Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Churro Saltine Toffee is the ultimate fusion of sweet, salty, and spiced goodness. It takes the classic holiday “crack” candy made with saltine crackers, caramel, and chocolate, and gives it a churro-inspired twist with cinnamon sugar. The result is a treat that’s crispy, buttery, and completely addictive. Each bite delivers the satisfying crunch of saltines, the richness of caramel, and the cozy warmth of cinnamon sugar. This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, making it perfect for busy holiday seasons or last-minute desserts. It’s also an excellent homemade gift idea, as it stores well and looks beautiful packaged in bags or boxes. Whether you make it for parties, family gatherings, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, Churro Saltine Toffee is a treat you’ll want to keep in your baking rotation all year long.
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Churro Saltine Toffee: A Sweet and Crispy Delight
- Total Time: 20 mins (+30 mins cooling)
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro Saltine Toffee is a sweet and crunchy treat made with buttery caramel, crisp saltine crackers, and a churro-inspired cinnamon sugar topping. It’s an easy, addictive dessert perfect for holidays or snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and arrange saltine crackers in a single layer.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together. Bring to a boil and let bubble for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the saltines and spread with a spatula.
- Bake for 5–6 minutes, until the toffee is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle white chocolate chips on top. Let sit for 1–2 minutes to melt, then spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle over the melted chocolate layer.
- Allow toffee to cool completely, then refrigerate for 30 minutes until set.
- Break into pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use graham crackers instead of saltines for a sweeter version.
- Dark or milk chocolate can replace white chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Perfect for holiday gifts or dessert platters.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Saltine Crackers
Form the crispy base of the toffee, adding a salty balance to the sweet topping.
Unsalted Butter
Combines with sugar to create a rich caramel that soaks into the crackers.
Brown Sugar
Adds sweetness and depth with its molasses flavor, forming the caramel layer.
Cinnamon
Provides warm spice that mimics the classic churro flavor.
Granulated Sugar
Used with cinnamon to create the signature churro-style topping.
Vanilla Extract
Enhances the caramel with a subtle, fragrant sweetness.
Chocolate Chips (optional)
Can be melted on top for a richer, more indulgent layer.
Pinch of Salt
Balances the flavors and intensifies the sweetness.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the pan completely.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour the caramel evenly over the crackers, spreading with a spatula to cover all the edges. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling. Remove from the oven and sprinkle immediately with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. For an optional chocolate layer, sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee, let them melt, and spread evenly.
Allow the toffee to cool completely, then transfer to the refrigerator to set. Once firm, break into pieces and serve.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 servings, depending on how large you break the pieces. Preparation takes 10 minutes, baking is 5 minutes, and cooling/setting requires 1 hour. Total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Churro Saltine Toffee stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. No reheating is required—simply enjoy straight from storage once set.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Drizzle
Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the set toffee for a decorative finish.
Nutty Crunch
Sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts over the caramel before baking.
Spiced Up
Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
Caramel Only
Skip the cinnamon sugar and keep it simple with just buttery caramel and saltines.
White Chocolate Churro Toffee
Replace chocolate chips with melted white chocolate for a sweeter variation.
Holiday Twist
Add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top for seasonal flair.
Extra Buttery
Increase the butter slightly for a richer caramel layer.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free crackers to adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Sea Salt Finish
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
Layered Toffee
Add both cinnamon sugar and chocolate for a double-flavored treat.
FAQs
Can I use Ritz crackers instead of saltines?
Yes, but the flavor will be richer and less crisp than saltines.
Do I need to refrigerate the toffee?
Refrigerating helps it set faster but isn’t strictly necessary.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan and double all ingredients.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Stir constantly and do not boil longer than 3 minutes.
Can I skip the chocolate layer?
Yes, the churro topping is delicious on its own.
Why is my toffee sticky?
It may not have boiled long enough—ensure the caramel cooks for 3 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well and can be made several days in advance.
Conclusion
Churro Saltine Toffee is a quick, easy, and irresistible treat that combines the crispiness of saltines with buttery caramel and warm cinnamon sugar. Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday snacking, it’s a versatile dessert that stores well and can be customized to suit your taste. With its sweet, salty, and spiced flavor, this churro-inspired twist on classic toffee is sure to become a family favorite.
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