Peanut Butter Saltine Toffee (Christmas Crack)

Sweet, salty, and totally addictive, this Peanut Butter Saltine Toffee is the perfect holiday treat. Easy to make and even easier to devour—prepare to be obsessed!

Picture this: you’re cozied up on the couch, wrapped in your favorite blanket, binge-watching your latest guilty pleasure show. Suddenly, your snack craving hits. 

You want something that’s sweet but also salty, crunchy yet decadent. Well, let me introduce you to your new best friend: Peanut Butter Saltine Toffee. 

This treat isn’t just any dessert; it’s a full-blown experience, a mouthwatering combo that will make your taste buds feel like they’re on a holiday getaway.

If you’ve never experienced the sheer magic of combining the humble Saltine cracker with rich, buttery toffee and a generous layer of creamy peanut butter, then buckle up, because you’re in for a wild, delicious ride. 

The toffee gives it that crunch factor, while the peanut butter adds a nutty, velvety texture that makes every bite irresistible.

It’s like the perfect love child of a sweet candy bar and a salty snack—and it’s here to upgrade your dessert game.

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious, and you don’t have to be a culinary genius to pull it off. 

With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can whip up a treat that’ll have your friends and family thinking you trained at Le Cordon Bleu.

Bring it to holiday parties, last-minute get-togethers, etc. 

Seriously, if you can handle boiling sugar (and trust me, you can), then you’ve got this in the bag.

If you’re a peanut butter lover you may also want to try my Peanut Butter Balls or my Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SALTINE TOFFEE RECIPE

• Sweet & Salty Heaven: The perfect balance of rich, buttery toffee, salty Saltine crackers, creamy peanut butter, and smooth chocolate will have your taste buds singing with joy.
• Ridiculously Easy: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a breeze, even for those who aren’t pros in the kitchen. It’s practically foolproof!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making it for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just to treat yourself, this toffee will impress everyone and disappear in no time.
• Totally Customizable: Want to get fancy? Add crushed nuts, pretzels, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavors even more. The options are endless!
• Perfect for Gifting: This toffee makes for a fantastic homemade gift. Wrap it up in a cute tin or cellophane bag, and you’ll be the hero of the holiday season.
• Snack Emergency Approved: Keeps well in the freezer for when those sweet and salty cravings strike—because you never know when you’ll need a toffee fix.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE PEANUT BUTTER CHRISTMAS CRACK

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the peanut butter cracker toffee (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Saltine Crackers: The humble hero of this salty treat. Their crispy texture makes for the perfect toffee base.
• Butter: Because let’s face it, everything’s better with butter.
• Brown Sugar: This is what transforms into that mouthwatering caramel toffee.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy, your call. But the peanut butter adds a nutty, rich flavor that’s to die for.
• Chocolate Chips: Melted on top for that luscious, chocolatey finish.
• Chopped Nuts (Optional): If you want to get fancy, sprinkle some chopped peanuts or pecans on top. Go big or go home!

HOW TO MAKE THE PEANUT BUTTER SALTINE TOFFEE BARK

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the Saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they are close together without overlapping.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring frequently until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Let it boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring, ensuring the toffee thickens but does not burn.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the hot toffee mixture over the layer of Saltine crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula to coat all the crackers.
4. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-6 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and the crackers have absorbed the toffee mixture.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the warm toffee and use your spatula to spread into an even layer.
6. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments and pour over the toffee peanut butter layer.
7. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle toppings over the top for a festive finish.
8. Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator to set completely (approximately 1 hour).
9. Once the toffee is firm, remove it from the baking sheet and break it into pieces using your hands.
10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to two months.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Line Your Baking Sheet Properly: Use aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure the toffee doesn’t stick. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps you remove the toffee easily.
• Arrange Saltines Tightly: Make sure your Saltine crackers are arranged in a single, snug layer with no gaps. This provides a solid base for the toffee and prevents it from seeping through.
• Monitor the Toffee Carefully: When boiling the butter and sugar, keep a close eye on it. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes until it thickens, but don’t overcook it or it will burn and become bitter.
• Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Crushed nuts, pretzels, sea salt flakes, or festive sprinkles can add extra flavor and texture to your toffee.
• Chill for Easy Breaking: Let the toffee set in the fridge until completely firm before breaking it into pieces. This makes it easier to get clean, crunchy pieces.

FAQS

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS CRACK?

The original recipe is a highly addictive, sweet and salty holiday treat that combines crispy Saltine crackers, a rich layer of buttery caramel toffee, and melted chocolate on top. The peanut butter version but includes a peanut butter layer.

Once the chocolate is set, the entire sheet is broken into pieces, creating a crunchy, caramelized, chocolatey snack that’s perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or just devouring straight from the tray. The decadent layers make this such a delicious treat.

It’s called “Christmas Crack” because it’s incredibly hard to stop eating—it’s that deliciously addictive!

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF CRACKER BESIDES SALTINES?

Absolutely! Club crackers or even graham crackers can be used for a twist on the traditional Saltine layer. Each will give you a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment.

DO I NEED A CANDY THERMOMETER FOR THE CARAMEL SAUCE?

While a candy thermometer is useful to ensure your caramel reaches the correct temperature (about 285°F), it’s not absolutely necessary. Just make sure your caramel reaches an amber color and has thickened after boiling for 3-4 minutes.

WHAT KIND OF CHOCOLATE WORKS BEST FOR THIS PEANUT BUTTER SALTINE TOFFEE?

You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate depending on your preference. If you want to take it to a new level, you can even sprinkle peanut butter chips on top for a decadent twist!

WHY DID MY CARAMEL SAUCE SEPARATE?

Caramel sauce can separate if the butter and sugar didn’t combine properly. Make sure to use a large heavy bottomed saucepan and stir frequently.

CAN I ADD MORE TOPPINGS?

Of course! This is where you can get creative. Sprinkle peanut butter cups, crushed candy canes, or even nuts on top of the melted chocolate for extra flavor and texture.

WHAT IF MY PEANUT BUTTER SALTINE TOFFEE IS TOO SOFT?

Soft toffee usually means it didn’t reach the correct temperature. Make sure your caramel is boiling and thickening to that perfect amber color before removing it from the heat. This is key to getting that delightful crunch.

Other Festive Christmas Recipes You May Like To Try!

• Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
• Vegan Classic Rice Krispie Treats
• Gluten-Free Christmas Tree Brownies
• Heart Shaped Jam Thumbprint Cookies
• Oreo Cookie Cake Balls
• Vegan & Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
• Easy Chocolate Marshmallow Squares With Rice Krispies
• Salty Christmas White Trash With Almond Bark
• Easy Christmas Crack Recipe
• Gluten-Free Santa Hat Brownies

IF YOU TRIED THIS SIMPLE RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS CRACKER CANDY ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails