Sweet, salty, and incredibly addictive, Christmas Crack with Pretzels is a beloved holiday treat that’s perfect for sharing. This easy-to-make toffee bark combines crunchy pretzels, rich caramel, melty chocolate, and chopped pecans for a delightful dessert that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for gifting, parties, or a festive indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Why You Will Love Christmas Crack with Pretzels
- Sweet and Salty Perfection: The combination of buttery toffee, salty pretzels, and chocolate is simply irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need five ingredients for this classic holiday treat.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Customizable: Swap nuts, use different chocolates, or add sprinkles for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Gifting: Break into pieces and package in decorative bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients Notes for Christmas Crack with Pretzels
- Pretzels (8 ounces): Use small, hard pretzels to create a uniform base. Mini pretzels or pretzel sticks work well.
- Butter (1 cup): Unsalted butter provides the rich base for the toffee.
- Dark Brown Sugar (1 cup): Creates a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Light brown sugar can be substituted if necessary.
- Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips melt perfectly for a smooth topping.
- Chopped Pecans (¾ cup): Adds a nutty crunch to complement the toffee and chocolate. Substitute with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Spatula
How to Make Christmas Crack with Pretzels
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pretzels in a single layer to cover the baking sheet completely.
- Make the Toffee:
- In a saucepan, combine the butter and dark brown sugar over low heat.
- Stir occasionally as the mixture melts and comes together. Attach a candy thermometer and heat slowly until the temperature reaches 270–275°F. This process will take about 30 minutes to ensure the toffee doesn’t burn.
- Coat the Pretzels: Immediately pour the hot toffee over the pretzels, spreading evenly with a spatula to coat them completely. Work quickly, as the toffee will begin to set.
- Bake the Toffee: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake at 400°F for 5–6 minutes.
- Add the Chocolate: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let sit for 5 minutes until the chocolate chips soften and begin to melt. Spread the chocolate over the toffee layer with a spatula for an even coating.
- Top with Pecans: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the melted chocolate. Lightly press the nuts into the chocolate to ensure they adhere.
- Cool and Break: Allow the toffee bark to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until firm. Once set, break into irregular pieces and serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Arrange pieces on a platter for dessert trays or holiday buffets.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Festive Sprinkles: Add red and green sprinkles on top of the chocolate before it sets for a holiday look.
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet version.
- Nut-Free: Skip the pecans and replace them with crushed pretzels, toffee bits, or candies.
Helpful Notes
- Toffee can burn easily, so monitor the temperature carefully as it approaches 270–275°F.
- Work quickly when pouring the toffee to ensure even coverage before it sets.
- Use a sturdy spatula to spread the toffee and melted chocolate for smooth layers.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): “For even toffee cooking, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute heat evenly.”
- Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): “Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect toffee release.”
- Ina Garten: “Use good-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor in simple recipes like this.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can test the toffee by dropping a small amount into cold water. It should form a hard ball when it reaches the correct temperature.
Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Absolutely! The pecans are optional. You can substitute them with other toppings or omit them entirely.
What’s the best way to break the bark into pieces?
Use your hands to snap the bark into irregular pieces or a knife for cleaner cuts.
Why is my toffee grainy?
This can happen if the sugar didn’t fully dissolve. Stir continuously and heat slowly to avoid this issue.
Christmas Crack with Pretzels is a classic holiday treat that’s as easy to make as it is addictive to eat. Enjoy crafting and sharing this sweet-and-salty favorite!
