If you are craving a sweet and crunchy treat that perfectly balances cinnamon spice, rich butter, and creamy chocolate, then this Churro Cracker Candy Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine crispy saltine crackers getting drenched in a luscious brown sugar-cinnamon glaze, baked until bubbly and caramelized, then topped with silky white chocolate and a final dusting of cinnamon sugar. The result is a magical combination of textures and flavors that feel like a playful spin on classic churros but with an irresistible cracker crunch. It’s sinful, simple, and perfect for sharing (though you might want to savor it solo!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this churro-inspired snack come to life. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the crave-worthy texture and warmly spiced flavor everyone loves about this candy.
- Saltine crackers: These crispy crackers serve as the crunchy base that soaks up the buttery caramel topping beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon to create a classic churro-style sugar coating that adds sparkle and sweetness.
- Cinnamon: The warm and comforting spice that gives this candy its signature churro flavor.
- Butter: Used to melt with brown sugar to create the decadent caramel sauce that binds everything together.
- Brown sugar: Brings deep molasses notes and sticky sweetness that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
- White chocolate chips: Melted over the caramel for a creamy and deliciously sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Churro Cracker Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and crackers
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Next, arrange your saltine crackers in an even, single layer covering the entire sheet. This sets the stage for the caramel sauce to seep into every crispy nook of the crackers.
Step 2: Mix the cinnamon sugar
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will be sprinkled over the melted white chocolate for that authentic churro crunch and sweetness, bringing the candy’s flavor full circle.
Step 3: Create the caramel sauce
On the stove, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir continuously. Allow the mixture to come to a bubble and keep cooking for an extra two minutes. This step caramelizes the sugar and creates that sticky, buttery syrup that’s key to this candy’s addictive texture.
Step 4: Pour and bake
Quickly pour the bubbling caramel sauce evenly over the layer of saltines. Use a spatula to gently spread it so every cracker is coated. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, watching for the caramel to bubble and darken ever so slightly. That bubbling magic means your candy is about to get perfectly crisp and flavorful.
Step 5: Add the white chocolate
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle white chocolate chips evenly across the hot caramel layer. Wait about five minutes as the chips melt from the residual heat, then use a spatula to spread the chocolate into a smooth, even layer, covering every sugary cracker bite.
Step 6: Finish with cinnamon sugar and cool
While the white chocolate is still soft, quickly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. This is what seals in the churro flavor and adds a sparkling sugar finish. Let the candy cool completely for 30 to 60 minutes until fully set and firm enough to break apart.
How to Serve Churro Cracker Candy Recipe
Garnishes
This candy is stunning and delicious on its own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate the flavor contrast even more. You can also add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a sophisticated touch that looks gorgeous.
Side Dishes
Pair your churro cracker candy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert plate. It also shines alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or Mexican hot chocolate, emphasizing the warm cinnamon notes in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this candy broken into bite-sized pieces in cute glass jars or mason jars as a festive holiday gift or party favor. For gatherings, stack the pieces on a decorative platter with cinnamon sticks for a charming churro-themed display everyone will admire and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover churro cracker candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep crisp and fresh for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy for snacking throughout the days after you make it.
Freezing
If you want to keep the candy for longer, you can freeze it. Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Reheating is generally not necessary or recommended, as the candy is best enjoyed at room temperature for optimal crunch. However, if desired, a few seconds under a low broiler or in a warm oven can soften the chocolate slightly for a melty treat experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular crackers instead of saltines?
Saltine crackers are preferred for their perfect saltiness and sturdy crunch. Regular crackers might work but can be too buttery or soft, changing the texture and balance of the candy.
Is it possible to use milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk or dark chocolate chips are delicious alternatives and will lend a different flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the caramel and cinnamon.
How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the foil?
Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper instead of foil can reduce sticking. If you prefer foil, lightly spray it with non-stick spray before laying down the crackers.
Can I make this candy gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free crackers in place of the saltines, and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe and tasty variation.
What is the best way to break the candy into pieces?
Once completely cooled and set, use your hands or a sturdy knife to break the candy into bite-sized pieces. Don’t rush this step, as cooling time is critical for a clean break.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cracker Candy Recipe is a delightfully easy treat that brings the joy of churros right into your kitchen without any frying. It’s crunchy, sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and topped with luscious white chocolate—a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Churro Cracker Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10-12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Churro Cracker Candy is a delightful sweet treat combining the salty crunch of saltine crackers with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze, topped with melted white chocolate for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, this recipe yields a delicious snack reminiscent of classic churros in a crunchy candy form.
Ingredients
Base
- 2–3 sleeves saltine crackers
Cinnamon Sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Sauce
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar
Topping
- 1 (12 oz) bag white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Arrange crackers: Lay the saltine crackers in an even layer over the entire surface of the lined baking sheet, ensuring they fit snugly.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly and set aside for later use.
- Prepare butter sugar sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble.
- Cook sauce further: Allow the bubbling mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes to achieve the right caramel consistency.
- Coat crackers: Immediately pour the hot butter and sugar sauce evenly over the arranged saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread the sauce if necessary, ensuring all crackers are covered.
- Bake the coated crackers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and darkening slightly, which will create a crunchy caramelized layer.
- Top with white chocolate chips: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle white chocolate chips evenly over the hot crackers so they can melt properly. Let the chips sit for about 5 minutes.
- Spread melted chocolate: Gently spread the melted white chocolate into an even layer across the crackers using a spatula.
- Add cinnamon sugar topping: Quickly sprinkle the reserved cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the melted chocolate before it solidifies to mimic churro flavors.
- Allow to cool: Let the candy cool fully for 30-60 minutes at room temperature until set and hardened.
- Break and store: Once cooled, break the candy into bite-sized pieces and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh saltine crackers to maintain crispiness.
- Be careful when pouring hot caramel sauce—it can burn, so use caution and pour immediately after cooking.
- If white chocolate chips do not melt fully, you can place the baking sheet back in the warm oven for 1-2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
- You can customize by adding toppings like chopped nuts or drizzling melted dark chocolate for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the candy crunchy.
