I mean, who doesn’t love a treat that’s got that perfect balance of sweet and salty? Plus, it’s made with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
You can’t go wrong with this one, whether you’re whipping it up for a party or just to have a little snack on hand. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again.
So let’s check out!
What You’ll Need
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Pro Tips
- Use a rimmed baking sheet: Trust me, you want a pan with edges for this one. A 10×15-inch jelly roll pan works great, so everything stays contained and the toffee doesn’t spill over.
- Toast the almonds: It’s a small step, but toasting the almonds really brings out their flavor and gives the candy an extra crunch that makes all the difference.
- Let the chocolate melt: After baking, let the chocolate chips sit for a minute or two before spreading them. It’ll help you get that smooth, even layer without all the fuss.
- Cool completely before breaking: I know it’s tempting, but you’ll want to let this candy cool completely before breaking it into pieces. Otherwise, it can get a bit messy.
- Get the kids involved: If you’ve got little ones around, they’ll love helping out with spreading the chocolate or sprinkling the almonds. It’s an easy, fun recipe for them to get their hands into.
Tools Required
- Rimmed baking sheet (10×15 inches)
- Medium saucepan
- Spatula or spoon for stirring
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Oven
- Cooling rack or counter space
Substitutions and Variations
- Crackers: If you’re not a fan of saltines, you can swap them out for graham crackers or even Club crackers. Both will work just fine!
- Nuts: Almonds are great, but pecans, walnuts, or cashews can also make this candy even more delicious.
- Chocolate: If you’re not into semisweet, you can switch it up with dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips.
- Add-ins: Feeling a little adventurous? You could add in dried fruit like cranberries, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra pop of flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can definitely make this ahead of time, and in fact, it stores really well. Just pop it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks, or freeze it for up to a month. Just be sure it’s wrapped tightly to keep it fresh!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Arrange crackers: Lay your saltine crackers out in a single layer, covering the whole baking sheet.
- Make the toffee: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bring it to a boil. Let it bubble away for 3 minutes without stirring.
- Pour the toffee: Carefully pour the hot toffee over the crackers, making sure they’re all coated evenly.
- Bake: Stick the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes, until the toffee is nice and bubbly.
- Add the chocolate: Take it out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for a minute or two, then spread the chocolate evenly with a spatula.
- Top with almonds: Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the chocolate, gently pressing them in so they stick.
- Cool: Let everything cool completely at room temperature before you break the candy into pieces. You want it to set properly!
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Leftovers and Storage
This candy stores perfectly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks, or freeze it for up to a month. Just be sure it’s wrapped well to prevent freezer burn!
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid making it too salty.
Q: What if I don’t have a 10×15-inch baking sheet? A: You can use a smaller baking sheet, but keep in mind that the candy may be a little thicker, so it might need a bit more baking time.
Q: Can I make this candy without nuts? A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to skip them, or try other toppings like crushed candies or sprinkles for some extra fun.
Final Words
This Almond Cracker Candy is one of those treats that’s easy to make but packs in so much flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, it’s sure to be a hit.
I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t forget to leave a comment below! Any questions or thoughts? I’m all ears!
