"I Make This Every Christmas and Have to Hide It—Because It Disappears in Minutes!"

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Irresistible Holiday Treat Everyone Fights Over

Every family has that one dish that turns into a holiday legend—the kind that disappears faster than presents under the tree. In our house, that magical recipe is Christmas Crack—a salty, sweet, buttery, crunchy dessert that’s become so addictive, I’ve resorted to making it in the dead of night just to get a bite myself. Yes, it’s that serious.

If you’ve never had it, this treat is a dangerously delicious mix of crackers, homemade caramel, and melted chocolate. Simple to make, impossible to resist.

Below, I’ll walk you through the exact method I use to make this holiday favorite, step-by-step. Just don’t blame me if you end up needing to hide it too!

🎄 What Is “Christmas Crack”?

Despite the name, there’s nothing illegal about it—except maybe how habit-forming it is. Christmas Crack is:

  • Crunchy from the base of saltine crackers

  • Buttery and rich from the caramel layer

  • Creamy and smooth thanks to the melted chocolate topping

  • Salty-sweet perfection that keeps everyone coming back for "just one more bite"

It takes less than 30 minutes to make and uses ingredients you probably already have at home.

🧂 Ingredients

You’ll need:

  • 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • Optional toppings:

    • Crushed candy canes

    • Sea salt flakes

    • Chopped nuts

    • Sprinkles

    • White chocolate drizzle

👩‍🍳 How to Make It — Step by Step

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

  • Line a rimmed baking sheet (10x15-inch or similar) with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

  • Lightly spray with nonstick spray.

  • Arrange a single layer of saltine crackers over the bottom of the pan, edge to edge. Break them if needed to fill gaps.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

  • In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat.

  • Add 1 cup brown sugar once the butter is fully melted.

  • Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.

  • Let it bubble for about 3 minutes, stirring continuously, until thick and glossy.

⚠️ Don’t walk away—caramel moves fast and burns easily.

Step 3: Pour & Bake

  • Pour the hot caramel evenly over the crackers.

  • Use a spatula to quickly spread it so all the crackers are coated.

  • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes—this helps the caramel soak in and set.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate

  • Remove the tray from the oven.

  • Immediately sprinkle 2 cups of chocolate chips evenly over the top.

  • Wait about 2–3 minutes until the chips soften and melt, then use a spatula to spread them into a smooth chocolate layer.

Step 5: Top It Off

  • While the chocolate is still melty, add your favorite toppings:

    • Crushed candy canes for a peppermint crunch

    • A sprinkle of flaky sea salt for sweet/salty magic

    • Chopped pecans or almonds for texture

    • Holiday sprinkles for festive flair

Step 6: Chill and Break

  • Let it cool at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then refrigerate or freeze for about 1 hour until completely set.

  • Once solid, remove from the tray and break into pieces (irregular shards are part of the charm!).

🤫 Pro Tip: How to Hide It

You laugh, but I’m serious: this stuff will vanish if left in plain sight.

Here are my (slightly sneaky) tips:

  • Store it in an unmarked container or resealable bag in the back of the fridge.

  • Put it behind the broccoli in the freezer (no one ever checks there).

  • Make two batches—one for the family, one for your sanity.

🎁 Gift It or Keep It (Good Luck With That)

This Christmas Crack makes an amazing gift too:

  • Pack in decorative tins or cellophane bags

  • Add a festive ribbon

  • Include a label that says “Warning: Highly Addictive!”

Or… skip the gifting part and keep it all for yourself. No judgment here.

💬 Final Thoughts

Whether it’s the sweet nostalgia, the irresistible crunch, or the smell that fills the house while it bakes, this recipe has become a beloved tradition in our home—and clearly, it doesn’t last long. If you make it once, be prepared to make it again and again… possibly in secret!

Want a printable recipe card or a festive label template for gifting this treat?