This yummy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee is a real treat! It has a crunchy base made from crackers, topped with a creamy peanut butter layer and rich chocolate. Sweet and salty goodness!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this tasty snack! I love to whip it up for movie nights. Just be careful—once you start, it’s hard to stop munching! 🍫🥜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These give a nice crunch! If you have dietary restrictions, you can try using gluten-free crackers or even pretzels for a twist.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, margarine works too, but it’s best to stick with butter for flavor.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds that lovely caramel note. If you’re out, white sugar with a touch of molasses can work as a substitute for a similar flavor.
Peanut Butter Chips: You can use chopped peanut butter cups for a richer, chunkier texture! If you’re allergic to peanuts, try chocolate chips alone or a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter.
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: I love semi-sweet for its great balance. Dark chocolate can be used for a richer taste, or you can opt for milk chocolate if you prefer sweeter treats.
How Do I Make Sure My Caramel Is Perfect?
Getting the caramel just right is key to this recipe! Start by melting the butter and sugar together. Be sure to stir constantly until it reaches a full boil. Timing is crucial here—boil for exactly 3 minutes without stirring. This helps create that nice, thick caramel sauce.
- Use a medium saucepan to allow even heat distribution.
- Keep an eye on it; bubbling might take a minute or two but will intensify.
- After pouring the hot caramel over the crackers, spread it evenly for consistent flavor coverage.
With this technique and attention to timing, your toffee will turn out beautifully every time!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 40 saltine crackers (about 2 sleeves)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup peanut butter chips or peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (optional)
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes for baking. After that, you’ll want to let it cool completely, which can take about 30 minutes to an hour. If you choose to refrigerate for quicker cooling, it’ll be ready in about 15-20 minutes. Overall, expect about 1 hour to 1.5 hours from start to enjoy your yummy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet (around 15×10 inches) with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Lay out the saltine crackers in a single layer, filling the entire sheet. This will be the crunchy base of your toffee!
2. Make the Caramel:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir continuously. Keep an eye on it and let it come to a full boil. Boil the mixture for exactly 3 minutes without stirring. This step creates that delicious caramel sauce!
3. Combine Crackers and Caramel:
When your caramel is ready, quickly pour it over the crackers. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the caramel evenly, making sure to cover all the crackers.
4. Bake to Set the Caramel:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. This helps the caramel set beautifully on the crackers.
5. Add the Peanut Butter Layer:
Once baked, remove it from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the peanut butter chips (or chopped peanut butter cups) over the hot caramel layer. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften the chips.
6. Spread the Peanut Butter:
Using a spatula, gently spread the softened peanut butter chips evenly over the caramel layer. This makes a creamy, yummy layer!
7. Top with Chocolate:
Now, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the peanut butter layer. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until it melts, then spread the melted chocolate evenly across the top.
8. Add Finishing Touches:
If you’d like, sprinkle some roasted peanuts on top and a pinch of sea salt flakes to enhance the flavor!
9. Cool and Set:
Let your toffee cool completely at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the refrigerator until firm, which should take around 15-20 minutes.
10. Break and Serve:
Once it’s nice and firm, break the toffee into pieces. Serve it up to friends and family or keep it for yourself! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge—if there are any leftovers after all that deliciousness!
Enjoy this sweet, crunchy, and salty treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers?
Absolutely! While saltine crackers provide a delightful crunch and slight saltiness, you can substitute with graham crackers for a sweeter flavor or use gluten-free crackers for a dietary option. Just keep in mind that flavors might change slightly based on the substitute.
How Long Will the Cracker Toffee Last?
If stored in an airtight container, your cracker toffee can last up to 1 week at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness, but be sure to allow it to reach room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative (like coconut oil or vegan butter), and use dairy-free chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. This will help you maintain that delicious flavor while keeping it vegan-friendly!
What’s the Best Way to Cut the Toffee?
For clean cuts, once the toffee is firm, place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to break or cut into pieces. If you prefer uniform pieces, you can also score the surface lightly with a knife before it fully sets to make breaking easier.
