The holiday season is known for its abundance of sweet treats, from gingerbread houses to decadent puddings, and among these festive favorites, Chocky-Caramel Christmas Crack stands out as a crowd-pleaser that is as simple to make as it is delicious. This dessert is a perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and rich textures, making it the ultimate holiday indulgence. With its base of crispy Salada biscuits, smothered in a luscious caramel sauce, and topped with a velvety layer of chocolate, this treat is a true showstopper. The fun doesn’t stop there, though—you can customize the toppings, choose your favorite type of chocolate, and even get creative with different flavor profiles, making this dessert a versatile and unique holiday treat. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or gifting it to loved ones, Chocky-Caramel Christmas Crack is sure to bring joy to anyone who bites into it.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). This ensures that the caramel mixture will bubble and cook properly when you bake it. Next, line a 20cm x 30cm slice pan with two layers of baking paper. The overhang should be about 2cm on all sides to make it easier to lift the crack out of the pan once it’s set. Arrange the Salada biscuits in a single layer over the base of the pan. Make sure they fit snugly together, as they’ll be the crunchy base for the caramel and chocolate layers.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly to dissolve the sugar. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, add the thickened cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow the caramel to boil for about 30 seconds, continuing to stir so it doesn’t burn. As the mixture boils, it will thicken and turn a rich golden color. Once it has thickened, carefully pour the hot caramel over the biscuits, ensuring each biscuit is covered in the sweet, gooey sauce.
Step 3: Bake the Caramel
Now, it’s time to bake the caramel. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the sugar mixture is bubbling and the caramel has thickened. Keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. The caramel should be golden and slightly bubbly when you remove it from the oven. Let it cool completely at room temperature. As it cools, the caramel will firm up and become the perfect consistency for the next step.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate and Toppings
While the caramel is cooling, prepare the chocolate. Choose your favorite type—milk, white, or dark—and melt it in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Stir the chocolate occasionally to ensure it melts evenly. Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, pour it over the cooled caramel layer. Use a palette knife or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate evenly over the entire surface, covering the caramel completely.
Next, sprinkle the chopped pistachios and glace cherries over the chocolate. These toppings not only add flavor and texture but also make the crack look beautiful and festive. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other toppings, such as crushed candy canes, toasted coconut, or even mini marshmallows for a fun, kid-friendly twist.
Step 5: Set and Serve
Let the crack set for at least an hour in the fridge. The chocolate will firm up, creating a crisp, glossy layer over the caramel. Once the chocolate has set, you can break the crack into pieces. For a more uniform presentation, you can also cut it into squares. Either way, the treat will be delicious, with the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors. Serve it as a festive snack, pack it into gift boxes, or bring it to your next holiday gathering for a sweet, indulgent treat.