Cherry Toffee Saltine Cracker Bark (Print Version)

Crisp saltines, rich toffee, chocolate, and a cherry drizzle make a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dessert bark.

# Components:

→ Base

01 - 40 saltine crackers

→ Toffee

02 - 1 cup unsalted butter
03 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - Pinch of salt

→ Chocolate Layer

06 - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

→ Cherry Drizzle

07 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
08 - 1 tablespoon cherry-flavored gelatin powder
09 - 1-2 teaspoons vegetable oil

→ Optional Toppings

10 - 1/3 cup chopped dried cherries
11 - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds
12 - Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet (approximately 10x15 inches) with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.
02 - Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer to cover the entire base of the prepared baking sheet.
03 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Continue boiling for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
04 - Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the saltine crackers. Spread gently with a spatula to ensure all crackers are coated.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling and the crackers have absorbed some of the caramel.
06 - Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Allow to sit for 2 minutes until softened, then use an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate into an even layer.
07 - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Stir in the cherry gelatin powder and add vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon at a time, until a drizzling consistency is achieved.
08 - Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the cherry-flavored white chocolate over the still-warm chocolate layer.
09 - If desired, sprinkle the bark with chopped dried cherries, nuts, and flaky sea salt.
10 - Allow the bark to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate to expedite the process. Once set, break or cut the bark into desired pieces.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 25 minutes of active time
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
  • Perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors
  • Makes an impressive homemade gift
  • Easily customizable with different toppings
02 -
  • The toffee needs exactly 3 minutes of boiling for perfect texture
  • Allow the bark to cool completely before breaking for clean edges
  • Works beautifully for holiday gifts when packaged in cellophane bags
  • Can be made up to a week ahead for parties

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