Hey y'all! If you love the sweet crunch of churros but crave something a bit easier and quicker to make at home, this Churro Cracker Candy is about to be your new go-to treat. Perfectly crispy, buttery, and dusted with cinnamon sugar, it's a show-stopping snack for parties, potlucks, or simply when you need a little pick-me-up. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Churro Cracker Candy
- Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- Satisfying crisp texture and sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor.
- Great for gifting, snacking, or dessert tables at gatherings.
- No candy thermometer needed—foolproof and stress-free!
- Easy to customize with chocolate, nuts, or drizzle toppings.
Churro Cracker Candy Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
How to Make Churro Cracker Candy
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Crackers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer, edge to edge.
Step 2: Make the Toffee Layer
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly. Once melted and bubbling, let it cook for 3 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Bake the Crackers
Pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the crackers, spreading with a spatula to coat. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until bubbling all over.
Step 4: Add Churro Topping
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Remove the cracker pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the hot toffee layer.
Step 5: Cool & Break into Pieces
Let the Churro Cracker Candy cool completely at room temperature, or speed up the process by chilling in the fridge for 30 minutes. Once set, break into shards and enjoy!
Notes for Perfect Churro Cracker Candy
- Line your baking sheet well for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking (King Arthur Baking - Baking Pan Lining Guide).
- Let the candy cool fully before breaking; warm toffee can be gooey and sticky.
- Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor.
Churro Cracker Candy Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt ½ cup chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled candy for a churro-chocolate combo.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the toffee layer before baking.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar blend for a spicy-sweet twist.
Required Equipment for Churro Cracker Candy
- 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Medium saucepan
- Spatula
- Small mixing bowl
How to Store Churro Cracker Candy
Store your Churro Cracker Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer freshness, keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Avoid storing in humid places as the candy may lose its crispness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Pair with a hot mug of coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, or cold milk.
- Serve as a sweet finish to taco night or alongside a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
- Pack into treat bags for party favors or edible gifts!
Pro Tips for the BEST Churro Cracker Candy
- Spread the toffee quickly and evenly—work fast as it sets up quickly (Serious Eats - How to Make Toffee).
- Don’t skip the salt; it balances out the sweet for perfect flavor.
- Use a pizza cutter to make neat, even pieces after cooling.
Churro Cracker Candy FAQ
- Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?
- Absolutely! Graham crackers will give a sweeter base but work perfectly in this Churro Cracker Candy recipe.
- Can I make this Churro Cracker Candy gluten-free?
- Yes, just substitute gluten-free crackers for the saltines.
- How do I know the toffee is ready for baking?
- The toffee should be bubbling and slightly thickened after about 3 minutes on the stove; avoid overcooking to prevent burning.
For more info on cinnamon's health benefits, check out this Healthline article.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 40 salted saltine crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange saltine crackers in a single layer.
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2In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
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3Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the crackers and spread with a spatula to cover all crackers.
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4Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the caramel is bubbling. Remove from oven.
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5Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the hot caramel layer.
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6Melt white chocolate chips with milk in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the candy. Cool completely before breaking into pieces and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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