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    Allianna's Kitchen » Recipes » Desserts

    Published: Oct 29, 2021 · Modified: Jun 5, 2025 by Allianna Moximchalk · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Easy Pretzel Christmas Crack Recipe

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    This Easy Pretzel Christmas Crack Recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and salty! It has become a staple for us during every holiday season. The melted chocolate combined with the salty pretzels and caramel mixture is truly to die for. This recipe only requires 20 minutes of hands on time and can prepped in advance for your next special occasion. 

    Pretzels with chocolate and christmas sprinkles on top of a sheet pan.

    Ever since I moved out of my parents home, got married and started my own family I have realized that the magic around the holidays comes from tradition and usually Momma making it special. I have so many fond memories of my Mom baking, decorating and making all of the special seasonal recipes. If you love this recipe, you will love some of my other holiday favorites like my Gingerbread Cocktail, my absolute favorite Pear Cocktail Recipe, Dairy Free Crab Dip, Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake, and my husband’s favorite Gluten-Free Stuffed Mushrooms.

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Main Ingredients
    • Substitutions And Variations
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQ
    • Other Holiday Desserts You Will Love
    • Are you interested in a list of my go to healthy alternatives?
    •  
    • Pretzel Christmas Crack

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • This Christmas crack recipe can be made dairy free, gluten free, soy free and refined sugar free. 
    • My pretzel crack recipe can be made and advance and placed in the freezer for up to 2 months. 
    • Although my favorite time of the year to make this easy recipe is Christmas, you can also make it any other time of the year and using different colored sprinkles.
    • Giving homemade gifts is one my favorite ways to get in the holiday spirit. Food makes for great holiday gifts! Place this fun holiday treat in a cute little box and you have yourself the best homemade gift. 
    • I have included two recipes within this recipe, a traditional recipe and a better for you refined sugar free recipe that is also dairy free and gluten free.

    Main Ingredients

    Pretzel Christmas Crack ingredients laid out on the counter in glass bowls.
    • Unsalted butter-This is used to make the caramel sauce. 
    • Semi-sweet chocolate chips-This makes for the chocolate layer over the caramel sauce. 
    • Brown sugar/ Coconut sugar-For the homemade caramel sauce. 
    • Mini Pretzels-I like the mini ones. 
    • Sprinkles or sea salt-To top things off with!
    • Cooking spray oil-To help prevent the chocolate bark from sticking. 

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    Substitutions And Variations

    • Butter-If you are dairy free like me, you can also use vegan butter or ghee. I have a Homemade Ghee recipe on my blog if you are into ghee like I am. Although I cannot have butter, I can have ghee because the milk proteins are removed from it. Both will give you that buttery caramel flavor and texture as regular butter would!
    • Chocolate chips-you can also use milk chocolate chips or vegan chocolate chips. You can also use white chocolate chips if that is your thing too!
    • Brown sugar-I use coconut sugar as a better for you refined sugar free alternative. 
    • Pretzels-Since I am gluten free, I use gluten free and grain free pretzels. You can also use saltine crackers, ritz crackers or other kinds of gluten free crackers to make this recipe. 
    • Other toppings-From candy canes to mini m&m make for fun toppings! You can also sprinkle chocolate chips on top. 

    This recipe has not been tested with any other substitutions or variations. If you try something else out please let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

    Step By Step Instructions

    Pretzels laid out on a sheet pan.
    Step #1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Start by laying out your pretzels flat in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet that was sprayed with cooking oil.
    Coconut sugar, coconut oil and maple syrup in a sauce pot.
    Step #2: Place your maple syrup and coconut sugar into a pot and slowly bring to a boil. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Caramel sauce will start to thicken and combine. You will want to pour the caramel sauce over the pretzels and place in the oven for 5 minutes.
    Chocolate and coconut oil in a sauce pan.
    Step #3: In another saucepan, combine your coconut oil and dairy free chocolate. Put on low heat and stir constantly while the coconut oil and chocolate melt and combine.
    Chocolate and milk melted in a a sauce pan.
    Step #4: Once coconut oil and chocolate fully melt, you will have a smooth chocolate sauce.
    Chocolate and caramel sauce poured over the pretzels.
    Step #5: Next, you will then slowly pour the melted chocolate over the pretzels as well. You will want to carefully spread this over the pretzels.
    Chocolate covered pretzels with sprinkles on top.
    Step #6: Add optional sprinkles on top and place in the freezer for 2-3 hours to harden.

