3-Ingredient Christmas Crack Bars

3-Ingredient Christmas Crack Bars (Holiday Staple)

“Holiday staple”: Only 3 ingredients. This is the sweet-and-salty treat I make every Christmas, and it truly never lasts long. These Christmas Crack Bars are crisp, buttery, caramelized, and completely addictive.

Made in a disposable foil tray, they’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, gifting, or potlucks. Minimal ingredients, minimal cleanup, and maximum crowd appeal.

Flavor & Texture Highlights

Crunchy saltine crackers are coated in rich buttery toffee made from brown sugar, then baked until crisp. The contrast of sweet caramel and salty crackers is what makes this dessert impossible to stop eating.

Jump to Section

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Christmas Crack
• Tips for Best Results
• Storage & Make-Ahead
• Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 main ingredients
• Perfect balance of sweet and salty
• No candy thermometer required
• Great for holidays, gifting, and parties
• Disposable pan = easy cleanup

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Exact amounts are listed in the recipe card below.

• Saltine crackers
• Unsalted butter
• Light brown sugar
• Chocolate chips (optional topping)

How to Make Christmas Crack Bars

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

1. Line a foil tray with saltine crackers.
2. Boil butter and brown sugar to make toffee.
3. Pour toffee evenly over crackers.
4. Bake until bubbling and caramelized.
5. Add chocolate chips if using.
6. Cool, chill, and break into pieces.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a baking sheet under the foil tray: It makes transferring in and out of the oven much easier.
• Boil the toffee long enough: Let it bubble for a full 3–4 minutes so it sets properly.
• Spread quickly: The toffee thickens fast once poured.
• Chocolate is optional: The bars are still amazing without it.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store Christmas Crack Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best crunch. They keep well for up to one week and can be made several days ahead of serving.

Recipe Card

3-Ingredient Christmas Crack Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 35–40)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a disposable 9×13-inch foil tray on a baking sheet.
2. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer to fully cover the bottom of the tray.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until thick and glossy.
4. Pour the hot toffee evenly over the crackers and spread to coat.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes until bubbling and golden.
6. If using chocolate chips, sprinkle them over the hot toffee. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then spread smoothly.
7. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
8. Break into pieces or cut into squares and enjoy.