This Churro Cracker Candy is a quick, no-fuss treat that transforms simple crackers into a sweet, crunchy, and addictive snack.
📝 Recipe Essentials
This table outlines the core ingredients needed for the recipe.
Base & Toffee Layer
· Saltine Crackers: 1 sleeve (about 40 crackers) for a crisp, salty foundation.
· Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) to create the rich caramel layer.
· Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (packed) for deep caramel flavor.
· Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to enhance sweetness (optional, used in some variations).
Topping Layer
· White Chocolate: 1 (12 oz) bag of chips or melting wafers for the creamy top layer. Melting wafers provide a smoother finish.
· Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup for the signature cinnamon-sugar sprinkle.
· Ground Cinnamon: 1.5 to 2 teaspoons for the classic churro spice.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for the perfect batch. Remember to cool completely before breaking—this is the key to getting clean pieces.
· Step 1: Prepare. Preheat your oven to 400°F (some recipes use 350°F). Line a 10×15-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single, even layer to cover the sheet completely.
· Step 2: Make Cinnamon Sugar. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1.5-2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for the final topping.
· Step 3: Create the Toffee. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently. Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. Once boiling, cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture has slightly thickened.
· Step 4: Coat & Bake. Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the prepared crackers. Use a spatula to spread it gently to cover all edges. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, until the toffee is bubbly across the entire surface.
· Step 5: Add Toppings. Remove the pan from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the white chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes to allow the residual heat to melt the chocolate. Use an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate into a smooth, even layer. Working quickly before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top.
· Step 6: Cool & Break. Let the pan cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm (about 1-2 hours). Once hardened, break it into uneven, rustic pieces.
🔍 Origins & Popularity
This recipe is a creative fusion. It builds on a classic American “cracker toffee” or “Christmas crack” recipe, which is beloved for its simplicity and addictive sweet-salty contrast.
The “churro” twist comes from the iconic cinnamon-sugar coating. Authentic churros are fried dough pastries with ancient origins, possibly dating back to Roman times or inspired by Chinese youtiao and later perfected by Spanish and Portuguese shepherds and cooks. This candy cleverly mimics the beloved flavor profile of modern theme park and fairground churros without any frying.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
· Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
· For a Perfect Set: Rushing the cooling process leads to messy breaks. Patience is key for that satisfying snap.
· Ingredient Note: White chocolate melting wafers are preferred by many as they melt more smoothly and set more firmly than standard chips.
· Creative Twists:
· Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the cinnamon sugar.
· Substitute semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for the white chocolate.
· Mix finely chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) into the cinnamon sugar topping.
🧐 A Note on Nutrition
As a dessert, this candy is an indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation. A single piece provides quick energy primarily from sugars and fats. For a slightly different texture, some recipes use whole-grain crackers or add nuts for extra fiber.
This recipe is a fantastic project for bakers of any level and makes a wonderful homemade gift. If you’d like ideas on how to package it for gifting or other sweet-and-salty treat recipes, feel free to ask