4.32 11 Published Dec 12, 2018, Updated Dec 03, 2021 I have a few all-time favorite holiday desserts and Christmas crack is right up there at the top of the list. I always loved having this as a kid, but then when I got old enough to help make it and realized what ingredients went into it, I was honestly shocked. I mean it did taste like there were loads of butter and sugar, but for some reason, I didn’t believe there could actually be that much! This year, I decided I was going to make a healthier version because everyone needs a little Christmas crack in their lives and it doesn’t have to be completely void of nutrients. 🙂 The traditional version of this recipe is made with saltine crackers and equal parts butter and brown sugar. And you wonder why you always feel a little groggy after holiday treats…
Healthier Christmas Crack Ingredients
almond flour crackers – you can use my recipe for homemade almond flour crackers or use a brand like Simple Mills almond flour crackers.coconut sugar – I prefer using coconut sugar but you can use regular brown sugar if that’s all you have on hand!butter – look for grass-fed or use ghee. Leave the butter on the counter for about an hour to soften up. You can also use a vegan buttery stick!semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips – I love Enjoy Life or Lily’s chocolate chips.chopped almonds – for a perfect bit of crunch, feel free to use your favorite nut or whatever you have on hand. I bet pecans would also be delicious!dried cranberries – make sure you find cranberries that are unsweetened or sweetened with just fruit juice if possible. Made in Nature’s organic dried cranberries are a good option and sweetened with just a touch of apple juice instead of cane sugar.coconut oil cooking spray – to spray the baking sheet.
Upgraded Ingredients
It’s all about the little swaps that make a big difference, my friends!
For my healthier version, I opted to use grain-free, gluten-free almond flour crackers. You can make your own using my homemade almond flour cracker recipe or buy them – I love the Simple Mills brand!Instead of brown sugar, I chose to use unrefined coconut sugar.In place of plain ol’ butter, we’re using grass-fed butter, ghee or vegan butter.
How to Make Christmas Crack
Prepare pan – Line a 9×9 square pan with foil and lightly spray with coconut oil cooking spray. Arrange the crackers in a single layer to cover the bottom of the pan. Make caramel – In a saucepan over medium heat, add softened butter and sugar. Stir with a whisk until butter has melted and sugar has dissolved. Bring mixture to a low boil and let boil for 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the mixture over the crackers immediately. Use a spatula to spread the mixture over all of the crackers. Bake – Bake at 400ºF for 6 minutes or until caramel is bubbling across the whole pan. Melt chocolate – While the crackers are in the oven, add the chocolate chips to a medium glass bowl and microwave in 20-second intervals. Stir between intervals and stop heating when most of the chocolate is melted. Stir until all of the chocolate is melted and smooth. Layer – Remove the crackers from the oven and let cool 1-2 minutes to allow the bubbles to deflate. Drizzle the melted chocolate on top and spread out with a spatula. Top with the chopped almonds and dried cranberries. Refrigerate – Place the pan in the fridge to set for 1-2 hours. Once set, the crack will be completely hard. Peel the foil away and break it into pieces using your hand or cut with a knife.
How to Store Christmas Crack
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks! If you need to store longer, I’m sure this would freeze well too. I just recommend removing it from the freezer a little bit before serving so it can soften slightly.
More Upgraded Treats to Try
5-Ingredient Graham Cracker BlondiesEasy Healthier ButterfingersChocolate Covered Frozen RaspberriesFrozen Yogurt Bark with BerriesHealthy Cookie Dough BitesHomemade Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs
Be sure to check out all of my holiday cookie recipes and dessert recipes here on EBF!
