Name: Pecan Christmas Crack (Ritz Cracker Toffee) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 36
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 54 Ritz crackers; 1 cup butter; 1 cup dark brown sugar; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup pecans

Pecan Christmas Crack is a delicious and festive dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Made with a base of Ritz crackers and a tasty layer of homemade toffee, topped with melted chocolate and crunchy pecans, it's the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Plus, it's very easy to make, making it a great addition to your holiday baking list.

Photos of Pecan Christmas Crack (Ritz Cracker Toffee) Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are all easily available in any supermarket. You might not have Ritz crackers at home, but they provide a salty and crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet toffee and chocolate. Pecans are a classic ingredient in holiday recipes, and in this recipe, they add a nice texture and nutty flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are used for the topping, but you can substitute with any other type of chocolate chips if you prefer.

Ingredients for Pecan Christmas Crack Ritz Cracker Toffee

Ritz crackers: These are buttery round crackers that are a bit salty. They provide the perfect base for the sweet toffee and chocolate.

Butter: This adds richness to the toffee layer.

Dark brown sugar: This gives the toffee its deep caramelized flavor.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These are melted and spread on top of the toffee layer, adding a sweet and rich chocolate flavor.

Pecans: These add a nice crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dessert.

One reader, Fern Shade says:

This pecan Christmas crack recipe is a game-changer! The combination of buttery Ritz crackers, rich toffee, and decadent chocolate is simply irresistible. The addition of pecans adds a delightful crunch. It's the perfect treat for the holidays, and it's so easy to make. I highly recommend it!

Fern Shade

Techniques Required

How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

How to line the pan: Line an 11 x 7-inch pan with foil, then grease it well.

How to make the toffee mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar, then stir to mix. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let it come to a rolling boil for 3 minutes without stirring. The toffee should reach 270 to 290 degrees F if using a candy thermometer.

How to bake the crackers: After pouring the brown sugar mixture over the crackers, bake for 4 minutes, then turn the oven off.

How to melt the chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for 1 minute. Pour the chocolate chips over the top and let them sit for 4 minutes or until the chocolate is soft. Then spread the chocolate evenly.

How to cool the crack: Sprinkle the pecans on top, cool on the counter slightly, then place the pan into the freezer to cool completely.

How to serve: Break into pieces, serve, and enjoy!

How To Make Pecan Christmas Crack (Ritz Cracker Toffee)

These pecan Christmas crack treats make the perfect little sweet gifts for the holiday season! It’s loaded with chocolate, crunch nuts, and salty crackers.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 8 minutes

Total: 18 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

54Ritz Crackers,or saltines
1cupbutter
1cupdark brown sugar
2cupssemi-sweet chocolate chips
1cuppecans,chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Line an 11 x 7-inch pan with foil, then grease well.
Line the pan with the crackers.
In a medium saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar, then stir to mix.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, then let come to a rolling boil for 3 minutes.
Once the mixture comes to a boil, do not stir. The toffee should reach 270 to 290 degrees F, if using a candy thermometer.
Pour the brown sugar mixture over the crackers.
Bake for 4 minutes, then turn the oven off.
Remove from the oven, then set aside for 1 minute.
Pour the chocolate chips over the top, then let sit for 4 minutes or until the chocolate is soft.
Spread the chocolate evenly, then sprinkle the pecans on top.
Cool on the counter slightly, then place them into the freezer to cool completely.
Break into pieces, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 150.01kcal
Fat: 11.13g
Saturated Fat: 5.38g
Trans Fat: 0.26g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.72g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.42g
Carbohydrates: 13.62g
Fiber: 0.94g
Sugar: 9.66g
Protein: 1.07g
Cholesterol: 13.56mg
Sodium: 46.54mg
Calcium: 17.48mg
Potassium: 59.12mg
Iron: 0.62mg
Vitamin A: 43.21µg
Vitamin C: 0.03mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Pecan Christmas Crack

When making this pecan christmas crack: ritz cracker toffee recipe, it's crucial to monitor the boiling process of the butter and brown sugar mixture. This mixture is essentially your toffee, and if it's not cooked to the right temperature, it can either be too soft or too hard. Using a candy thermometer can help ensure that your toffee reaches the ideal temperature of 270 to 290 degrees F. If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can also use the cold water test. Drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water. If it forms a hard, brittle thread, it's ready. If it's soft and pliable, it needs more time.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Pecan Christmas Crack

Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to make the recipe to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-chopped nuts: Save time by using pre-chopped pecans instead of chopping them yourself.

