Imagine the satisfying crunch of saltine crackers paired with the rich, buttery allure of homemade toffee, topped with a dusting of cinnamon sugar that evokes the essence of churros.
You’ll begin by arranging a layer of saltines on a baking sheet, then drape them with a luscious brown sugar and butter mixture.
As it bakes, the aroma will captivate your kitchen, but it’s the next step that truly elevates this treat.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Oven
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 40 pieces saltine crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while making Churro Saltine Toffee, follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process.
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment you’ll need.
- Prep Work (10 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange 40 saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Cooking Process (13 minutes)
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil (approximately 5 minutes).
- Allow the mixture to boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the saltine crackers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Chocolate & Topping (5 minutes)
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the crackers.
- Allow the chocolate chips to melt, then spread evenly with a spatula.
- Mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle over the melted chocolate.
- Cooling & Setting (30 minutes)
- Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
- For faster cooling, you may place the toffee in the refrigerator, but only for a short duration to avoid it hardening too much.
- Final Touches (2 minutes)
- Once the chocolate is set, cut the toffee into 24 pieces or as desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Total Time: 65 minutes (including reading, prep, cooking, and cooling)
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer.
In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil.
Once boiling, allow the mixture to boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
Remove from heat and add vanilla extract, then pour evenly over the saltine crackers.
Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the crackers, allowing them to melt.
Spread the melted chocolate evenly with a spatula.
Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle over the melted chocolate.
Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
Once set, cut the toffee into pieces as desired and serve.
Serving Tips
- Ice Cream: Serve the churro saltine toffee alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate to complement the rich chocolate and cinnamon flavors.
- Fresh Berries: Add a handful of fresh berries on the side to introduce a revitalizing and tangy element.
- Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.
- Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the top for added crunch and flavor depth.
Storage
To store Churro Saltine Toffee, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze, ensuring it’s well-sealed to maintain freshness.
Freezing
To freeze Churro Saltine Toffee, verify it’s fully cooled and set.
Place pieces in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw before serving.
Reheating
To reheat Churro Saltine Toffee, place pieces on a microwave-safe plate.
Warm in short intervals of 10-15 seconds to avoid melting the chocolate or altering the toffee texture.
Final Thoughts
Creating Churro Saltine Toffee is a delightful and rewarding experience.
The combination of buttery toffee, crunchy saltine crackers, and rich chocolate creates a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
By following the recipe carefully and ensuring the toffee mixture is properly boiled, you can achieve a perfect texture.
Feel free to experiment with different chocolates or add toppings like nuts to enhance the flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Churro Saltine Toffee and share it with friends and family for a sweet treat everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Crackers for This Recipe?
You can use gluten-free crackers for this recipe. Make certain they have a similar texture to saltines for best results. The butter and sugar mixture should still coat them effectively, achieving the desired toffee texture and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips?
You can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter touch. Confirm the chocolate melts evenly; use a spatula for smooth spreading. Try white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute plant-based butter for unsalted butter and use vegan chocolate chips. Confirm your sugar is bone char-free. With these swaps, you’ll create a delicious, vegan version without compromising flavor or texture.
Is It Possible to Add Nuts or Other Toppings?
Yes, you can definitely add nuts or other toppings. After spreading the melted chocolate, sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans, then lightly press them into the chocolate. Try shredded coconut or dried fruit for varied textures and flavors.
Can I Reduce the Amount of Sugar in the Recipe?
You can reduce the sugar, but maintain the texture by adjusting other ingredients. Try using 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Churro Saltine Toffee
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Oven
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 40 pieces saltine crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil.
- Once boiling, allow the mixture to boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla extract, then pour evenly over the saltine crackers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the crackers, allowing them to melt.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly with a spatula.
- Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle over the melted chocolate.
- Allow the toffee to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
- Once set, cut the toffee into pieces as desired and serve.
Notes
Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.
