Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Churro Saltine Toffee is an addictive treat that combines sweet cinnamon-sugar churro flavor with the irresistible crunch of saltine crackers and buttery toffee. This recipe is quick, easy, and requires only a handful of ingredients, yet delivers a dessert that tastes like it came from a gourmet candy shop. The salty crackers balance the sweetness of the caramelized toffee, while the cinnamon sugar topping makes it taste just like a churro in candy form. Perfect for parties, holiday cookie trays, or just an afternoon snack, this no-fuss recipe will disappear fast. With its simple steps and crowd-pleasing flavor, Churro Saltine Toffee is a fun twist on the classic “Christmas crack” candy that everyone will love.
Print
Churro Saltine Toffee – Sweet, Crispy, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A crunchy, buttery toffee treat layered with saltine crackers and topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that tastes just like churros.
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Arrange saltines in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Quickly pour toffee mixture over the saltines and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until bubbling.
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over hot toffee.
- Let cool completely, then break into pieces and enjoy.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For added indulgence, drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate after cooling.
- Perfect for gifting during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Saltine crackers – The base of the toffee, adding crunch and a hint of saltiness.
Unsalted butter – Creates the rich, caramel-like toffee layer.
Brown sugar – Melts into the butter to form the sweet, sticky toffee.
Granulated sugar – Combined with cinnamon for the churro-inspired topping.
Ground cinnamon – Brings warmth and that classic churro flavor.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the caramel notes of the toffee.
Salt – Just a pinch to balance sweetness and deepen flavor.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the entire pan.
In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Quickly pour the hot toffee mixture over the saltine crackers, spreading evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 5 minutes, until the toffee is bubbling and slightly set.
Meanwhile, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Remove the toffee from the oven and immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top. Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature, then break into pieces for serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20–24 pieces, depending on how you break them. Preparation takes 10 minutes, baking requires 5 minutes, and cooling takes about 30 minutes. Total time: 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen pieces at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate drizzle – Add melted dark or white chocolate over the cinnamon sugar topping for extra indulgence.
Nutty crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts over the toffee before baking.
Pumpkin spice twist – Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal variation.
Spicy-sweet – Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar for a subtle kick.
Caramel swirl – Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled toffee for extra richness.
Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free crackers in place of saltines.
Extra crispy – Bake for an additional 2–3 minutes for a crunchier texture.
Holiday style – Sprinkle with festive colored sugar for Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
FAQs
What type of crackers work best?
Classic salted saltines work best, but butter crackers can also be used.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well and can be made several days in advance.
Does the toffee harden as it cools?
Yes, it becomes crisp once fully cooled at room temperature.
Can I skip the cinnamon sugar topping?
Yes, but that’s what gives it the “churro” flavor.
How do I keep the toffee from sticking?
Always line the pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar is best for a richer caramel flavor, but white sugar will work in a pinch.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
No, just boil the butter and sugar mixture for 2–3 minutes.
Conclusion
Churro Saltine Toffee is a quick, easy, and addictive treat that combines salty, sweet, and spiced flavors in one irresistible bite. With its crunchy base, buttery toffee layer, and cinnamon sugar topping, it’s the perfect no-fuss dessert for holidays, parties, or everyday snacking. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.