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.
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.
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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
- 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
Equipment
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
Yes! I recommend if you are going to freeze this recipe to separate each layer with wax paper so that it does not stick.
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.
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.
Other Holiday Desserts You Will Love
Are you interested in a list of my go to healthy alternatives?
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Pretzel Christmas Crack
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.
Lori says
So easy and I love the sweet and salty combo! Can’t wait to make these again.
Allianna Moximchalk says
One of my favorites!
Dana Marie Brennan says
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.
Allianna Moximchalk says
I am so glad you enjoyed!