Use a silicone baking mat: Line the pan with a silicone baking mat instead of foil for easy cleanup and removal of the toffee.

Substitute Ingredients For Pecan Christmas Crack (Ritz Cracker Toffee) Recipe

Ritz crackers - Substitute with buttery round crackers: Butter crackers can provide a similar buttery and salty flavor to the dish, complementing the toffee and chocolate.
Butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe, providing a similar fat content and flavor.
Dark brown sugar - Substitute with light brown sugar: Light brown sugar can be used as a substitute for dark brown sugar, providing a slightly milder flavor but still contributing to the toffee's sweetness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with milk chocolate chips: Milk chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for semi-sweet chocolate chips, offering a slightly sweeter flavor to the toffee.
Pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, providing a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the toffee.

Presenting Pecan Christmas Crack for the Holidays

Elevate the plating: When presenting the Pecan Christmas Crack, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a clean, white plate to allow the colors of the toffee and chocolate to stand out. Arrange the pieces of the crack in a deliberate and artistic manner, ensuring that each component is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate garnishes: Add a touch of sophistication by incorporating edible garnishes such as delicate mint leaves or edible flowers. These subtle additions can enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish and demonstrate attention to detail.
Utilize contrasting textures: Consider serving the Pecan Christmas Crack on a textured surface, such as a slate or marble board, to create a visually striking contrast. The juxtaposition of the smooth, glossy chocolate with the rough, natural texture of the surface can add depth to the presentation.
Emphasize precision: Pay close attention to the placement of each element on the plate. Ensure that the chocolate is evenly spread, and the pecans are distributed evenly, creating a sense of balance and precision in the presentation.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use a small spoon or piping bag to create artistic drizzles of melted chocolate on the plate. This technique adds a touch of finesse and elevates the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Consider individual plating: For a more refined presentation, consider plating the Pecan Christmas Crack individually on small, elegant dessert plates. This approach allows for a more personalized and upscale dining experience.
Highlight the pecans: Place a few whole pecans strategically around the plate to draw attention to this key ingredient. This not only adds visual interest but also showcases the premium quality of the pecans used in the dish.
Create a symmetrical layout: Arrange the Pecan Christmas Crack in a symmetrical layout, ensuring that the pieces are evenly spaced and aligned. This attention to detail demonstrates a high level of culinary artistry and precision.

Essential Tools for Making Ritz Cracker Toffee

Oven: Used for baking and roasting dishes.
Foil: Used for lining pans and wrapping food for cooking.
Saucepan: Used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, and simmering.
Candy thermometer: Used to measure the temperature of sugar syrups and candies.
Baking pan: Used for baking and roasting a variety of dishes.
Mixing spoon: Used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Cooling rack: Used to cool baked goods and allow air circulation.
Freezer: Used for freezing and chilling foods and desserts.

How To Store and Freeze Pecan Christmas Crack

Let the pecan christmas crack cool completely before storing or freezing.
Store the ritz cracker toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
To freeze, place the cooled and broken pieces of pecan christmas crack in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Separate the layers of toffee with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness and flavor.
To thaw, remove the desired amount of pecan christmas crack from the freezer and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Avoid refreezing the ritz cracker toffee once it has been thawed to maintain its texture and quality.

How To Reheat Leftovers

To reheat leftover pecan christmas crack, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted and the toffee is warm. This method will help restore the crispiness of the Ritz crackers while keeping the chocolate and toffee layers gooey and delicious.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Place a piece of the pecan christmas crack on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 10-second intervals until the chocolate is melted and the toffee is warm. Be careful not to overheat, as the chocolate may burn, and the Ritz crackers may become soggy.
For a crispy texture without reheating, you can enjoy the leftover pecan christmas crack straight from the refrigerator. The cold temperature will keep the toffee and chocolate layers firm, while the Ritz crackers maintain their crunch. This method is perfect for a quick, cool treat on a warm day.
If you want to refresh the flavors of the leftover pecan christmas crack, consider adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before reheating or enjoying it cold. These simple additions can elevate the taste and texture of the treat, making it feel like a brand new dessert.

