Churro Cracker Candy
Churro Cracker Candy is a delicious twist on classic toffee, combining the sweet, spiced flavor of churros with the satisfying crunch of saltine crackers. The buttery caramel sauce, topped with melted white chocolate and a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle, gives this treat its irresistible blend of textures and flavors.
It’s quick to prepare, easy to share, and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort!
Churro Cracker Candy
Ingredients
2-3 sleeves of saltine crackers
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 cup of butter (2 sticks)
1 cup of brown sugar
1 (12 oz) bag of white chocolate chips
Instructions:
Set your oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper.
Lay the saltine crackers in a single layer, covering the sheet completely.
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set this aside.
In a small pot, melt the butter, then mix in the brown sugar. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble.
Allow it to bubble for 2 minutes, then pour the mixture over the saltines, spreading it evenly with a spatula as needed.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and has darkened slightly.
Remove the tray from the oven and immediately sprinkle the white chocolate chips on top of the hot crackers. Let them sit for about 5 minutes until the chips melt, then spread the melted chocolate evenly with a spatula.
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
Let the candy cool completely for about 30-60 minutes, then break it into bite-sized pieces.
Store the candy in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes:
Cracker Choice: Saltine crackers provide a great balance of sweetness and saltiness, but you can experiment with other crackers like graham crackers for a different flavor profile.
Butter Substitute: If you’re out of butter, margarine or a plant-based alternative can be used, but the flavor and consistency might slightly change.
White Chocolate Tips: If the white chocolate chips don’t melt easily, you can place the tray back in the warm (but turned off) oven for a minute or two to soften the chocolate further.
Cooling Time: Make sure the candy is fully cooled before breaking it apart to ensure clean pieces. You can speed up the cooling by placing the tray in the refrigerator.
Storage: Store in an airtight container to keep the candy crisp. It can stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze it for longer storage.
Topping Variations: For extra flavor and texture, try adding chopped nuts, crushed pretzels, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate on top before the candy hardens.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 24 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 175 kcal | Total Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 180mg | Total Carbohydrates: 22g | Sugars: 17g | Fiber: 0g | Protein: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes! While saltines provide a nice balance of salty and sweet, you can use graham crackers for a sweeter version or Ritz crackers for a richer taste.
What if my white chocolate chips don’t melt easily?
If the chips don’t melt after sitting for a few minutes, place the tray back in the warm (but turned off) oven for 1-2 minutes to help them soften.
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute white chocolate with dark, milk, or even semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your preference.
How long does it take for the candy to cool completely?
It usually takes around 30-60 minutes to cool at room temperature.
You can speed up the process by placing the tray in the fridge.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Churro Cracker Candy can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
You can also freeze it for longer storage.
What can I use instead of butter?
Margarine or plant-based butter can be used as a substitute, but the flavor and texture might differ slightly.
Can I add toppings to this recipe?
Definitely! You can add chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed pretzels, or even drizzle some extra chocolate on top before the candy sets.
Why is my caramel layer too hard or chewy?
Overcooking the caramel mixture can cause it to harden too much.
Make sure to cook it for just 2 minutes once it starts to bubble.
For a chewier texture, slightly reduce the cooking time.
Can I use parchment paper instead of foil?
Yes, parchment paper works just as well and makes it easy to lift the candy off the baking sheet after it cools.
Can I freeze Churro Cracker Candy?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to store the candy in an airtight container, and it can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.