This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee is a crunchy, sweet treat that combines salty crackers with smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate. It’s super easy to make!
Who doesn’t love a sweet and salty combo? I can never have just one piece—it’s simply too good! Perfect for sharing, or, let’s be real, hiding it away for yourself! 😄
I love how quick and fun this recipe is. You just layer, bake, and cool. It’s a great snack for movie night or a special treat for any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These provide the crunchy base. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free crackers or even pretzels for a different texture!
Unsalted Butter: I find unsalted butter gives you more control over the saltiness of the dish. If you need to avoid dairy, coconut oil or a vegan butter can work as a substitute.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich flavor. You can use white sugar if that’s what you have on hand, but it won’t have the same depth. Coconut sugar could be a healthier alternative too.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips make it super simple. Feel free to swap them with dark chocolate or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter topping.
Peanut Butter: Smooth is great for this recipe, but crunchy peanut butter adds an extra texture element. For nut allergies, sunbutter or a soy-based spread can work well.
How Can I Ensure My Caramel Mixture Turns Out Perfect?
Making the caramel layer is crucial for the right texture. Here’s how to get it right:
- Keep stirring as the butter and sugar heat up to avoid burning. Make sure it reaches a full rolling boil.
- Let it boil for exactly 3 minutes. Too little time won’t thicken it enough, and too much can burn the sugar.
- Once mixed with the peanut butter, work quickly to pour over the crackers, as it will start to set quite fast.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Toffee:
- 40 saltine crackers (about 2 sleeves)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
For the Toppings (optional):
- 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
- ½ cup roasted peanuts
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour to cool in the refrigerator. Most of the time is simply waiting for it to set, so it’s perfect for making ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier later on!
2. Arrange the Crackers:
Take your saltine crackers and lay them out in a single layer over the lined baking sheet, making sure to cover the entire bottom. This will be the crunchy base of your toffee!
3. Make the Caramel Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Place it over medium heat and stir continuously while it heats up. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it bubble for 3 minutes without stirring until it thickens. This step is key to getting that delicious toffee texture!
4. Mix in the Peanut Butter:
Once your mixture has boiled for 3 minutes, remove it from heat and stir in the smooth peanut butter until it’s nice and smooth. It should smell amazing!
5. Spread the Mixture:
Pour the hot carrot-peanut butter concoction evenly over the arranged saltine crackers. Use a spatula to smooth it out, making sure all crackers are covered!
6. Bake the Toffee:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for just 5 minutes. This helps meld everything together a little bit!
7. Add the Chocolate:
After 5 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips on top of the hot caramel mixture. Let them sit for about 2-3 minutes until they’re nice and melty. Then, spread the chocolate smoothly using a spatula.
8. Top with Goodies:
While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups and roasted peanuts on top. Don’t forget to finish it off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance!
9. Cool and Set:
Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature. Then, place it in the refrigerator to set for about 1 hour. Patience is key here!
10. Break into Pieces:
Once set, break or cut the toffee into square pieces. Now it’s time to enjoy your creation—perfectly crunchy, sweet, and salty!
Indulge in this perfect blend of flavors, and don’t forget to share (or keep it all to yourself—you deserve it!)!
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers?
Absolutely! While saltine crackers provide a great salty crunch, you can substitute them with graham crackers or even pretzels for a different taste and texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying again!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! You can use a vegan butter substitute and swap the regular chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan-friendly. Enjoy the same delicious treat without the dairy!
What If My Caramel Mixture Is Too Thin?
If your caramel mixture seems too thin, it may need a bit more time boiling. Let it boil for an additional minute or two while stirring to help it thicken further. Just be careful not to burn it!
