Cracker Candy

Introduction

If you’re looking for a fun, easy-to-make snack that will disappear in no time, this cracker candy is the one! A family favorite, it’s become my go-to treat for parties, movie nights, and even holiday gatherings. The irresistible combination of salty crackers, rich caramel, smooth chocolate, and crunchy pecans (or almonds) makes this snack completely addictive. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday gathering, and it was an instant hit. My grandkids, in particular, can’t get enough of it—they always ask for seconds (or thirds!) whenever I make a batch.

This candy is simple to prepare and requires just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The best part? It’s one of those treats that’s deceptively easy to make but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The balance of sweet and salty, combined with the crunch of the crackers and nuts, creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, once you start making this cracker candy, it’s hard to stop!

Why You’ll Love This Cracker Candy Recipe

This cracker candy is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making it an irresistible snack for all occasions. What I love most about it is how simple and quick the recipe is. There’s no need for complicated steps or fancy ingredients—just pantry staples that come together to create a decadent treat. Whether you’re preparing a snack for movie night or need an easy dessert to bring to a party, this recipe has got you covered.

The beauty of this candy lies in its versatility. It can be made with saltine crackers, but you can also swap in other crackers like graham crackers or Ritz for a slightly different flavor. The caramel layer is buttery and smooth, while the chocolate layer melts beautifully over the top. Add the crunch of toasted pecans or almonds, and you’ve got a candy that’s almost impossible to stop eating. It’s the perfect snack for anyone who loves a good combination of salty and sweet flavors.

Ingredients (For 12 Servings)

• 1 tube saltines (about 40 crackers)
• 1 cup butter (225 g), 2 sticks (either salted or unsalted; do not use margarine)
• 1 ⅛ cups brown sugar (245 g), firmly packed (light brown sugar is preferred)
• 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped pecans (60 g), toasted, or toasted chopped almonds

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Cookie Sheet:
   Line a cookie sheet with foil, making sure to cover the edges. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the candy doesn’t stick.
3. Arrange the Crackers:
   Lay the saltine crackers end to end on the prepared cookie sheet. You may need to break some crackers to fit the edges of the pan.
4. Make the Caramel:
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar. Increase the heat to medium and stir the mixture continuously. Let it come to a boil, and then boil for 3 minutes. Set a timer to ensure you don’t overcook it. The caramel should be thick and bubbly by the time you’re done.
5. Pour the Caramel:
   Once the caramel is ready, pour it evenly over the saltine crackers. Work quickly to spread the caramel so it covers all the crackers.
6. Bake the Cracker Candy:
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. The caramel should bubble up and become golden brown.
7. Add the Chocolate Chips:
   After baking, remove the pan from the oven and immediately pour the chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Cover the pan with a sheet of foil and let the chocolate chips melt for about 3 minutes.
8. Spread the Chocolate:
   After 3 minutes, remove the foil and use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the crackers and caramel.
9. Add the Nuts:
   Sprinkle the toasted chopped pecans (or almonds) over the melted chocolate. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to the candy.
10. Refrigerate:
    Once everything is layered, cover the pan with foil again and refrigerate the cracker candy until it is set, about 1-2 hours. If you want to speed up the process, you can place the pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
11. Break into Pieces:
    After the candy has set and hardened, break it up into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (or in the freezer for longer storage).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

This recipe makes 12 servings, with each serving being about one large piece of cracker candy.

• Calories: 2589 kcal (total for the entire batch)
• Fat: 229 g
  • Saturated Fat: 38 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 169 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 142 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugars: 137 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Sodium: 1,740 mg

Note: The nutritional values are based on the entire batch of candy, which makes about 12 servings. These values can vary slightly depending on the brand of ingredients used and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
• Total Time: 1-2 hours (including refrigeration time)

How to Serve

This cracker candy is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Party Snack: Serve this candy in a large bowl at your next gathering. It’s perfect for parties or family reunions.
• Gift Idea: Wrap pieces of cracker candy in cellophane bags or boxes for a homemade, edible gift.
• Movie Night Treat: Keep a stash of cracker candy in your pantry for a sweet and salty snack while watching your favorite movies.
• Holiday Goodie: This candy is a hit during the holidays—make a batch and share it with friends and family.
• On-the-Go: Pack a small portion of cracker candy for a quick snack during your day.

Additional Tips

1. Use Quality Chocolate Chips: The chocolate chips are a major component of the candy, so using good-quality semi-sweet chips can make a big difference in flavor.
2. Try Different Nuts: If you don’t like pecans, try using toasted almonds, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile.
3. Don’t Overcook the Caramel: Boil the caramel for exactly 3 minutes. If you cook it too long, it will become too hard and sticky.
4. Refrigerate for the Right Texture: Let the candy cool in the fridge or freezer until fully set for the best texture.
5. Portion Control: It’s easy to eat a lot of this candy, so portion it out into smaller servings to help with portion control.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
It’s best to use real butter for this recipe. Margarine can alter the texture and flavor of the caramel.

2. Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Yes! If you don’t like nuts, simply omit them. The candy will still taste amazing.

3. Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, you can use graham crackers, Ritz crackers, or even homemade crackers if you prefer.

4. Can I freeze cracker candy?
Yes, this candy freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

5. How long can I store this candy?
The candy will stay fresh for about 1 week at room temperature or up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge.

6. Can I use dark chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give the candy a more intense chocolate flavor. Use any chocolate you prefer.

7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure you have a large enough pan to accommodate the extra crackers.

8. What kind of saltine crackers should I use?
You can use any brand of regular saltine crackers. Avoid flavored crackers as they may interfere with the sweet and salty balance.

9. Can I use brown sugar substitutes?
While brown sugar substitutes can work, they may affect the texture and flavor of the caramel, so it’s best to use regular brown sugar for the best results.

10. Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make the recipe vegan, use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate chips. You can also skip the nuts or use vegan-friendly alternatives.

Conclusion

This cracker candy recipe is the perfect sweet and salty treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack to make for a party, or just need something to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy and addictive candy will not disappoint. The combination of crunchy saltines, buttery caramel, chocolate, and nuts is a match made in heaven. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a popular treat in our household—and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours as well! Enjoy!

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