Hey y'all! If you're craving the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat, you have to try this Churro Saltine Toffee with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch. Imagine buttery toffee layered over crispy saltine crackers, topped with melted chocolate and a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle that tastes just like your favorite churro. It's insanely addictive, perfect for holidays, parties, or movie nights, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Churro Saltine Toffee with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
- Combines sweet, salty, and warm cinnamon for an irresistible flavor combo.
- Quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for gifting, potlucks, or a snackable dessert.
- No candy thermometer required—just straightforward steps!
- Stores well, so you can make it ahead for any occasion.
Churro Saltine Toffee with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for extra crunch)
Directions: How to Make Churro Saltine Toffee with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
Step 1: Prep and Layer the Saltines
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard baking sheet (about 10x15 inches) with parchment paper or foil, then lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single even layer, edge to edge, covering the entire pan.
Step 2: Make the Buttery Toffee
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly as it comes to a gentle boil. Let it bubble for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and turns a lovely caramel color (learn more about perfect toffee here). Immediately pour the toffee evenly over the saltines, using a spatula to spread if needed.
Step 3: Bake the Toffee Layer
Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, until the toffee is bubbling vigorously. Remove from oven—now comes the fun part!
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
Sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee layer, and let sit for 3-5 minutes to melt. Then, gently spread the chocolate into an even layer. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar blend generously over the melted chocolate. For an extra pop, add a light pinch of sea salt.
Step 5: Cool, Break, and Serve
Let the toffee cool to room temperature (about 1 hour), then transfer to the fridge for another 30 minutes to fully set. Once hardened, break into irregular pieces and dig in!
Notes for Making Churro Saltine Toffee with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
- Quickly spread the toffee and chocolate for even coverage, as both set fast once cooled.
- If you prefer a less sweet treat, use bittersweet chocolate chips.
- For best results, see this guide to saltine toffee for troubleshooting tips.
Variations on Churro Saltine Toffee with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
- Pecan Churro Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped toasted pecans on top before the cinnamon sugar.
- White Chocolate Twist: Swap half of the chocolate chips for white chocolate and swirl before adding cinnamon sugar.
- Spicy Churro Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your cinnamon-sugar blend for a spicy-sweet treat.
Required Equipment for Churro Saltine Toffee with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
- Baking sheet (10x15 inches)
- Parchment paper or foil
- Medium saucepan
- Spatula or offset knife
- Mixing bowl
Storage Instructions for Churro Saltine Toffee with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
Store toffee pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months—just thaw briefly before serving.
Serving Recommendations and Pairings
- Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, or chai for extra cozy vibes.
- Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries or orange slices for a refreshing contrast.
- Include on a dessert platter with brownies and cookies for parties.
Pro Tips for Churro Saltine Toffee with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
- Use a high-quality chocolate for the smoothest, richest topping (see chocolate tips here).
- Make sure your toffee boils for the full 3 minutes to achieve the right texture and crunch.
- Let the toffee fully cool before breaking into pieces for clean, crisp edges.
FAQ: Churro Saltine Toffee with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
- Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?
- Yes, you can substitute graham crackers for a sweeter base, but the texture will be slightly softer.
- Why is my toffee grainy?
- Grainy toffee usually happens if the sugar isn't fully dissolved—make sure to stir constantly as it cooks.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Absolutely! Use two baking sheets or a larger pan; just keep the toffee and chocolate layers evenly distributed.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes cooling)
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the entire surface.
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2In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
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3Pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the saltine crackers and spread with a spatula to cover all the crackers. Bake for 7-8 minutes until the toffee is bubbling.
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4Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let sit for 2 minutes, then spread the melted chocolate evenly with a spatula.
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5In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the melted chocolate. Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt.
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6Allow the toffee to cool completely, then break into pieces and serve.
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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