Gluten-Free Christmas Crack (Dairy-Free Option)

stack of christmas crack pieces on a plate.

4.67 from 6 votes

Gluten-Free Christmas Crack (Dairy-Free Option)

This gluten-free Christmas crack is seriously addicting! Made with layers of saltine crackers, caramel, and chocolate, this healthier version can also be made dairy-free and vegan.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Chill Time30

Total Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: pieces

Calories: 118kcal

Author: Olivia Parsons

Ingredients

1 package gluten-free saltine crackers I like the Schar brand
1 cup butter or dairy-free butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
Pinch of flaky salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare a 9x13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the gluten-free saltine crackers so that they completely cover the surface. Set aside.
In a pot, melt the butter on medium heat. Add in the sugar and whisk to combine.
Bring the heat up to high and boil for 3 minutes, stirring often. The mixture will bubble, thicken, and darken. If you want to get technical, cook it until 280ºF. Be careful, as dairy-free butter can burn quicker than regular butter. Remove from heat and immediately pour over the crackers. Use an offset spatula to spread evenly. You'll have to work quickly.
Place the baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes.
Remove and top with the chocolate chips. Place the sheet back in the oven for 1 minute to help them melt. Use an offset spatula to then spread the chocolate evenly over the entire surface.
Quickly top with flaky salt. Ideally allow the Christmas crack to cool and harden at room temperature for a few hours. If you are in a rush you can place it in the freezer for 30 minutes to harden. Break into pieces with your hands or a sharp knife. Store on the counter or in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Enjoy!

Notes

Real butter works the best in this recipe and will produce the hard caramel texture. Vegan butter will work but will be slightly softer and stickier.
If you don't have to be gluten-free, use regular saltine crackers. (Gluten-free) graham crackers or pretzels are also delicious!
Once out of the oven, you can top the Christmas crack with salt, nuts, candy cane pieces, etc.

Nutrition facts are an estimate.

Nutrition