    Equipment

    • Saucepan
    • Spatula
    • Sheet pan

    Expert Tips

    • Tip # 1: Depending on the size of chocolate chips vs. chocolate chunks you use, the additional time in the oven to melt the chocolate may vary.
    • Tip # 2: When pouring the fat and sugar mixture over the crackers make sure to pour the mixture evenly over the crackers.
    • Tip # 3: For easy clean up you can place parchment or wax paper on the bottom of the casserole dish so that it lifts out with no mess left behind.

    Recipe FAQ

    Can I freeze this recipe?

    Yes! I recommend if you are going to freeze this recipe to separate each layer with wax paper so that it does not stick.

    How can I serve this treat?

    This dish is so versatile! You could serve it on a platter, use it as a gift for the holidays, or make small treat bags for friends and family.

    How long does this recipe last?

    This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days in an air tight container. This recipe also freezes well for up to 5 months.

    Chocolate covered pretzels on a plate with sprinkles on top.
    Pretzel Christmas Crack 12

    Other Holiday Desserts You Will Love

    • hand holding a fudgsicle
      3 Ingredient Dairy Free S’mores Fudgesicles
    • mini gluten free bundt cakes on a plate with chocolate ganache
      Mini Dairy Free Chocolate Cakes
    • Vegan and gluten free twix bars stacked up on a plate with
      Vegan Twix Bars
    • dairy free peanut butter cups stacked on a plate
      Vegan Reese’s (Paleo, AIP Option)

    Are you interested in a list of my go to healthy alternatives?

    Download your FREE guide below

    download here

     

    Chocolate covered pretzels on a sheet pan with sprinkles on top.

    Pretzel Christmas Crack

    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Diet Gluten Free
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Setting tine 1 hour hour
    Total Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 servings
    Author Allianna Moximchalk
    651kcal
    Cost $7
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Equipment

    • Sauce pan
    • Sheet pan

    Ingredients

    • 4.5 ounce bag mini pretzels I like using gluten free cauliflower pretzels.
    • 1/2 cup coconut oil
    • 3/4 cup maple syrup
    • 1/4 cup coconut sugar You can also use brown sugar if that is your thing.
    • 4 cups chocolate chips I prefer dairy free chocolate chips.

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray oil to prevent the Christmas bark from sticking. Add the pretzels in a single layer to the sheet.
    • Now, add the maple syrup and sugar in a saucepan on medium heat. Stir until well combined and let it come to a boil for 3-5 minutes. Once it starts to thicken, remove from the heat.
    • Now pour the caramel mixture over the pretzels. It is ok if it does not cover all of the pretzels because it will spread in the oven. Place in the oven for 5 minutes.
    • While pretzels are in the oven, place the chocolate and coconut oil in a saucepan on medium low heat. Stir constantly while melting to prevent the chocolate from burning. After the 5 minutes is up, remove the pretzels from the oven and pour the chocolate sauce over the pretzels.
    • Now, use a spatula to spread out the melted chocolate. Sprinkle desired toppings and place in the freezer to harden for 2-3 hours. Use a knife to break pieces off. 

    Notes

    Storage: This dish can be stored in an air tight glass container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or months in the freezer. 
    Nutrition: The nutrition for this recipe is an estimate and the calories count is not guaranteed.  It is based off of 6 servings.
    Servings: This recipe should yield 6 servings.
    Quick, easy and super delicious holiday dessert that everyone will love. This recipe can be made easily dairy and gluten free too!
    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 651kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 60mg | Sugar: 48g | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag me on instagram @alliannaskitchen!

    More Gluten Free & Dairy Free Dessert Recipes

    • Chocolate chip cookies with candies on top laid out on wax paper.
      Gluten Free Monster Cookies
    • Slice of banana cake on a blue and white plate.
      Gluten Free Banana Cake with Almond Flour Recipe
    • Vegan fruit dip on a plate with apple slices.
      Vegan Fruit Dip
    • Thumbprint cookies on a green and white plate with chocolate ganache in the middle.
      Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lori says

      February 08, 2022 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      So easy and I love the sweet and salty combo! Can’t wait to make these again.

      Reply
      • Allianna Moximchalk says

        February 08, 2022 at 12:00 pm

        One of my favorites!

        Reply
    2. Dana Marie Brennan says

      November 01, 2021 at 11:52 pm

      5 stars
      This is such an easy recipe and I love that it satisfies sweet and salty! Can’t wait to make this as a snack or gift for the holidays.

      Reply
      • Allianna Moximchalk says

        November 02, 2021 at 4:57 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes

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