Churro Cracker Candy Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a dessert that’s both ridiculously easy and delightfully addictive, this Churro Cracker Candy Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine that sweet, cinnamon-sugar goodness from your favorite churros—but with a crunchy, salty twist thanks to salty saltine crackers. It’s one of those recipes that quickly became a go-to in my kitchen when I want something that’s both a little nostalgic and incredibly simple to make.

What makes this Churro Cracker Candy Recipe so special is that it’s perfect for any occasion—whether that’s a casual family gathering, a potluck, or just a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. The blend of butter, brown sugar caramel, and cinnamon is pure magic, especially when melted over crackers and topped with white chocolate. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again because it’s just that good and snack-worthy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Churro Cracker Candy Recipe is that it calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients that work together to create incredible layers of flavor and texture. Make sure to grab fresh cinnamon for that authentic churro taste—and don’t skimp on the butter, your candy’s richness depends on it!

• Saltine crackers: The salty crunch of these crackers is the perfect base that balances the sweet layers, so choose a sturdy, fresh brand for the best results.
• Granulated sugar: This adds the classic churro crunch on top when mixed with cinnamon.
• Cinnamon: Use good-quality ground cinnamon to get that warm, spicy flavor that screams churro.
• Butter: Unsalted is best here so you control the saltiness from the crackers.
• Brown sugar: It’s the star here, giving your candy that deep caramel flavor and gooey texture everyone will love.
• White chocolate chips: These melt beautifully over the crunchy caramel layer and add a creamy sweetness that ties the whole dessert together.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Churro Cracker Candy Recipe to suit different moods and occasions. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it—you might find a new favorite twist that way!

• Dark chocolate chips instead of white: I once swapped white chocolate out for dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor. It creates a beautiful contrast with the cinnamon sugar crust.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper: For a bit of unexpected heat that mixes wonderfully with the cinnamon.
• Use gluten-free crackers: If you or your guests need a gluten-free option, I’ve found gluten-free saltine-style crackers work just as well.
• Sprinkle toasted nuts: Adding crushed toasted pecans or almonds on top before the chocolate sets gives an extra crunch and nutty depth.

How to Make Churro Cracker Candy Recipe

Step 1: Set up your cracker base

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil (makes cleanup a breeze, trust me!). Then, lay the saltine crackers out flat, side by side, making sure they cover the entire surface without gaps. This cracker base will soak up the caramel and hold everything together, so don’t rush this part—arranging them neatly ensures even coverage later on.

Step 2: Make your cinnamon sugar mix

In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will be sprinkled over the crackers before baking, giving that classic churro flavor and a slight crunchy crust on top. Pro tip: taste it and adjust the cinnamon if you want it more or less spicy!

Step 3: Prepare the caramel topping

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture bubbles and thickens—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sugar crystals are fully dissolved and the caramel looks glossy and smooth. Be careful not to burn it! I usually lower the heat if I see it getting too dark too fast.

Step 4: Assemble and bake

Pour the hot caramel evenly over the arranged crackers, using a spatula to spread it gently and get into the corners. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the top. Pop the pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for about 7–10 minutes. You’ll want to bake just enough so the caramel bubbles and sets, and the cinnamon sugar starts to crisp up—but don’t overbake or the crackers may get too hard!

Step 5: Melt the chocolate topping

Remove the candy from the oven and immediately sprinkle the white chocolate chips on top. Let them sit for about 5 minutes; the residual heat will melt them perfectly. Once melted, use a spatula to gently spread the chocolate over the caramel layer, covering the entire surface. Then, place the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour until the chocolate is firm and set.

How to Serve Churro Cracker Candy Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here since the candy itself is so flavorful. Sometimes, I dust a tiny bit of extra cinnamon on top after the chocolate sets or sprinkle flaky sea salt to enhance the contrast between sweet and salty. When I want to dress it up, a few edible gold flakes make it look super special without overpowering the flavor.

Side Dishes

This candy is pretty indulgent on its own, but if you want to create a little dessert spread, I love serving it alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries. The brightness cuts through the richness perfectly. Also, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns this treat into an irresistible dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, I like breaking the candy into uneven, rustic chunks and wrapping them in parchment paper tied with twine. It’s such a charming way to personalize the treat, plus it keeps things neat and easy to handle. You could also layer the chunks into clear jars to gift or stack them on a pretty platter with some cinnamon sticks for that ambience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover churro cracker candy in an airtight container at room temperature (away from direct sunlight). It stays wonderfully crisp and chewy for up to a week. Sometimes I place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Just make sure the kitchen isn’t too humid, or you might notice the candy softening a bit.

Freezing

Freezing this candy works surprisingly well! I separate the pieces with parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. When I’ve tried it, the texture remains pretty consistent after thawing, though the chocolate can look slightly less glossy. Thaw for a couple of hours at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you want to warm up your leftover Churro Cracker Candy Recipe to soften the chocolate and caramel a bit, I recommend gently microwaving individual pieces for 10-15 seconds. Keep a close eye on them to avoid melting too much. Alternatively, a quick 2-3 minute stint in a low oven (around 275°F) works brilliantly without making the crackers lose their crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Churro Cracker Candy Recipe quickly became one of my favorite quick desserts because it feels like a little warm hug in candy form. The ease of putting it together with pantry staples and the show-stopping flavor combo makes it perfect for impressing friends or cheering up a normal Tuesday. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, I’m pretty sure you’ll have a hard time putting down the pan. So, grab those saltines and get ready to create some magic!

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