Saltine Churro Bars

Category: Let's Bake Something Wonderful

Transform everyday crackers into indulgent bars by layering caramel, sprinkling with cinnamon sugar, and adding melted white chocolate for a churro-like flavor.

Hannah Author
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 16:22:25 GMT
Close-up of stacked caramel-coated bars topped with cinnamon sugar and a creamy layer. Save
Close-up of stacked caramel-coated bars topped with cinnamon sugar and a creamy layer. | recipesbyhannah.com

I found this Churro Saltine Toffee treat last year and it's now the one everybody begs me for. That buttery toffee layer on those crisp salty crackers, with chocolate and a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top? Absolutely addictive. Everyone wants to know how I make it.

A Must-Try Sweet Treat

The best thing about this toffee is how easy it is. You don't need any special tools, just stuff you've probably got in your pantry already. It takes almost no time but tastes like you slaved away for hours. It's my go-to when I need something quick for visitors or gifts.

What You'll Need

  • Saltines: Just a single layer to cover your baking sheet for that perfect crunchy foundation.
  • Butter: A full 2 sticks to create that luscious caramel.
  • Brown Sugar: A cup transforms everything into that wonderful toffee flavor.
  • Chocolate Chips: Two cups total, and don't skimp on quality here.
  • Ground Cinnamon: About 2 teaspoons to bring that churro flavor everyone loves.
  • Sugar: Two tablespoons for mixing with cinnamon to finish it off.
A stack of layered dessert bars dusted with powdered sugar sits on a small plate, with a blurred bowl of dessert and scattered treats in the background. Save
A stack of layered dessert bars dusted with powdered sugar sits on a small plate, with a blurred bowl of dessert and scattered treats in the background. | recipesbyhannah.com

Simple Steps to Follow

Get Everything Ready
Cover your pan with foil or parchment and arrange those saltines in a single layer.
Create Your Toffee Base
Combine butter and brown sugar, stir until bubbly, then let it do its thing for three minutes without touching.
Coat Your Crackers
Drizzle that golden mixture all over the saltines, spread it out fast, then bake at 375°F for just 4 minutes.
Add Your Chocolate
Scatter chips across the hot toffee surface, wait till they soften, then smooth into an even layer.
Finish With Flavor
Combine cinnamon and sugar, then dust it across the whole thing while still warm.
Cool Completely
Let everything set up before breaking into pieces, it's tough to wait but you'll get cleaner breaks.

Storage Secrets

Store your toffee in something airtight and it'll stay fresh for up to two weeks. Want to save it longer? It freezes great for three months. And here's a fun secret—you can munch on it frozen right out of the freezer.

Handy Tricks

Always make sure your sugar completely melts before you start the boil or you might end up with grainy results. Don't buy cheap chocolate chips—good ones melt smoother and taste way better. And give your toffee plenty of cooling time or you'll just make a mess when cutting.

A stack of four layered desserts dusted with sugar sits on a white plate, surrounded by gold star decorations. Save
A stack of four layered desserts dusted with sugar sits on a white plate, surrounded by gold star decorations. | recipesbyhannah.com

Share The Sweetness

These treats look amazing in holiday tins or clear bags with pretty ribbons. They've become my trademark homemade gift that everyone looks forward to getting, especially my children's teachers and the folks next door.

Sweet Meets Salty

There's something wonderful about how the toffee sweetness, rich chocolate and warm cinnamon sugar plays against those salty crackers. Every bite gives you that amazing mix of tastes and textures that makes you reach for another piece.

No-Fail Results

Unlike old-school toffee recipes, you won't need candy thermometers or special know-how. The saltine foundation makes it super reliable, and that churro twist adds something special. I turn to this when I want something that wows without the work.

Custom Touches

I sometimes add swirls of white chocolate on top or scatter crushed pecans around. A bit of sea salt takes it up a notch too. During Christmas, I toss on some colorful sprinkles to make it feel more festive.

A stack of golden, chewy dessert squares dusted with sugar on a light gray plate, with a blurred bowl of spread in the background. Save
A stack of golden, chewy dessert squares dusted with sugar on a light gray plate, with a blurred bowl of spread in the background. | recipesbyhannah.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Why won’t my white chocolate melt perfectly?

Melting white chocolate takes a little patience. Try placing the pan back in the oven for an extra minute until it melts completely.

→ Can I swap the white chocolate for something else?

Absolutely! Use milk or dark chocolate chips instead. It’ll taste different but still yummy.

→ What’s the best way to store these bars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week. If it’s hot out, better stash them in the fridge to avoid a gooey mess.

→ How do I stop the caramel from separating?

Let the butter and sugar cook for the full 3 minutes. Wait for it to turn a rich golden color—don’t rush this part!

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! Make them up to a week early. Just layer with wax paper in an airtight container to keep them from sticking together.

Saltine Churro Bars

Quick bars made with crackers, sweetened with caramel, and topped off with cinnamon-y sugar and white chocolate for churro vibes.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
5 min
Total Time
15 min

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (40 bites)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 40 saltine crackers (salted).
02 1 cup white baking chocolate chips.
03 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder.
04 1/4 cup white sugar.
05 1 cup brown sugar (packed).
06 1 cup butter (unsalted).

Directions

Step 01

Fire up your oven to 400°F. Cover a baking tray with foil or parchment. Lay out crackers in a single layer on the tray.

Step 02

Combine cinnamon and white sugar in a small bowl. Set it aside for later.

Step 03

In a pan, heat up butter and brown sugar together. Once it starts boiling, let it bubble for 3 minutes until it gets darker and thick. Drizzle it evenly over the crackers.

Step 04

Pop the tray in the oven for 5-6 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the caramel is bubbling.

Step 05

Toss white chocolate chips over the warm toffee. Wait 5 minutes for them to soften, then spread the chocolate until smooth.

Step 06

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar over the melted chocolate layer.

Step 07

Let everything cool all the way. Stick it in the fridge for 10 minutes to speed up the chocolate setting. Break apart into pieces for serving.

Notes

  1. If the chocolate doesn’t melt fully, warm the tray for a bit to loosen it up.
  2. Don’t start breaking until everything is nice and cool.
  3. Chill it in the fridge if you’re in a hurry.

Required Equipment

  • Sheet pan.
  • Lining paper or foil.
  • Medium-sized saucepan.
  • Flexible spatula.

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (chocolate, butter).
  • Has wheat (crackers).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 1 g