Christmas is a time for sweet treats, and this Christmas Candy Recipes Easy Almond Bark is a family favorite! I remember one year when my son, Jake, helped me make almond bark for our holiday party. He was so excited to dip the pretzels and sprinkle the toppings. It turned into a messy but fun bonding experience that we still laugh about today.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- You can customize it with your favorite toppings.
- It makes a delightful gift for friends and family.
Pure Comfort
This homemade holiday toffee recipe is pure comfort. The crunchy saltine crackers combined with rich chocolate and buttery toffee create a treat that warms your heart and fills your home with festive cheer.
What You Need
- 1 sleeve Saltine crackers – About 40 crackers, feel free to use whole grain for a healthier option.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar works well.
- 2 cups (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips – Milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter taste.
- 1 cup almonds, chopped – Pecans or walnuts can be substituted.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can make it a week in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F. This step is crucial as it helps the toffee bake evenly and become perfectly golden.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the candy from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they fit snugly together, as this helps the toffee cover them evenly.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture bubbles and turns a light caramel color, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot toffee mixture over the saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every cracker is covered. It should look glossy and inviting.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it bubbly but not burnt. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for a few minutes until melted, then spread the chocolate evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped almonds over the melted chocolate. Press them in gently to ensure they stick. This adds a delightful crunch!
- Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature. You can speed this up by placing it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Once set, break the candy into pieces and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Make It Perfect
- For a fun twist, try adding crushed peppermint or sprinkles on top.
- If you want a thicker layer of chocolate, use an extra cup of chocolate chips.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the toffee while it bakes to avoid burning.
Mix It Up
- Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor.
- Add dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture.
- Swap out the nuts for your favorite seeds for a nut-free option.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Pair with a glass of milk for a classic combination.
- Great as a topping for ice cream sundaes!
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FAQs
Can I make this toffee ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze this candy?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag.
What can I substitute for saltine crackers?
You can use graham crackers or even pretzels for a different flavor.
Is this candy very sweet?
It has a nice balance of sweet and salty, but you can adjust the chocolate type to your liking.
Conclusion
This Christmas Candy Recipes Easy Almond Bark is sure to become a holiday staple in your home. With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, it’s perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. Happy holidays and happy snacking!
Christmas Candy Recipes Easy Almond Bark
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Saucepan
- Spatula
Ingredients
Main
- 1 sleeve Saltine crackers About 40 crackers, whole grain optional
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar light or dark
- 2 cups (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips milk chocolate can be used
- 1 cup almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts can be substituted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F. This step is crucial as it helps the toffee bake evenly and become perfectly golden.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the candy from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they fit snugly together, as this helps the toffee cover them evenly.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture bubbles and turns a light caramel color, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot toffee mixture over the saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every cracker is covered. It should look glossy and inviting.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it bubbly but not burnt. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Let them sit for a few minutes until melted, then spread the chocolate evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped almonds over the melted chocolate. Press them in gently to ensure they stick. This adds a delightful crunch!
- Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature. You can speed this up by placing it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Once set, break the candy into pieces and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.