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Churro Saltine Toffee is my quick and crunchy go-to treat whenever I want a sweet fix with a bit of a salty kick. It takes just a few simple ingredients and transforms ordinary saltine crackers into a caramelized, chocolatey delight that feels fancy but is super easy to make.
This snack became a staple when I needed something quick for guests. The contrast between the crunchy crackers and smooth chocolate is addictive.
Ingredients
- Saltine crackers: provide a light and crunchy base pick fresh, unbroken crackers for even baking
- Butter: brings richness and helps create the toffee texture use unsalted for better control of salt levels
- Brown sugar: adds caramel flavor and moisture fresh packed brown sugar is best for deep sweetness
- Chocolate chips: melt smoothly on top semi-sweet or dark work well, choose quality chips for creamy melt
- Cinnamon sugar: gives that churro-inspired warm spice dusting use freshly ground cinnamon for bright flavor
- Sea salt: balances the sweetness with a touch of saltiness flaky sea salt crystals enhance texture
Instructions
- Build The Toffee Layer:
- Combine melted butter and packed brown sugar, then spread it evenly over a single layer of saltine crackers arranged on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake this at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes until bubbly and caramelized. This step creates the sticky but crunchy toffee base that holds the whole treat together.
- Add The Chocolate:
- Right after removing the tray from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top of the hot toffee layer. Let them sit for a few minutes so the heat melts the chips. Then spread the melted chocolate with an offset spatula for an even layer. This adds a rich, glossy coating.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar:
- Immediately after spreading the chocolate, sprinkle a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar over the top. The warmth from the cinnamon complements the chocolate and adds that churro flair.
- Cool And Break:
- Let the entire tray cool completely at room temperature, then place it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, break the sheet into irregular shards or squares for serving.
My favorite part is the cinnamon sugar sprinkle. It reminds me of summer fairs where churros and sweet treats fill the air. This mix of nostalgic spice with salty toffee always brings a smile around my table.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover toffee in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about a week but can lose crunch if stored somewhere humid. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month then thaw before serving.
Ingredient Swaps
Try white sugar instead of brown for a lighter caramel flavor though it will change the depth slightly. Use white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for a fun twist. If you do not have cinnamon sugar, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon yourself for freshness.
Serving Ideas
Serve with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat. Break into small pieces and add on top of vanilla ice cream or sprinkle over whipped cream for a quick dessert upgrade. It also makes a playful topping on plain yogurt or oatmeal.
This treat combines simplicity and flavor perfectly for quick homemade indulgence.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of crackers are best?
Saltine crackers provide the perfect crisp base with their light, salty flavor that balances the sweet toffee.
- → Can I substitute brown sugar?
Light or dark brown sugar works well as it creates a rich caramelized coating during baking.
- → How do I prevent the chocolate chips from melting completely?
Sprinkling chocolate chips immediately after baking lets them soften slightly without fully melting, preserving texture.
- → What does cinnamon sugar add?
Cinnamon sugar introduces warm, aromatic notes that complement the buttery toffee and chocolate layers.
- → Is sea salt necessary?
A light sprinkle of sea salt enhances flavor contrast, balancing sweetness and adding depth.