Thanksgiving Cracker Toffee

This Thanksgiving Cracker Toffee is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, all wrapped up in one delightful bite. Imagine buttery crackers draped in rich toffee, all topped with melted chocolate and warm, spiced apples—it’s a treat that screams festive fun! As the holidays approach, it’s important to have tempting desserts that not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also showcase the incredible flavors of the season. Thanksgiving Cracker Toffee is your go-to recipe for that!

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Creating this treat is a breeze, making it an ideal option for busy hosts who want to impress their guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it provides a beautiful presentation and the kind of comforting flavors that make everyone feel at home. It brings the warmth of Thanksgiving into your kitchen and onto your table, all while being quick and easy to whip up. Let’s gather the ingredients and get started on this delicious journey!

Why This Recipe Works

This Thanksgiving Cracker Toffee is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that come together to create a delightful treat. The marriage of buttery, toffee-covered crackers with rich chocolate and spiced apples makes for a festive dessert that captures the essence of autumn.

The light crunch of the crackers, combined with creamy chocolate, and the sweet, spiced apples create a sensory experience that is hard to resist! The toffee melds beautifully with each layer, so every bite is a harmonious explosion of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Cracker Toffee

If you’re looking for a unique holiday dessert that is both simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests, look no further! This Thanksgiving Cracker Toffee offers a delicious twist on traditional holiday treats. It is easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor, serving as a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving table.

This treat captures the spirit of the season and brings smiles all around. Not only does it look beautiful on your dessert spread, but it also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a versatile option for any gathering.

Ingredients

• For the Spiced Apples:
• 1 1/2 cups (210 g) apples, peeled and diced into 1/4 inch pieces
• 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp ground ginger

• Pinch cloves

• For the Streusel:

• 1/4 cup (31 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/4 cup (55 g) brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp salted butter

• For the Cracker Toffee:

• 48 Ritz crackers
• 1 cup (224 g) salted butter
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups (500 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup (84 g) whole pecans
• 1/4 cup (50 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted for drizzling

Making the Spiced Apples

To create the spiced apples, you’ll want to start by adding the chopped apples, granulated white sugar, and spices to a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until the apples soften, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re tender, set them aside to cool completely.

Taking the time to cook the apples brings out their natural sweetness and infuses them with warm, autumnal spices that complement the toffee beautifully.

Preparing the Streusel

While your spiced apples are cooling, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and butter. Mix them together until your mixture forms small crumbles—this will be your streusel topping.

Next, spread the streusel on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Remember to stir halfway through to ensure it bakes evenly. Once done, let it cool before using.

Creating the Cracker Toffee

Now, if your oven is not already preheated, set it to 350°F (175°C) right now. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a light spray with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Lay the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the sheet.

In a small pot, combine the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Pour the brown sugar mixture over the crackers, spreading it evenly across them.

Next, bake for about 5 minutes. After baking, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top and return to the oven for another 3 minutes or until the chocolate has melted. Spread the melted chocolate gently to create an even layer.

Now, it’s time to sprinkle your cooled spiced apples, streusel, and pecans over that luscious chocolate layer. Place the whole tray in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow everything to harden perfectly.

Finally, drizzle the melted chocolate over everything, and chill for an additional 5-10 minutes until it sets. Once it’s solid, simply break or cut the toffee into pieces, and voilà—your Thanksgiving Cracker Toffee is ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert experience.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced treat that adds a refreshing touch.
• It’s also perfect as an addition to a dessert platter for gatherings, making it a delightful centerpiece on any table.

Tips for Success

• To ensure the best flavor and texture, finely dice the apples so they blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
• Keep a close watch on the streusel while baking—nothing ruins your prep like burnt sugary crumbles!
• Using high-quality chocolate chips will elevate the flavor, providing a richer and more indulgent experience.

Variations

• Feel free to get creative and substitute other nuts for the pecans, such as walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
• Add unique spices to the apples, like cardamom or coriander, to experiment with new tastes.
• Experiment with flavored chocolate chips; using dark or butterscotch can add another layer of deliciousness.

Storage Tips

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For longer preservation, refrigerate it to maintain its freshness, allowing you to enjoy this treat well after Thanksgiving.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare the cracker toffee a few days in advance and keep it in an airtight container.

Q2: What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Other brands of buttery crackers can work, but Ritz has a special flavor and texture that really enhances this recipe.

Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Unfortunately, no. The recipe, as it stands, contains all-purpose flour and standard crackers, but you can use gluten-free substitutes if needed.

Q4: Can I replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes! Vegan butter or coconut oil can be used as swaps for a dairy-free version.

Q5: What is the best way to cut the toffee?
For the neatest cuts, chill the toffee until it’s completely hard, then use a sharp knife for cutting into pieces.

This Thanksgiving Cracker Toffee is not just an unforgettable dessert but also a great conversation starter at your holiday gatherings. The blend of flavors and textures will leave your guests craving more. With its beautiful presentation and festive touch, it embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving, making it a must-have recipe for your holiday repertoire. Enjoy creating and sharing this delightful treat!

Print