If you are craving a dessert that combines crispy, buttery, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced flavors all in one bite, this Churro Toffee (Cracker Toffee) Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a crunchy layer of club crackers topped with rich caramel toffee, silky white chocolate, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, capturing the essence of churros in a fun, easy-to-make treat. This delightful confection is perfect for sharing (or sneaking bites all to yourself) and will quickly become a crowd favorite at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Churro Toffee (Cracker Toffee) Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile — from the salty crunch of club crackers to the melt-in-your-mouth smoothness of white chocolate and the warm spice of cinnamon.
- 40 Club Crackers: These form the crisp base that soaks up the toffee while staying crunchy.
- ¾ cup (170g) Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create the smooth caramel toffee layer.
- ¾ cup (177g) Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth to the toffee with a hint of molasses.
- Two 10 oz Bags of Ghirardelli White Melting Wafers: Delivers the creamy, sweet topping that balances the caramel perfectly.
- ¼ cup (54g) Granulated Sugar: Used for sprinkling along with cinnamon to mimic that iconic churro finish.
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: Brings in the classic warm, spicy flavor synonymous with churros.
- A Pinch of Salt: Enhances flavor complexity in the toffee layer without overpowering the sweetness.
How to Make Churro Toffee (Cracker Toffee) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a 10x15x1-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully arrange 40 club crackers in a single layer to completely cover the bottom of the pan. This neat foundation is essential, as every cracker will soak up just the right amount of buttery toffee.
Step 2: Make the Toffee Mixture
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter along with the light brown sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture hits a simmer with bubbles throughout, let it simmer gently for 3 minutes while whisking intermittently. This creates that luscious, rich caramel base that defines your toffee’s flavor and texture.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the arranged crackers. Use an offset spatula to carefully spread it out, ensuring every single cracker gets coated. Pop the pan into the preheated oven for 5 minutes—this brief baking step melts the crackers slightly and solidifies the toffee into a perfect crunchy layer.
Step 4: Add the White Chocolate and Cinnamon Sugar
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack for 5 minutes to let the toffee set just a bit. While it cools, melt the white chocolate wafers using your preferred method—microwave or double boiler. After cooling, pour the melted white chocolate over the toffee layer and smooth it out evenly. Mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon, then immediately sprinkle this fragrant topping over the white chocolate before it sets.
Step 5: Chill and Break
Allow the churro toffee to cool completely; placing it in the fridge will speed up this process. Once chilled and firm, break the slab into irregular, bite-sized pieces. These cracked jewels deliver the irresistible combination of buttery, sweet, and spicy flavors in every crunchy mouthful.
How to Serve Churro Toffee (Cracker Toffee) Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your churro toffee presentation, consider dusting a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving or adding a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate for contrast. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also enhance the balance between sweet and salty flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This treat is a star all on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich hot chocolate can make it feel like a complete indulgent experience. For a fresh touch, serve alongside sliced fresh strawberries or orange segments to cut through the sweetness and add bursts of brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by arranging the churro toffee pieces in a decorative jar or gift box for sharing with friends. You can also layer broken toffee pieces into parfait glasses with whipped cream and fruit for an unexpected dessert twist. For parties, thread small pieces onto skewers alongside marshmallows and fruits for churro-inspired kabobs everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The crunchy magic of this Churro Toffee (Cracker Toffee) Recipe stays fresh best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from humidity to maintain that signature crispness, where it can last up to one week without losing charm.
Freezing
To stash some churro toffee for later, wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When frozen, the toffee can last up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature before serving to enjoy all the crunchy, sweet goodness like fresh-baked.
Reheating
If your stored churro toffee softens a bit or loses some crunch, you can briefly revive it in a warm oven at 275°F for 5–7 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before handling, and you’ll have that perfect crisp texture back, ready to delight your taste buds again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker in this recipe?
While club crackers are ideal due to their size and mild flavor, you can experiment with similar plain crackers. Just avoid anything overly salty or flavored as it might overpower the sweet toffee layers.
Is it necessary to use white chocolate wafers?
White chocolate wafers are recommended because they melt smoothly and create a lovely contrast with the caramel. However, you can substitute with high-quality white chocolate bars chopped finely if wafers are unavailable.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap club crackers for a gluten-free cracker alternative with a similar texture. Ensure all other ingredients, like chocolate, are also gluten-free certified for safety.
How long does it take to make the Churro Toffee (Cracker Toffee) Recipe?
The entire process from start to finish typically takes about 25 minutes, not including chilling time. It is quick enough for an impromptu treat yet impressive enough for special occasions.
What is the best way to break the toffee into pieces?
Once cooled completely, gently lift the slab out of the pan and use your hands to break it into irregular pieces. Avoid using a knife as it may shatter unevenly or chip the chocolate layer.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Churro Toffee (Cracker Toffee) Recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into an irresistible snack bursting with flavor and texture. It’s one of those homemade goodies that’s more than just candy—it feels like a warm, comforting hug in edible form. Whether you’re whipping it up for a party, a cozy night in, or just because, I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this addictively delicious treat as much as I do.
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Churro Toffee (Cracker Toffee) Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 40 servings (individual cracker-sized pieces)
Description
This Churro Toffee combines the crunchy goodness of club crackers with a rich, buttery toffee base topped with smooth white chocolate and a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle. Inspired by the flavors of a classic churro, this sweet treat offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a delightful snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 40 Club crackers
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, cut into large pieces
- ¾ cup (177g) light brown sugar, packed
- A couple pinches of salt
Topping
- Two 10 oz bags (about 20 oz or 567g) of Ghirardelli white melting wafers
- ¼ cup (54g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Crackers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a 10x15x1 inch baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange 40 club crackers in a single layer, covering the entire base of the baking sheet for an even toffee crust.
- Make Toffee Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter along with the packed light brown sugar and a couple pinches of salt over medium heat. Stir occasionally, bringing the mixture to a simmer with bubbles throughout. Let it simmer gently for 3 minutes while whisking occasionally to ensure the butter and sugar combine smoothly.
- Pour Toffee Over Crackers: Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the arranged crackers. Use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer, ensuring each cracker is coated. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes.
- Cool and Add White Chocolate: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and set it on a cooling rack for 5 minutes to slightly set the toffee. Meanwhile, gently melt the white chocolate wafers using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Top with White Chocolate and Cinnamon Sugar: After the initial cooling, pour the melted white chocolate over the warm toffee layer and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, then immediately sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the wet white chocolate layer for that classic churro flavor.
- Final Cooling and Serving: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature or expedite by placing it in the refrigerator. Once fully chilled and set, break it into irregular pieces and serve as a delicious crunchy snack or dessert.
Notes
- You can use any white chocolate or white melting wafers if Ghirardelli is not available, but choose high-quality chocolate for best texture and flavor.
- Be careful when handling hot toffee to avoid burns.
- Storing the finished churro toffee in an airtight container in the fridge will keep it fresh and crunchy for up to a week.
- For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