Random Fact about Pecan Christmas Crack

Pecans are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also contain essential nutrients such as manganese, copper, and thiamine. Incorporating pecans into your diet can help support heart health and aid in weight management.

Is Making Ritz Cracker Toffee Economical for Home Cooking?

This pecan Christmas crack: Ritz cracker toffee recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as Ritz crackers, butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and pecans, are relatively affordable and commonly found in most households. The recipe yields a generous portion, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for this delightful treat is around $10, making it a budget-friendly option for a sweet and indulgent dessert. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is Pecan Christmas Crack Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for pecan Christmas crack, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The main ingredients are butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips, all of which are high in saturated fat and added sugars.
Ritz crackers, although tasty, are made from refined flour and contain added salt, providing little nutritional value.
The recipe calls for a significant amount of butter and sugar, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease when consumed in excess.
The high sugar content in the toffee and chocolate can lead to dental problems and blood sugar spikes.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter and brown sugar used in the toffee. Experiment with using half the amount called for in the recipe.
Use dark chocolate chips with a higher percentage of cocoa (70% or above) instead of semi-sweet chips. Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants and less sugar.
Replace some of the Ritz crackers with whole-grain crackers or even sliced almonds for added nutrition and fiber.
Decrease the portion size of the finished product and enjoy it as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack.
Incorporate more nutrient-dense ingredients, such as dried fruits (like cranberries or raisins) or seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower), to boost the nutritional profile of the treat.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Holiday Treat

The Pecan Christmas Crack Ritz Cracker Toffee recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, making it a perfect holiday treat. The buttery toffee, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The recipe is straightforward and yields a delicious result, making it a great option for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift. The use of Ritz crackers adds a unique twist to the traditional toffee recipe, making it a standout dessert. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful addition to any festive celebration.

Enhance Your Pecan Christmas Crack (Ritz Cracker Toffee) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese and chives, perfect for pairing with the sweet and salty Pecan Christmas Crack.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with crispy bacon, a savory and tangy side to complement the rich flavors of the Pecan Christmas Crack.

Cranberry Orange Salad: A refreshing salad of mixed greens, juicy oranges, and tart cranberries tossed in a citrus vinaigrette, providing a bright and zesty contrast to the indulgent Pecan Christmas Crack.

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Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Pecan Christmas Crack

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in a creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips for the ultimate appetizer experience. A crowd-pleasing dish that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and savory pasta dish that combines tender chicken with rich alfredo sauce. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please any palate.

Beef Stir Fry: Experience the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors in this classic Asian-inspired dish. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with an array of colorful vegetables, creating a delicious and nutritious meal that is quick and easy to prepare.

Why trust this Pecan Christmas Crack (Ritz Cracker Toffee) Recipe:

This recipe is a holiday favorite, tried and tested by many home cooks. The combination of Ritz crackers, butter, and dark brown sugar creates a rich toffee base, while the layer of semi-sweet chocolate chips adds a decadent touch. The addition of pecans provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. With its simple yet indulgent ingredients, this recipe promises to satisfy your sweet cravings during the festive season. Trust in the magic of these familiar flavors to elevate your holiday celebrations.

Share your thoughts on the Pecan Christmas Crack (Ritz Cracker Toffee) recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cracker for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cracker if you prefer. However, Ritz crackers work best for this recipe due to their buttery flavor and sturdy texture.

Can I use milk or white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use milk or white chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor. Feel free to experiment and customize the recipe to your liking.

How should I store the pecan Christmas crack?

Store the pecan Christmas crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to store it for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks.

Can I omit the pecans or use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can omit the pecans if you have a nut allergy or simply prefer the crack without nuts. Alternatively, you can use other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews to suit your taste.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine as a substitute for butter, I recommend using butter for the best flavor and texture in this recipe. Butter adds a rich and creamy taste that complements the toffee and chocolate perfectly.