Peppermint Bark Crackers with Toffee and Chocolate Layers Recipe
This Peppermint Bark Crackers recipe is a festive and decadent holiday treat featuring layers of buttery toffee sauce, rich dark and white chocolate, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet seasonal snack.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 54 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base Layer
- 54 Ritz crackers (snowflake kind for Christmas)
Toffee Sauce
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Layers
- 16 oz. chopped dark chocolate (60%, Ghirardelli recommended)
- 16 oz. chopped high quality white chocolate (Lindt recommended)
- 1/2–1 tsp peppermint extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- Prepare Base Layer: Arrange 54 Ritz crackers in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they fit snugly without overlapping.
- Make Toffee Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of salted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup light brown sugar and cook while stirring constantly until the mixture is bubbly and thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Pour Toffee over Crackers: Immediately pour the hot toffee sauce evenly over the crackers, spreading gently if needed to cover all crackers.
- Bake Toffee Layer: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until toffee is bubbly and bubbling.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the toffee and cracker base cool for about 15 minutes to set slightly.
- Melt Dark Chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, melt 16 oz. chopped dark chocolate until smooth.
- Spread Dark Chocolate: Quickly spread the melted dark chocolate evenly over the toffee layer in the baking sheet using an offset spatula or back of a spoon.
- Chill Dark Chocolate Layer: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to set the dark chocolate layer.
- Melt White Chocolate with Peppermint: Melt 16 oz. chopped high quality white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Stir in 1/2 to 1 tsp peppermint extract until fully incorporated.
- Spread White Chocolate: Quickly spread the melted white chocolate and peppermint mixture evenly over the chilled dark chocolate layer.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed candy canes evenly over the white chocolate layer before it sets.
- Final Chill and Set: Refrigerate the entire tray for at least 30 minutes or until all chocolate layers are completely firm.
- Break and Serve: Once fully set, break the peppermint bark crackers into uneven pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolates for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Be careful while pouring and spreading the toffee; it will be very hot.
- Adjust peppermint extract quantity to personal taste preference.
- Store covered at room temperature or refrigerated for up to one week.
- Using snowflake Ritz crackers adds a festive touch but regular crackers can be used as well.
Keywords: peppermint bark, holiday treat, Christmas snack, toffee crackers, layered dessert