Cherry-Coded Chocolate Toffee Crunch (Printable)

Crisp saltines, toffee, chocolate, dried cherries, and sea salt come together in a sweet, crunchy dessert treat.

# Components:

→ Base

01 - 40 saltine crackers (approximately 1 sleeve)

→ Toffee Layer

02 - 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
03 - 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar

→ Chocolate Layer

04 - 2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

→ Toppings

05 - 3/4 cup (100 g) dried tart cherries, coarsely chopped
06 - 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet, approximately 10x15 inches, with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single, even layer to completely cover the prepared baking sheet.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and light brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for precisely 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it bubbles and begins to thicken slightly.
03 - Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the layer of saltine crackers on the baking sheet. Utilize a spatula to spread the toffee evenly, ensuring all crackers are coated.
04 - Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling and shows a slightly darkened hue.
05 - Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Promptly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot toffee. Allow the chips to sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to begin melting. Afterward, employ an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate smoothly over the entire surface of the toffee.
06 - While the chocolate is still warm and pliable, evenly distribute the chopped dried cherries and flaky sea salt across the chocolate-covered surface.
07 - Permit the confection to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Subsequently, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and allow it to set completely, which typically takes another 30 minutes.
08 - Once fully solidified, break or cut the crunch into desired pieces. Store the finished treat in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes of active time
  • Uses simple pantry staples with a gourmet twist
  • Perfect make-ahead treat for gifting or entertaining
  • No candy thermometer required
02 -
  • Perfect for last-minute entertaining needs
  • Contains the ideal balance of sweet and salty flavors
  • Each piece offers satisfying layers of texture
  • Makes an impressive homemade gift
03 -
  • The precise timing when making the toffee layer determines your final texture. Three minutes of boiling creates the perfect consistency, but even 30 seconds less results in a softer, chewier toffee while 30 seconds more creates a harder, more brittle result. I recommend setting a timer rather than guessing, especially if making this recipe for the first time.
  • Another crucial moment happens when spreading the chocolate—if you attempt to spread too soon, the chips will move around rather than creating a smooth layer. The full two-minute wait feels long but makes all the difference in achieving professional-looking results.

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