This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee is a fun treat that mixes salty and sweet! With crispy crackers, rich chocolate, and creamy peanut butter, it will make your taste buds dance!
I love making this for movie nights or parties. It’s so easy—just layer, bake, and cool! Plus, who can resist the combo of chocolate and peanut butter? It’s a total crowd-pleaser! 🍫🥜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These provide the base for your toffee with a nice crunch. If you can’t find saltines, use graham crackers or any other thin, crispy cracker. Just keep in mind that it might alter the flavor a bit!
Unsalted Butter: It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the toffee. If you only have salted butter, just skip adding extra salt in the recipe.
Brown Sugar: This adds richness and sweetness. You can use white sugar if needed, but brown sugar gives a deeper flavor. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar!
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chips are the classic choice here, but dark chocolate or milk chocolate can be used instead depending on your taste. Vegan chocolate chips are also a great option for dairy-free needs.
Peanut Butter Cups: You can substitute with chocolate-covered caramel candies or any nut-free chocolate treat if you have allergies. The result will still be sweet and satisfying!
How Do I Get Perfectly Bubbly Toffee Without Burning It?
Getting the toffee just right is key! When you’re melting butter and brown sugar, keep an eye on it and use medium heat for even cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- In your saucepan, melt the butter completely before adding the brown sugar.
- Mix well and bring it to a slow boil—don’t stir once it starts boiling! Just let it bubble for 3-4 minutes. You’ll see it thicken slightly!
- Watch closely. If the color starts getting too dark before it’s time, lower your heat to prevent burning.
Remember, the goal is a beautiful caramel color without a burnt taste. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells heavenly! Enjoy your toffee-making!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 40 saltine crackers (enough to cover a baking sheet)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 10-12 miniature peanut butter cups, cut into halves or quarters
- ½ cup salted peanuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 1 hour for cooling in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making cleanup a breeze. Now, lay out the saltine crackers in a single layer across the sheet, covering the whole area evenly.
2. Make the Toffee Mixture:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the brown sugar and bring this mixture to a boil. Let it boil without stirring for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, keeping an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
3. Add Vanilla and Pour:
After boiling, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Now, pour the caramel-like toffee mixture evenly over the arranged saltine crackers, using a spatula to make sure all crackers get a nice coating.
4. Bake the Toffee and Crackers:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to get bubbly and caramelized, so keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning!
5. Add Chocolate:
Once baked, take the baking sheet out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Allow them to sit for 2-3 minutes to soften up nicely.
6. Spread the Melted Chocolate:
Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee until it looks nice and smooth.
7. Top with Peanut Butter Cups and Peanuts:
Now for the fun part! Quickly arrange the halved peanut butter cups and salted peanuts on top of the melted chocolate before it cools.
8. Let It Set:
Allow the chocolate to cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cooled down, transfer it to the refrigerator for about 1 hour so that it can firm up nicely.
9. Break and Serve:
After it has set, break the sheet into delightful pieces. You can serve them right away or store them in an airtight container for later.
Enjoy your deliciously sweet and salty Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee!
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers?
Absolutely! While saltine crackers are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute them with graham crackers or any thin, crispy crackers you prefer for a different texture and flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
No worries! You can use white granulated sugar instead. If you have molasses on hand, you can mix a tablespoon of molasses with a cup of white sugar to mimic brown sugar!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover toffee pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. You could add mini marshmallows, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate. Just remember, the key is to add these toppings while the chocolate is still warm so they stick well!