Churro Cracker Candy
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
This delightful Churro Cracker Candy is the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and crunchy goodness. It’s effortless to whip up with just a few ingredients, yet the flavor is simply out of this world! The slight saltiness from the saltine crackers harmonizes beautifully with the rich caramel base and the finishing touch of cinnamon-sugar dusting. This treat is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings and win the hearts of family and friends alike.
Recipe: Churro Cracker Candy
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet; they should be slightly spaced apart.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, add the brown sugar and stir until the mixture is well combined. Increase the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle boil, then allow it to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes without stirring. After removing it from heat, mix in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Pour the Caramel Over Crackers
Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over the arranged saltine crackers, quickly spreading it to cover them evenly. Be cautious, as this caramel is extremely hot!
Step 4: Bake the Crackers
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 7 to 8 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and a shade darker. Keep a close watch to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Add the White Chocolate
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the white chocolate chips generously over the hot, caramel-coated crackers. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften, then use a spatula or knife to spread the melted chocolate evenly across the top.
Step 6: Dust with Cinnamon-Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together. Lightly dust your melted chocolate with this mixture to capture that classic churro flavor!
Step 7: Let It Set and Break
To finish, allow the Churro Cracker Candy to cool at room temperature or pop it in the fridge for about an hour until the chocolate solidifies. Once set, break the candy into pieces and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
This Churro Cracker Candy is a fantastic addition to snack tables at parties or can be served as a delightful dessert. Consider placing it in a decorative bowl or packaging it beautifully as a homemade gift for your loved ones.
Storage:
Store your delectable candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you’d like to keep it fresh for longer, refrigerate it for up to two weeks.
Helpful Notes
- White Chocolate Substitutes: If white chocolate isn’t your thing, consider using milk or dark chocolate chips instead. The result will still be delicious with the caramel and cinnamon-sugar combination.
- Even Caramel Coverage: To ensure every cracker gets its fair share of caramel, work quickly when pouring and spreading the mixture.
- Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mix to introduce a bit of heat to your candy!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?
Definitely! You can swap out saltines for graham crackers for a sweeter flavor profile.
Q2: What’s the best way to spread the melted chocolate?
Once the white chocolate chips have melted, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the chocolate over the caramel. Make sure to work quickly to cover all areas evenly.
Q3: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To create a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free saltine crackers or any suitable gluten-free crispbread.
Q4: Can I make this candy in advance?
Absolutely! Churro Cracker Candy stores well, so feel free to prepare it a few days ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Q5: Is it possible to add nuts to this recipe?
For sure! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts atop the melted chocolate can give a pleasant crunch and an extra layer of flavor.