Valentine’s Day Saltine Toffee Crack Recipe
Introduction
Valentine’s Day Crack is a sweet and crunchy treat perfect for celebrating the season of love. This easy-to-make dessert combines salty crackers with buttery toffee and vibrant pink candy melts, finished with festive sprinkles for a delightful crunch and eye-catching look.
Ingredients
- 35-40 saltine crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 cups light pink candy melts (about 1 12-ounce bag)
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Step 2: Arrange 35-40 saltine crackers in even rows on the prepared pan, filling the bottom completely. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup packed brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
- Step 4: Boil the toffee mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches 270-290 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat immediately.
- Step 5: Pour the hot toffee evenly over the saltine crackers. Use a heat-safe spatula to spread it evenly.
- Step 6: Bake the tray for 5 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Step 7: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle 2 cups of light pink candy melts evenly over the toffee while hot. Let sit for 2-3 minutes until melted.
- Step 8: Spread the melted candy evenly over the toffee layer and immediately sprinkle with Valentine’s Day sprinkles.
- Step 9: Allow the crack to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens. Break into pieces and serve.
Tips & Variations
- If you don’t have candy melts, white chocolate chips can be used and colored with a small amount of oil-based food coloring.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the candy melts before they harden.
- Swap pink candy melts for red or white to customize colors for different occasions.
Storage
Store the Valentine’s Day Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep it crisp, avoid refrigeration. If the candy melts soften, allow pieces to come to room temperature before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Saltine crackers work best due to their size and salty flavor, but other plain, rectangular crackers can be used as substitutes.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
Without a candy thermometer, boil the toffee mixture for about 3 minutes and look for bubbling that thickens in consistency, but be careful not to burn it. It’s best to watch closely to avoid overcooking.
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Valentine’s Day Saltine Toffee Crack Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 40 pieces 1x
Description
Valentine’s Day Crack is a sweet and crunchy treat featuring a salty-sweet base of saltine crackers topped with rich buttery toffee, melted pink candy coating, and festive sprinkles. Perfect for a festive dessert or gift, this easy no-fuss recipe combines simple ingredients to create a delightful holiday snack.
Ingredients
Base
- 35–40 saltine crackers
Toffee Topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
Candy Coating and Decoration
- 2 cups light pink candy melts (about 1 12-ounce bag)
- Valentine’s Day sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil, then spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the candy later.
- Arrange Crackers: Place 35-40 saltine crackers in even rows on the prepared baking sheet until the entire bottom surface is covered evenly. Set aside while preparing the toffee.
- Melt Toffee Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter together with 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Stir consistently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to boil. Allow it to boil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the temperature reaches between 270-290 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve the perfect toffee consistency.
- Spread Toffee: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the arranged saltine crackers. Use a heat-safe spatula to spread it smoothly and ensure all crackers are coated. Immediately transfer to the oven.
- Bake: Bake the crackers topped with toffee in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. This helps the toffee set into the crackers creating a crispy, caramelized layer.
- Melt Candy Coating: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. While still hot, evenly sprinkle 2 cups of light pink candy melts over the toffee layer. Let the baking sheet sit for about 2 to 3 minutes to allow the candy melts to soften and melt from the residual heat.
- Spread Candy Coating and Decorate: Use a spatula to spread the melted candy seamlessly over the toffee layer. Then immediately sprinkle your choice of Valentine’s Day sprinkles on top, pressing lightly to ensure they stick.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the entire pan to cool completely at room temperature until the candy hardens into a firm crack. Once set, break into pieces and serve or package as desired.
Notes
- Ensure the toffee mixture reaches the temperature of 270-290°F for a perfect hard crack texture.
- Use a silicone or heat-safe spatula for spreading hot toffee and candy melts.
- Substitute candy melts color according to occasion or preference.
- Store the finished Valentine’s Day Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Be careful pouring hot toffee and spreading it to avoid burns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Valentine’s Day Crack, saltine cracker toffee, candy coating, holiday dessert, festive treats
