This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee is a sweet and crunchy treat that’s hard to resist! With layers of buttery crackers, rich chocolate, and creamy peanut butter cups, it’s a delightful combo.
I simply can’t get enough of this yummy snack. It’s quick to make, perfect for sharing, or just to keep all for yourself. Just make sure to have a glass of milk nearby for dipping! 🥛
Ingredients & Substitutions
Salted Butter Crackers: These give a great salty contrast to the sweetness. If you don’t have saltines, use any other salted crackers—Ritz works wonderfully, too!
Unsalted Butter: You can replace this with margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. Just avoid using too much salt if your substitute isn’t unsalted!
Light Brown Sugar: This adds a rich flavor. If you run out, granulated sugar can work in a pinch, though it won’t be as flavorful. You could also use coconut sugar for a more natural option.
Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: Dark or milk chocolate chips can be fantastic alternatives. If you want a healthier twist, go for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content!
Peanut Butter Cups: Feel free to swap these out for chocolate-covered caramel candies or even homemade peanut butter treats if you’re feeling adventurous!
What’s the Best Way to Pour Hot Toffee Over Crackers?
Pouring hot toffee over the crackers requires some care. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- As soon as your toffee mixture is ready, work quickly to prevent it from hardening.
- Use a spatula to hold the toffee back while you tilt the saucepan for better control as you pour.
- Spread gently but evenly, ensuring all the crackers are coated. Don’t worry if it’s a bit messy; it will all taste great in the end!
Patience is key during this step to get an even layer that holds together when cooled!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 40 square salted butter crackers (such as saltines)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 20 mini peanut butter cups, halved or chopped roughly
- Optional: 1/4 cup salted peanuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 1 hour for chilling in the refrigerator. You’ll spend a few minutes layering the ingredients and then letting it cool. It’s a simple treat to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to leave some overhang so you can lift the toffee out easily later on.
2. Laying Down the Crackers:
Next, arrange the salted butter crackers in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared baking pan, covering the entire surface. This will be the crunchy base of your toffee!
3. Making the Toffee:
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the light brown sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil without stirring for about 3 minutes—this is what makes the toffee deliciously sticky!
4. Adding the Toffee to Crackers:
As soon as the toffee is ready, carefully pour it evenly over the crackers. Use a spatula to gently spread the hot toffee to make sure all the crackers are nicely covered.
5. Baking the Mixture:
Pop the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 5-6 minutes. Just enough time for the toffee to blend beautifully with the crackers! Once done, take it out and get ready for the chocolate layer.
6. Melting the Chocolate:
Evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot toffee-covered crackers. Let them sit for 5 minutes—this will melt the chips perfectly. Once melted, spread the chocolate into a smooth layer to cover everything.
7. Topping with Peanut Butter Cups:
Now for the fun part! Quickly place the halved mini peanut butter cups on top of the chocolate layer, pressing them down gently to make sure they stick. If you’re using the salted peanuts, go ahead and sprinkle those on top for an extra crunchy texture.
8. Cooling and Setting:
Let the toffee mixture cool completely at room temperature. After that, pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to fully set and harden into a delicious slab!
9. Breaking into Pieces:
Once solid, lift the entire slab out of the pan using the parchment or foil overhang. Now, break it into bite-sized pieces, or cut it into squares—whatever you fancy!
10. Enjoying Your Treat:
Serve your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cracker Toffee and enjoy every sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy bite. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Types of Crackers?
Absolutely! While salted butter crackers like saltines work best for this recipe, you can use other salted crackers or even graham crackers for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste might vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a particularly warm area, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator to maintain their crunchiness.
What Can I Use Instead of Peanut Butter Cups?
If you don’t have peanut butter cups on hand, feel free to substitute them with chocolate-covered caramels or even mini chocolate chips for a different but equally delicious topping!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this toffee ahead of time! It stores well, so feel free to prepare it a day or two in advance. Just ensure it’s securely stored to keep it fresh!
