Christmas Crack (Saltine Bark)

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight in the irresistible combination of sweet and salty with this festive Christmas Crack, also known as Saltine Bark. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat to share with loved ones.

Victoria Hall

Created by

Victoria Hall

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:40:57.678Z

This Christmas Crack is a holiday favorite that's quick to make and impossible to resist. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delightful treat that will please everyone at your holiday party!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors
  • Easy to make with just a handful of ingredients
  • Great for gifting or holiday parties
  • Addictively crunchy and delicious

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Christmas Crack is the ultimate holiday treat that combines the delightful crunch of Saltine crackers with the rich sweetness of toffee and chocolate. This festive dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a unique salty contrast that makes it incredibly addictive. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a simple gift for neighbors and friends, Christmas Crack is sure to impress.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this delicious bark in no time. It’s an excellent option for those who may not have extensive baking experience but still want to create something special for the holidays. Plus, the vibrant colors and textures of the layers make it visually appealing.

A Versatile Treat

One of the best qualities of Christmas Crack is its versatility. Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste. While this recipe suggests nuts, you can easily swap them out for crushed peppermint candies, mini marshmallows, or even drizzles of white chocolate for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to experiment and create a version that is uniquely yours.

This recipe is also perfect for incorporating seasonal flavors. Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the toffee for a warm, cozy twist. During the holiday season, you can even decorate the bark with festive sprinkles or colored chocolate to make it more visually festive, transforming a simple treat into a holiday masterpiece.

Storing and Gifting

Once your Christmas Crack has cooled and been broken into pieces, it can be stored for several weeks. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

This bark also makes an excellent gift. Package it in decorative boxes or bags tied with festive ribbons for a thoughtful homemade present. Whether as a stocking stuffer or a treat for a holiday gathering, your friends and family will appreciate this sweet surprise. It’s a delicious way to spread holiday cheer!

Ingredients

For the Bark

  • 40 Saltine crackers
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • Sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Arrange the Crackers

Lay the Saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Make the Toffee

In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes without stirring.

Pour the Toffee

Carefully pour the toffee mixture over the Saltine crackers, spreading it evenly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until bubbly.

Add Chocolate

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.

Spread the Chocolate

Once melted, use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and sea salt if desired.

Cool and Break

Let the bark cool completely, then break it into pieces and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of crackers? Absolutely! While Saltine crackers are traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other types like Ritz or even whole grain crackers for a different flavor and texture.

How do I make my Christmas Crack more festive? You can add toppings such as crushed candy canes, seasonal sprinkles, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra layer of flavor and decoration. Get creative with your toppings to match the holiday spirit!

Tips for Success

When making the toffee, be sure to stir constantly until it reaches a boil to prevent burning. Once it boils, resist the urge to stir, as this will help create a smooth and glossy finish for your toffee layer.

If you find the chocolate chips aren't melting as quickly as you'd like, you can pop the baking sheet back into the oven for an additional minute or two. However, keep a close eye on it to prevent the chocolate from burning.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of crackers?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of crackers, but Saltines give the best flavor and texture.

→ How should I store Christmas Crack?

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

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Christmas Crack can be made a few days in advance and stored until you're ready to serve.

→ Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free crackers as a substitute for Saltines.

Christmas Crack (Saltine Bark)

Delight in the irresistible combination of sweet and salty with this festive Christmas Crack, also known as Saltine Bark. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat to share with loved ones.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Victoria Hall

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 pieces

What You'll Need

For the Bark

  1. 40 Saltine crackers
  2. 1 cup unsalted butter
  3. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  4. 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  5. 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  6. Sea salt, for sprinkling

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Lay the Saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 03

In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes without stirring.

Step 04

Carefully pour the toffee mixture over the Saltine crackers, spreading it evenly.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until bubbly.

Step 06

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.

Step 07

Once melted, use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and sea salt if desired.

Step 08

Let the bark cool completely, then break it into pieces and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g