Reese’s Cracker Bark

Crispy, sweet, and salty, this Reese’s cracker bark is a delightful holiday treat that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. With a crunchy base of saltine crackers, a rich toffee center, melted chocolate, and toppings of Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Cups, and pretzels, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty. It’s an ideal choice for potlucks, gift-giving, or a simple indulgent dessert. Plus, it can be made ahead of time for ultimate convenience!

Chef’s Tips

• Toffee Success: Stir the butter and sugar mixture constantly while bringing it to a boil to ensure it doesn’t burn. Keep an eye on the color—it should turn a rich golden brown.
• Chocolate Tips: After spreading the chocolate chips over the toffee, let them sit for 1-2 minutes in the warm oven before spreading to ensure they melt evenly.
• Perfect Crunch: Refrigerate the bark for at least one hour to ensure a clean break when cutting or snapping into pieces.
• Toppings Tip: Press the toppings gently into the melted chocolate to ensure they stick well when the bark cools.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 sleeve saltine crackers (approximately 40 crackers, for a salty crunch)

For the Toffee Layer:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted, for a rich base)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed, for a caramelized sweetness)

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 12 oz chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark, based on preference)

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup pretzels (broken into small pieces, for a salty crunch)
• 1 cup Reese’s Milk Chocolate and Peanut Butter Baking Cups and Candy (or a mix of Reese’s Pieces and chopped Reese’s Cups)

Substitutions

• Crackers: Swap saltines for graham crackers, Ritz, or gluten-free crackers for dietary needs.
• Chocolate Chips: Use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix of both for a different flavor profile.
• Toppings: Try chopped nuts, coconut shavings, M&M’s, or flaky sea salt for a unique twist.
• Butter: If you’re dairy-free, use a vegan butter alternative.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet, covering the entire surface.
2. Make the Toffee: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a boil. Continue to boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and turns a golden caramel color.
3. Pour the Toffee: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture over the crackers, working quickly to spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling and the crackers are slightly toasted.
5. Add Chocolate: Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Return the tray to the oven for 1-2 minutes to soften the chocolate.
6. Spread the Chocolate: Remove the tray from the oven again and use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee layer.
7. Top It Off: Sprinkle the broken pretzels and Reese’s candies over the melted chocolate, pressing them gently into the surface.

8. Cool: Refrigerate the tray for at least 1 hour, or until the bark is completely cool and set.
9. Break and Serve: Once set, remove the bark from the refrigerator and gently break it into pieces. Serve and enjoy!

FAQs

This Reese’s Cracker Bark is a delightful treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family movie nights, or anytime you’re craving a sweet and salty combo. Give it a try, and watch it disappear!