to spread the melted sauce evenly over the crackers. If you don’t, some pieces might end up soggy while others are too dry, and that’s the last thing you want.
3. Give the chocolate just enough time to melt from the heat of the sauce but not so long that it cools completely. Timing is key here, so keep an eye on it.
4. Warming the peanut butter a little before drizzling makes it easier to swirl around the chocolate. If it’s too thick, you might end up with clumps that don’t blend well.