Pecan Pie Christmas Crack Recipe
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This Christmas Crack Recipe is a twist on traditional cracker toffee. Made with a pecan pie topping over saltine crackers, it’s the perfect sweet and salty treat! This pecan pie bark recipe makes a super simple dessert that will still impress your guests!
Christmas Crack Recipe
What sets this recipe for Christmas crack apart from more traditional versions is the sweet pecan topping.
You get all the rich, caramel flavors of pecan pie filling with each crunchy bite. It’s a welcome alternative to so many chocolate-centric desserts this time of year.
Don’t worry — there’s still a hint of chocolate drizzle on this pecan pie bark! Pair it with your colorful or themed sprinkles to make your Christmas crack toffee extra festive.
Craving more of that classic pecan pie flavor? I have recipes for shortbread bars, cheesecake bars, and even my famous bombs.
And for the ultimate holiday indulgence, make my Layered Pecan Pumpkin Pie. It’s the best of both worlds so nobody has to choose!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Saltine Crackers – Thin and crisp, these provide pecan pie bark with that signature snap!
For a more buttery flavor, swap these out for plain Ritz crackers instead. Or, try graham crackers for an even sweeter treat. - Pecans – You can play with different nuts in this recipe for Christmas crack — it just won’t taste like pecan pie.
Cashews would probably be my top pick, but peanuts and almonds are always a good pair with desserts. - Brown Sugar – A must for this pecan pie bark recipe! This provides that caramel flavor that’s reminiscent of the classic pie filling.
- Chocolate Chips – Choose your favorite here — milk or semi-sweet are probably best, but dark chocolate can help balance the sweeter flavors.
Tips for Making Pecan Pie Bark
- Take the time to prep everything first.
Not only does this Christmas crack recipe come together quickly, but you’ve got to work fast with certain ingredients.
Chop your pecans if needed and have the chocolate chips ready in a bowl for melting.
You’ll also want your sprinkles selected and handy — if the drizzle hardens, they won’t stick to the surface.
- Line your pan for easy cleanup.
I recommend using a silicone liner (like a silpat mat), but parchment paper or heavily greased foil will work too.
This keeps the treat from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to work with breaking into pieces.
- Get even more creative with toppings!
Instead of sprinkles, you could also top your Christmas crack toffee with festive M&M’s or candy pieces.
Or, swap the chocolate chips with red and green candy melts to drizzle on top!
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Baking Sheets – Be sure to use a half-sheet pan for this Christmas crack recipe — what most people use for baking a roasting. It should be 13×18 with a 1-inch lip.
- Silpat Mat – There are so many uses! Roll out doughs, cut out cookies and biscuits, or make other desserts. It even provides a non-slip surface for transporting pots and pans.
- Medium Saucepan – Heats evenly and is easy to clean too.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl – Not only does it make melting chocolate easier, but you can use it to quickly steam vegetables too!
Storing Christmas Crack Toffee
Keep this candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
If your kitchen is particularly warm, store in the refrigerator instead. Then, bring to room temperature before serving.
Pecan Pie Bark Recipe FAQ
Yes! In fact, it’s a wonderful make-ahead treat for holiday parties or gifts. As long as you keep it at room temperature, it won’t get too hard or too soft.
You can, but this recipe for Christmas crack is very forgiving and I’ve never needed to.
Just pay close attention to your toffee mixture — once it comes to a boil, set a time for 3 minutes and stir constantly.
A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg would add a lovely warmth to this dessert without competing with the other flavors.
You could also add a sprinkle of sea salt if desired, but taste a piece first to ensure it won’t be too salty.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Simple Dessert Recipes
Pecan Pie Christmas Crack Recipe
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup your favorite chocolate chips
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place a silicone mat or parchment paper on a baking half sheet pan. Place saltine crackers in rows covering most of the pan. Combine the brown sugar, and butter in a medium sized pot. Heat over medium low until the butter is melted. Raise the temperature to medium high and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Carefully pour sauce evenly over the top of the saltine crackers. Sprinkle pecans over the top.
- Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. Remove pan from oven.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring till smooth after each (mine took 1 minute). Drizzle melted chocolate over the toffee. Sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles if desired.
- Place pan in the fridge for 2 hours to set. Once set, break into pieces. Store in an airtight container for 1.5 -2 weeks.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published December 2017, updated and republished December 2023
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So easy to make and yet so delicious (I bet these crackers are). Thanks
WHAT SIZE BAKING SHEET DO YOU USE?
These are so delicious and easy to make.