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Tray of freshly made Christmas Crack from a WW2 recipe, featuring buttery toffee, chocolate, and a crunchy topping.

Nostalgic christmas crack recipe ww2 – Sweet & Crunchy Wartime Treat

This christmas crack recipe ww2 revives a beloved wartime treat made with crackers, caramel, and chocolate. Born during WWII rationing, it uses simple substitutions like margarine, corn syrup, and shaved chocolate to create a sweet, crunchy, and nostalgic holiday candy. Perfect for gifting, sharing, and keeping traditions alive.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 3540 pieces 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 40 saltine crackers (or dry toast for a true wartime feel)

  • 1 cup brown sugar (or 1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp molasses for authenticity)

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (or margarine for wartime style)

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or shaved chocolate scraps)

  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, modern twist)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Arrange crackers in a single layer on the tray.

  • In a saucepan, melt butter and sugar over medium heat, stirring until bubbling (about 3 minutes).

  • Pour caramel mixture over crackers, spreading evenly.

  • Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from oven.

  • Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot caramel, let melt, then spread evenly.

  • Add toppings like nuts or sea salt if desired.

  • Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.

  • Break into uneven pieces and store in tins or airtight containers.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, use coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate.

  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or clove for a festive twist.

  • For a sugar-free version, swap sugar for erythritol and use low-carb crackers.

  • Author: James Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American / Wartime Vintage
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 12 mg

Keywords: christmas crack recipe ww2, wartime cracker candy, WWII dessert, holiday toffee crackers