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
Scale
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
