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Churro Saltine Toffee Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Churro Saltine Toffee Recipe

I have to tell you, after making this Churro Saltine Toffee countless times, it never fails to amaze me how something so simple can taste so incredibly complex. The first time I pulled this golden, bubbling masterpiece from my oven, I knew I'd discovered something special.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sleeve saltine crackers - Choose fresh crispy crackers as they form the foundation of your toffee. Avoid broken pieces that might burn during baking.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter - Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content and prevents the toffee from becoming overly salty.
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar - The molasses in brown sugar creates that rich caramel-like flavor that makes this toffee irresistible.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - This is what gives our toffee its churro personality. Use fresh cinnamon for the most aromatic results.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt - A small amount of salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to complement the cinnamon.
  • 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips - Quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference in the final product. Choose chips that melt smoothly.
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans - Optional but highly recommended for added texture and nutty flavor.

Method
 

  1. Creating this magical combination of flavors requires attention to timing and temperature, but the process itself is surprisingly straightforward. The key lies in understanding how each component contributes to the final texture and taste.
  2. From preparing your workspace to achieving that perfect golden bubble, every step builds toward creating something truly special that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
  3. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  4. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer across the bottom of the dish, fitting them together like puzzle pieces to cover the entire surface.
  5. Don't worry if there are small gaps between crackers - the toffee will fill these spaces naturally. This crackers base provides the essential crunch that makes this dessert so addictive and unique.
  6. In your medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally until completely liquefied. Add the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt, stirring constantly to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  7. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil and let it bubble vigorously for exactly 3-4 minutes without stirring - this timing is crucial for achieving the proper toffee consistency.
  8. The mixture should turn a beautiful golden amber color and smell absolutely heavenly with notes of caramel and warm cinnamon spice.
  9. Remove the hot toffee from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, which will bubble up briefly. Pour this golden mixture evenly over your arranged crackers, working quickly as the toffee begins to set rapidly once removed from heat.
  10. Use a spatula to spread the toffee if needed, ensuring every cracker gets coated with this liquid gold.
  11. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for exactly 10 minutes, watching for the toffee to bubble actively across the entire surface - this bubbling indicates proper caramelization is occurring.
  12. Remove the hot toffee from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly across the surface while everything is still steaming hot. The residual heat will begin melting the chocolate within 2-3 minutes, creating the perfect spreading consistency.
  13. Use a clean spatula to gently spread the melted chocolate into an even layer, creating beautiful swirls and patterns if desired. If using pecans or other nuts, sprinkle them over the chocolate layer now while it's still soft enough for them to adhere properly.