Christmas is a magical time filled with joy, warmth, and of course, delicious treats. If you’re looking for a sweet and salty snack that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further than this vegan Christmas crack recipe.
This addictive holiday treat combines crunchy crackers, rich caramel, and a glossy chocolate topping — all made without any animal products. It’s perfect for sharing with family, gifting to friends, or simply indulging yourself while cozying up by the fire.
What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up, yet the flavors and textures feel luxurious and festive. Whether you’re vegan or simply want a plant-based twist on a classic holiday dessert, this Christmas crack is a guaranteed winner.
Plus, it’s customizable and can be tailored to your favorite nuts or toppings. Let’s dive in and create some holiday magic in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Christmas crack recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy that will satisfy any holiday craving. It’s made without dairy or butter, using plant-based ingredients that keep it light yet indulgent.
The best part? It requires minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute gift ideas or holiday parties.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can swap out toppings like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize it for your taste or dietary needs.
And because it’s vegan, it’s inclusive for guests with dietary restrictions. You’ll love the beautiful contrast between the salty cracker base, sweet caramel, and rich chocolate drizzle — a true holiday showstopper.
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (solid state)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (flax egg for binding caramel, optional)
Equipment
- 9×13 inch rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl (optional for melting chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, covering the entire surface.
- Prepare the flax egg by combining ground flaxseed with water in a small bowl. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. This is optional but helps bind the caramel for a smoother texture.
- Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut sugar, coconut oil, maple syrup, sea salt, and the prepared flax egg (if using). Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the caramel</strong for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot caramel evenly</strong over the arranged saltine crackers, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover all crackers.
- Bake in the oven</strong for 10 minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly and soak into the crackers.
- Remove from oven</strong and immediately sprinkle the vegan dark chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
- Let the chocolate sit</strong for a few minutes to soften, then spread it evenly using a spatula to create a smooth layer.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts</strong over the melted chocolate if using, gently pressing them in.
- Allow the Christmas crack to cool</strong completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to fully set.
- Break into pieces</strong and serve or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Tips & Variations
“For a nut-free version, swap chopped nuts for toasted coconut flakes or vegan-friendly sprinkles.”
Use gluten-free crackers if you want this treat to be both vegan and gluten-free. Rice crackers or gluten-free saltines work well.
Try different nut toppings like almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts for varied flavors and textures.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the caramel for a festive twist that complements the holiday season.
For extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed pretzels on top before the chocolate layer sets.
Don’t skip chilling! Proper refrigeration is essential to help the caramel and chocolate harden perfectly for that signature crack texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving, approx. 1 piece) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan Christmas crack is perfect as a festive snack alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or holiday coffee. You can serve it on a decorative platter for parties or package it in cute cellophane bags tied with ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts.
For a more decadent dessert spread, pair it with other vegan holiday sweets like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark. If you love nutty flavors, consider serving it alongside our Pecan Crackers Recipe for a crunchy contrast.
Don’t miss out on trying our Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe as a creamy companion to this crunchy treat. For a savory balance, check out the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe which goes wonderfully with sweet snacks.
Conclusion
This vegan Christmas crack recipe is a holiday classic reinvented for plant-based eaters and anyone looking for a delicious, easy-to-make treat. The combination of salty crackers, luscious caramel, and rich chocolate creates a perfect balance that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
It’s ideal for festive gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying as a special seasonal indulgence. The best part is how quickly you can prepare it with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, freeing up time for more holiday fun.
Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the joy of homemade holiday magic.
Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes like our Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese for a sweet touch or Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a savory meal option. Happy holidays and happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Christmas Crack Recipe Vegan
Description: A deliciously crunchy and sweet vegan treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with simple ingredients, it's easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 24 pieces
Ingredients
- 40 saltine crackers
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange saltine crackers in a single layer.
- In a saucepan, melt coconut oil, brown sugar, and maple syrup over medium heat, stirring until it boils.
- Boil the mixture for 3 minutes without stirring, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel evenly over the crackers and spread to cover all crackers.
- Bake for 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle vegan chocolate chips over the hot caramel.
- Let chocolate melt for 5 minutes, then spread evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans and sea salt on top.
- Cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before breaking into pieces.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 18g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Christmas Crack Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A deliciously crunchy and sweet vegan treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “24 pieces”, “recipeIngredient”: [“40 saltine crackers”, “1 cup coconut oil”, “1 cup brown sugar”, “1/4 cup maple syrup”, “1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips”, “1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)”, “1/4 teaspoon sea salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange saltine crackers in a single layer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a saucepan, melt coconut oil, brown sugar, and maple syrup over medium heat, stirring until it boils.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Boil the mixture for 3 minutes without stirring, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour the caramel evenly over the crackers and spread to cover all crackers.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 10 minutes until bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle vegan chocolate chips over the hot caramel.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let chocolate melt for 5 minutes, then spread evenly with a spatula.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle chopped pecans and sea salt on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before breaking into pieces.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150”, “proteinContent”: “1g”, “fatContent”: “9g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18g”}}
