Quick Toffee Bark
This quick toffee bark (AKA “Christmas crack”) is as addicting as the colloquial name implies. It is fast to make, with few ingredients. It also allows for some improvisation as far as the toppings go. We love crushed pecans or flaky Maldon salt!
For toddler/child involvement: My kids love arranging the saltine crackers onto the baking sheet! They snack on the crackers along the way. For older kids who are working on mastering fine motor skills, precision, and patience: spreading the chocolate chips to create the bark is an excellent task. Kiddos of all ages can appreciate the transformation of chocolate from solid chips to liquid as it melts! Also, sprinkling whatever topping you choose is another great way to include toddlers and big kids alike.
One warning: Quick toffee bark preparation requires making a caramel. I highly recommend being clear with your child about the dangers of making caramel. It’s extremely hot, and therefore an adults-only job.
Quick Toffee Bark
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers
- cooking spray
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips
- chopped pecans or flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the pan.
-
Line a half sheet jelly roll pan with tin foil and spray the foil with baking spray.
-
Arrange the saltines in a single layer across the pan.
-
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Make the caramel.
-
Combine the sugar, butter, and salt in a heavy pot.
-
Stir over medium-high heat until the butter is completely melted and the sugar is dissolved.
-
Let the caramel come to a boil, stirring vigorously. Let boil about 3 minutes, or until the caramel begins to darken.
-
Remove from heat and pour caramel over saltines as evenly as possible. Gently shake the pan to spread around, if needed.
-
Bake for 5 minutes.
Make the bark.
-
Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel.
-
The caramel will quickly melt the chocolate and you can use a rubber spatula to spread the chocolate into an even layer over the caramel.
-
Sprinkle with topping of choice (pecans and flaky sea salt are two of our favorites).
-
Chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before cutting into squares or breaking into pieces!
