This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee is a sweet and crunchy treat that’s hard to resist! With layers of buttery toffee, chocolate, and peanut butter, it’s pure bliss in every bite.
Honestly, it feels like candy has come to life! I usually can’t stop at just one piece. Perfect for sharing (or not)! It’s so simple to make, you’ll be a toffee star in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Saltine Crackers: These add a great crunchy base. If you don’t have saltines, try using Club crackers or Ritz crackers for a different flavor and texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, but you can use salted butter too. Just reduce any added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives the right sweetness and texture. For a deeper flavor, feel free to use dark brown sugar instead.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic here, but dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips can be delicious alternatives, depending on your taste preference.
Peanut Butter Chips: If you can’t find them, you can substitute with more chocolate chips or even a drizzle of creamy peanut butter after melting the chocolate.
Peanut Butter Cups: You can use any brand you like! For a nut-free version, skip these or use crushed Oreos for a crumbled topping.
How Do You Get the Right Consistency for the Toffee?
The key to perfect toffee lies in managing the heat correctly. Start melting the butter and brown sugar together, and watch closely to bring it to a boil.
- Once it boils, maintain that boil for exactly 3 minutes without stirring. This lets the toffee thicken properly.
- When you pour it over the crackers, spread it quickly but gently. Timing is crucial to ensure it covers everything.
Remember, a gentle touch while spreading the melted chocolate and peanut butter chips will help avoid mixing them too much, keeping those lovely layers intact!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 40 saltine crackers (about 2 sleeves)
For the Toffee:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
For the Toppings:
- 1¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups or peanut butter candy pieces
- ½ cup salted peanuts, halved
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sweet treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 2 hours for cooling and setting. So in just a little over 2 hours, you’ll have a delicious homemade dessert to share with friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Everything Ready:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the sheet completely. Make sure they are snug together for the best coverage!
2. Make the Toffee Mixture:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a full boil. Once it reaches a boil, let it bubble on its own for 3 minutes without stirring, this is the secret to a perfect toffee texture!
3. Pour the Toffee Over the Crackers:
Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the layer of saltine crackers, using a spatula to gently spread it out and cover all the crackers. Pouring quickly is best, so the toffee can cover everything before it starts to cool!
4. Bake the Toffee:
Now, transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling nicely. You’ll know it’s time to take it out when you see bubbles forming all over the toffee layer.
5. Add the Chocolate:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee-covered crackers. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt, and the heat from the toffee will work its magic!
6. Spread the Melted Chocolate:
Once the chocolate chips have softened, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee layer. Smooth it out as much as you can for a nice finish.
7. Add the Peanut Butter Chips:
Next, sprinkle the peanut butter chips over the melted chocolate layer. Let them sit for a couple of minutes to soften again. Then gently spread them across the chocolate layer to create a smooth top.
8. Finish with Crunchy Toppings:
Sprinkle the chopped peanut butter cups and the halved salted peanuts over the peanut butter layer to add some delicious crunch and extra flavor. It’s looking tasty already!
9. Cool and Set:
Let the toffee cool at room temperature for about 1 hour to set, then place it in the refrigerator for another hour. This will ensure the toffee sets firmly.
10. Break and Enjoy:
Once set, break the toffee into irregular pieces using your hands. Serve it up and enjoy these sweet treats! Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container; they’ll keep well at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee is sure to be a hit at any gathering, so enjoy every sweet, crunchy bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cracker?
Absolutely! While saltine crackers are traditional, you can use Club crackers, Ritz crackers, or even graham crackers for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they’re somewhat salty to balance the sweetness of the toffee!
What If I Don’t Have Peanut Butter Cups?
No problem! If you can’t find peanut butter cups, try using crushed Oreo cookies or any chocolate candy with a nutty flavor. You can also just stick with the peanuts to keep it simple and delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If it’s really warm in your area, keeping it in the fridge can help maintain its firmness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! This toffee can be made a few days in advance. Once it’s completely set, just store it properly, and it will still taste great when you’re ready to enjoy it!
