Santa’s Christmas Peppermint Candy Crack Bars Recipe
These festive peppermint candy crack bars are a delightful holiday treat that combines the sweetness of chocolate with the refreshing crunch of peppermint. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a gift, they are easy to make and sure to impress.
The recipe features simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Enjoy these bars as a sweet addition to your Christmas festivities.
Festive Presentation
Creating a festive display of peppermint candy crack bars is a wonderful way to bring holiday cheer to any gathering. These bars, with their glossy chocolate topping and vibrant crushed peppermint, are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Arranging the bars on a decorative plate enhances their visual appeal. Consider using a platter that complements the holiday theme, perhaps adorned with festive colors or designs. The contrast of the rich chocolate against the bright peppermint creates an inviting look that is sure to catch the attention of your guests.
Holiday Atmosphere
To elevate the festive spirit, surround your peppermint candy crack bars with holiday decorations. Twinkling lights and a small Christmas tree in the background can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These elements not only enhance the presentation but also evoke the joy and warmth of the holiday season.
Setting the scene with seasonal decorations can make your dessert table a focal point of your holiday celebrations. Consider adding some ornaments or garlands to create a cohesive look that ties everything together.
Easy to Make
One of the best aspects of peppermint candy crack bars is their simplicity. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, they can be whipped up in about 30 minutes. This makes them an accessible option for bakers of all skill levels.
The process involves melting butter and brown sugar to create a toffee-like base, which is then poured over a layer of saltine crackers. Topping it with chocolate and crushed peppermint adds a festive touch that is both delicious and visually appealing.
Perfect for Sharing
These bars yield a generous batch, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a sweet gift, peppermint candy crack bars are a delightful choice.
Cutting them into squares allows for easy serving, and their rich flavor means a little goes a long way. They are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!
Flavor Combinations
While the classic combination of chocolate and peppermint is a crowd-pleaser, feel free to experiment with different toppings or variations. Adding nuts or drizzling white chocolate over the top can create a unique twist on this festive treat.
Consider incorporating other flavors that complement peppermint, such as orange zest or espresso powder, to add depth to the bars. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize this recipe to suit your taste.
Storing Your Treats
Once your peppermint candy crack bars are made, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
For an extra touch, you can layer the bars with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This way, they remain intact and ready to impress whenever you need a sweet treat during the holiday season.
Easy Peppermint Candy Crack Bars Recipe
These peppermint candy crack bars are made with a buttery cracker base, topped with a layer of chocolate and crushed peppermint candies. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields a delicious batch perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cracker Base: Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Toffee Mixture: In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for 3-4 minutes without stirring.
- Pour Over Crackers: Pour the toffee mixture evenly over the saltine crackers, spreading it gently with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Add Chocolate: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
- Top with Peppermint: Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the melted chocolate, pressing down gently to adhere.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until set. Once firm, cut into squares and serve.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 24 bars
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
