This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee is a yummy treat that’s super quick to make! With crispy crackers, sweet chocolate, and rich peanut butter, it has the best flavors mixed together!
Perfect for sharing, or maybe just for yourself (no judgment here!). I like to keep some on hand for a sweet snack attack because it disappears fast—watch out for that crunchy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These provide a nice crunch to the toffee. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free crackers or even pretzels for a different twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe, as it allows you to control the saltiness. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. You can use all-purpose sugar or dark brown sugar if that’s what you have, keeping in mind that dark will give a stronger flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet are traditional, but feel free to mix it up with milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Just remember that dark chocolate will bring a more intense taste.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter spreads easily, but crunchy peanut butter is a fun alternative if you like extra texture!
Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped peanut butter cups are crucial for that classic flavor. You can swap these for any similar candy, like chocolate-covered caramel, if you’re feeling adventurous.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Even Coating of the Crackers?
To get your crackers fully coated in that delicious butter and sugar mixture, follow these steps:
- Make sure to pour the hot mixture quickly over the crackers for even coverage.
- Use a spatula to gently spread it around if needed, but don’t worry about getting it perfect—just aim for most of the crackers to be covered!
- Keep an eye on the baking time as it can vary; you want the topping to bubble but not burn!
Taking time in this step ensures that every piece has that nice caramel flavor. Enjoy your toffee-making adventure!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 40 saltine crackers (about 2 sleeves)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy)
- 10 peanut butter cups, chopped
- ½ cup roasted peanuts
- Additional saltine crackers for topping (optional, broken into pieces)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 1-2 hours for cooling and setting. So, you can have this delicious treat ready in less than 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Cracker Base:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Then, arrange your saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet, covering the entire surface. Make sure they’re snug but not overlapping!
2. Making the Caramel:
Take a medium saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melted, stir in the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Let it boil for about 3 minutes—this will turn into a delicious caramel coating!
3. Pour on the Good Stuff:
Immediately pour your hot butter and sugar mixture evenly over the saltine crackers. Use a spatula to help spread it out if needed. You want to make sure all the crackers are nicely covered with that caramel goodness.
4. Baking the Toffee:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. You want to see the top bubbling—that’s when it’s ready! Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
5. Adding the Chocolate:
Take it out of the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let it sit for a few minutes to melt the chips. The heat will make them soft and easy to spread!
6. Spreading the Chocolate:
Using your spatula, gently spread the melted chocolate chips across the entire surface of the toffee, creating a smooth layer.
7. Layering the Peanut Butter:
While the chocolate is still warm, spread the creamy peanut butter evenly over the top layer of melted chocolate. Take your time to get it nice and even!
8. Topping it Off:
Now for the fun part! Scatter your chopped peanut butter cups, roasted peanuts, and pieces of any additional saltine crackers on top. This adds fantastic flavor and crunch to your toffee!
9. Cooling Time:
Let your toffee cool at room temperature until set, which takes about 1-2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the fridge to help it set faster.
10. Breaking and Enjoying:
Once it’s firm, break the toffee into pieces and serve! Share it with friends, or keep it all for yourself (we won’t tell!).
Enjoy this crunchy, chocolatey peanut butter toffee with a delightful salty-sweet flavor combination!
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers?
Absolutely! While saltine crackers are traditional for this recipe, you can use other types like Ritz crackers for a buttery flavor or gluten-free crackers if needed. Just keep the layering similar!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Can I Make This with Dark Chocolate or Milk Chocolate?
Yes, feel free to mix and match the chocolate! Dark chocolate will offer a richer flavor, while milk chocolate adds more sweetness. Choose your favorite, or even try combining them for a delicious twist!
What If My Chocolate Chips Don’t Melt Completely?
If your chocolate chips are still chunky after a few minutes, gently heat them with a spatula or return the pan to the oven for a minute. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can scorch easily!
