Christmas Pretzel Crack

Ah, the famous Christmas Cracker Candy, or as you may have heard it called, Christmas Crack. While the name of this treat may be a bit controversial, there’s one thing we can all agree on: it is DELICIOUS. Some crunchy, salty layer covered in a caramelly toffee and topped off with chocolate. What’s not to love? This has been a staple in our holiday baking lineup for quite some time and this year I decided to try a little twist on the original: pretzels!

We’ve seen many variations of this cracker candy over the years. People use saltines, Ritz crackers, graham crackers. It’s hard to go wrong here. But one base layer we hadn’t tried yet was pretzels! And boy had we been missing out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Pretzel Crack is the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a delightful crunch that makes it absolutely irresistible. It’s a quick and easy treat to whip up for holiday gatherings, and the addition of pretzels brings a new texture and flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Small saucepan
• Microwave-safe bowl

Ingredients

• 15 oz bag of pretzel sticks
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 20 oz high-quality chocolate, chopped
• Optional: Christmas sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread an even layer of pretzel sticks across the entire baking sheet and set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently, and continue boiling for 4-5 minutes until it thickens and the color darkens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the pretzels. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
5. While the pretzels are baking, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool for 1 minute. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the top and add holiday sprinkles if desired.
7. Refrigerate (do not freeze) for 3-4 hours or overnight. Once cool, cut into squares and serve.
8. Store in an airtight container.

Tips for Success

Ensure the butter and sugar mixture is well combined before pouring over the pretzels to achieve a smooth caramel layer. Don’t overheat the chocolate; melting it gradually will help keep it glossy and smooth.

Additional Tips or Variations

Try using different types of chocolate like dark, milk, or white to suit your taste. You can also add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 280 | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Sugars: 23g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different types of pretzels?

Yes, you can use pretzel twists or even pretzel crisps for a slightly different texture.

How long does this treat last?

If stored in an airtight container, it can last up to two weeks.

Can I freeze the Christmas Pretzel Crack?

It’s not recommended to freeze as it may affect the texture of the chocolate and caramel.

Conclusion

This Christmas Pretzel Crack is a delightful holiday treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with. Happy holidays and happy snacking!