Growing up, churros were always a special treat at fairs and festivals, with their crispy exterior, warm cinnamon-sugar coating, and irresistible flavor. I wanted to recreate that nostalgic taste with a simple recipe that’s easy to make at home, and Churro Cracker Candy was born. This delightful treat combines the buttery crunch of saltine crackers with the sweet flavors of churros, creating an addictive snack that’s perfect for sharing. It’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just as an indulgent snack at home.
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
This Churro Cracker Candy is a heavenly combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy. It’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, and the end result is a delightful, candy-like treat that melts in your mouth. The subtle saltiness of the crackers balances beautifully with the caramel-like base and the cinnamon-sugar dusting, making it the perfect treat for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Recipe: Churro Cracker Candy
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until well mixed.
Step 3: Pour the Caramel Over Crackers
Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over the saltine crackers, spreading it evenly to cover all the crackers. Be cautious, as the caramel is very hot!
Step 4: Bake the Crackers
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and slightly darkened. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 5: Add the White Chocolate
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the white chocolate chips over the hot caramel-covered crackers. Let the chocolate sit for a few minutes to melt, then use a spatula or knife to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
Step 6: Dust with Cinnamon-Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Lightly dust the top of the melted chocolate with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that classic churro flavor.
Step 7: Let It Set and Break
Allow the Churro Cracker Candy to cool at room temperature or refrigerate it for 1 hour until the chocolate is firm. Once set, break the candy into pieces and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
This Churro Cracker Candy makes an excellent snack or dessert for parties and gatherings. Serve it in a festive dish or wrap it up as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Storage:
Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks.
Helpful Notes
- White Chocolate Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, feel free to use milk or dark chocolate chips instead. The combination of the caramel base and cinnamon-sugar dusting will still be delicious.
- Even Caramel Coverage: To ensure all the crackers are coated evenly, work quickly when pouring and spreading the caramel mixture.
- Spice it Up: For a twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar dusting to give your candy a hint of warmth.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?
Yes, you can substitute graham crackers for saltines to achieve a different texture and flavor. They’ll add a slightly sweeter taste to the base.
Q2: What’s the best way to spread the melted chocolate?
Once the chocolate chips are melted, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the chocolate over the caramel. Work quickly to ensure even coverage.
Q3: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free saltine crackers or any other gluten-free crispbread.
Q4: Can I make this candy ahead of time?
Yes! Churro Cracker Candy keeps well, so you can make it a few days ahead and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Q5: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top of the melted chocolate add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cracker Candy is an easy-to-make treat that combines the familiar flavors of churros with a simple candy-making technique. Whether you’re making it for a holiday party or just to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit. I hope you enjoy creating and sharing this delightful snack as much as I do. Happy baking!
Churro Cracker Candy
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers about 40 crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until well mixed.
Step 3: Pour the Caramel Over Crackers
- Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over the saltine crackers, spreading it evenly to cover all the crackers. Be cautious, as the caramel is very hot!
Step 4: Bake the Crackers
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and slightly darkened. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 5: Add the White Chocolate
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the white chocolate chips over the hot caramel-covered crackers. Let the chocolate sit for a few minutes to melt, then use a spatula or knife to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
Step 6: Dust with Cinnamon-Sugar
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Lightly dust the top of the melted chocolate with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that classic churro flavor.
Step 7: Let It Set and Break
- Allow the Churro Cracker Candy to cool at room temperature or refrigerate it for 1 hour until the chocolate is firm. Once set, break the candy into pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Let the candy chill in the refrigerator for faster setting.
- Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor twist.
