Christmas Crack: The Perfect Pan Size

Christmas Crack is a simple, addictive, and versatile holiday treat. It is made by layering crackers (usually saltine) with a toffee or caramel coating, chocolate, and toppings such as nuts, sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or pretzels. The name Christmas Crack comes from the fact that it is made with crackers, and once it has cooled, you crack or break it into pieces.

To make Christmas Crack, you will need a large jelly roll pan or a rimmed baking sheet. A 15x10-inch pan is recommended, but any large, rimmed baking sheet will work. You will also need parchment paper or foil to line the pan.

Characteristics of 'what size pan for Christmas crack'

Jelly roll pan

A jelly roll pan is a great choice for making Christmas crack. This is a versatile pan that can be used for a variety of baking tasks, and its size is perfect for this recipe.

To make Christmas crack in a jelly roll pan, first preheat your oven to 400°F. Line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper or foil. If using foil, make sure to spray it with cooking spray or oil it to prevent sticking.

Next, cover the bottom of the pan with a single layer of crackers. You may need to break some crackers to fill in the gaps along the edges. For a 15.5 x 10.5-inch jelly roll pan, you will need about 40 crackers.

Now, it's time to make the toffee. In a saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling and stirring for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes thick and syrupy.

Pour the toffee mixture evenly over the crackers in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

Bake the crackers with the toffee in the preheated oven for about 4-8 minutes, until bubbly.

Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the toffee layer. Allow the chocolate to melt, then spread it evenly with a spatula.

At this point, you can add your desired toppings. Some popular choices include M&Ms, nuts, sprinkles, crushed pretzels, crushed candy canes, or crushed peppermint.

Place the pan in the refrigerator or freezer until the chocolate has set.

Finally, cut or break the Christmas crack into pieces and enjoy!

This recipe is easy to make and can be customised with your favourite toppings. It's a great choice for a festive dessert or a holiday treat.

Saltine crackers

In terms of nutritional value, saltine crackers typically contain carbohydrates, protein, fat, and a small amount of fibre. They are often enriched with vitamins and minerals, such as niacin, iron, and folic acid.

Some well-known brands of saltine crackers include Nabisco's Premium (US), Christie's Premium Plus (Canada), Sunshine Biscuits' Krispy (US), and Keebler's Zesta (US).

Toffee

The toffee-making process is simple and straightforward, but there are a few key tips to ensure success. Firstly, it is recommended to use real butter instead of margarine for the best results. Secondly, a candy thermometer can be used to ensure that the toffee reaches the ideal temperature of 270°F to 290°F. Finally, it is important to work quickly when spreading the hot toffee over the crackers, as the toffee needs to be added to the crackers right away to avoid setting.

Chocolate

The type of chocolate used can be customised according to taste. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips can all be used. It is also possible to use a combination of chocolates, such as swirling together two types of chocolate. However, it is important to note that chocolate with a very high percentage of cacao may not be suitable as it can become brittle and separate from the cracker layer.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using certain brands of chocolate chips that may not melt properly when placed in the oven. Chopped chocolate is also suggested as an alternative to chocolate chips, as it will be more likely to stick to the toffee layer.

Nuts

The type of nuts used can vary depending on personal preference. Some common choices include pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, and macadamia nuts. The nuts can be chopped into smaller pieces or left whole, depending on the desired texture. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the Christmas Crack can enhance their flavour and crunchiness.

In addition to being a tasty topping, nuts can also be incorporated into the base of the Christmas Crack. For example, crushed nuts can be mixed with the crackers to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavour. Alternatively, nut-based crackers, such as almond or pecan crackers, can be used instead of traditional saltine crackers.

When preparing Christmas Crack with nuts, it is important to consider any allergies or dietary restrictions that guests may have. Offering a variety of nut options or providing a clear label of the ingredients used can help ensure that everyone can safely enjoy the treat.

Frequently asked questions