Halloween Saltine Crack Candy

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The perfect combination of sweet and salty, this Halloween crack candy recipe is seriously crave-worthy and so easy to create! Made with simple ingredients including butter, sugar, chocolate, and Saltine crackers, it’s the perfect cracker candy for fall.

This post is sponsored by Danish Creamery but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

two pieces of Halloween saltine crack candy decorated with toffee, M&Ms, and candy eyeballs

Why We Love This Crack Candy Recipe

In Minnesota, crack candy is a beloved treat that’s typically made during Christmas. Sweet, salty, and quick to make, it’s always a hit! So, not wanting to wait another couple of months to indulge in our favorite cracker candy, we decided to spruce it up for Halloween, and it was so fun! Not only is this crack candy recipe super festive, but it’s also:

Made with minimal ingredients
Quick to toss together
Allergy-friendly
Kid-approved

Why Is It Called Crack Candy?

Also known as Christmas crack or cracker candy, there are several common explanations as to how this recipe got its name. The first theory is that it was named after the crunch or crack it makes when you take a bite. The second is that it was given its name because it’s even more addicting than crack. Although the origin of the name has been critiqued for being insensitive, we can confirm that this recipe is seriously addicting.

saltine crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet

caramel sauce being spread on top of saltine crackers

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, we took the standard recipe and added a few extra Halloween-inspired ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cracker Candy

Butter – We chose Danish Creamery Sea Salted European Style Butter for our candy. It boasts an 85% butterfat — two to three percent more than traditional butter. This extra butterfat means more cream and less water in your butter, making this toffee so rich.
Sugar – Brown sugar creates a sweet, caramel-like layer.
Vanilla Extract – To enhance the rest of the ingredients.
Saltine Crackers – Mild in flavor, these form the salty base and provide the classic crunch this treat is famous for.
Chocolate Chips – Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.

For the Toppings

Toffee Bits – For even more chocolate and a little extra crunch.
Candy – We include Halloween colored M&Ms and candy eyeballs for a spooky look, but feel free to include any candy you like best!
Sprinkles – Orange sprinkles take the Halloween theme to the next level!

close up image of Halloween crack candy decorated with m&ms, candy eyeballs, toffee bits, and orange sprinkles

How to Make Halloween Crack Candy

The only hard part about making this saltine cracker candy recipe is waiting for it to cool. It’s so easy, even the kids can do it! Plus, they’ll love getting to decorate.

Prepare the Crack Candy. To begin, preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit, and line a 13×18 baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, line the crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Create the chocolate layer. Melt the butter and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring the ingredients to a boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in the vanilla, and pour the mixture over the crackers. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the mixture, spreading it in an even layer.
Bake. Place the baking sheet in the oven until the mixture is brown and bubbly.
Top with chocolate. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Once the chocolate has melted, use your spatula to smooth it out over the crackers.
Decorate and Serve. While the chocolate is still gooey, add your favorite decorations and mix-ins on top. Transfer the baking sheet to the fridge until the chocolate hardens. Break the candy into pieces, and enjoy!

Crate & Barrel Silver Baking Sheets, Set of 2

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pieces of Halloween saltine crack candy with small bowls of m&ms and orange sprinkles in between

How to Store

This crack candy disappears before we can even take it off the baking sheet. However, if you have more willpower not to eat it all at once, it can be stored in a sealable bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cracker candy chewy?

If your candy turns out chewy, it’s likely because you didn’t boil the caramel sauce long enough. Make sure it comes to a rolling boil, and let it cook for 3 minutes.

What’s the best type of chocolate to use?

We recommended using high-quality chocolate like Ghiradelli, Dove, or Lindt. Given that there are so few ingredients, you really can taste the difference! For easy melting, use chocolate morsels, mini chocolate chips, or break your chocolate into tiny pieces.

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Yes, feel free to use any mild tasting cracker like Club crackers or Ritz. If you prefer, you could even use pretzel rods instead!

More Sweet Treats for Halloween

Looking for more ways to satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday? Try out more of our favorites below!

This Hazelnut Chocolate Crock Pot Candy comes together in just under an hour for a decadent treat!
A kid-friendly recipe, these Slow Cooker Chocolate Covered Pretzels are super tasty and so fun to make.
We took Puppy Chow and made it even better with this Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddy recipe.
Take traditional Rice Krispie treats to the next level with this Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe.