Are you looking for a unique and delicious dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than my grandma’s recipe for Peanut Butter Saltine Cracker Candy! This combination may sound strange but the results are divine. The creamy richness of peanut butter combined with the crunch of crushed saltine crackers create a mouthwatering flavor combination.
NOTE 1: My mom and grandma ALWAYS included 2/3 cup of flaked coconut in the candy. If you are a lover of peanut butter and coconut, I HIGHLY recommend you try adding the coconut into the candy. My family has a weakness for the coconut and peanut butter combination, (check out my grandma’s recipe for peanut butter balls, which we like to glaze and roll in flaked coconut – our family favorite, especially during Christmas).
NOTE 2: If you’re looking for a layered saltine cracker candy with toffee and chocolate, this recipe from Culinary Hill is delicious!
The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty
This peanut butter saltine cracker candy is the perfect Christmas treat! The sweetness of the candy, made with sugar and evaporated milk is perfectly balanced by the saltiness of the crushed saltine crackers. If you decide to include the flaked coconut, you’ll enjoy the chewy texture and subtle coconut flavor. Add in the peanut butter, which brings a creamy and nutty flavor that takes this candy to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Peanut Butter Saltine Cracker Candy ~ Easy to Make, Hard to Resist
One of the best things about this candy recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a batch in no time at all. Simply heat the sugar and evaporated milk in a saucepan until it boils, then stir in the peanut butter, crushed saltines, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into a parchment paper-lined pan, chill until set, and cut into bite-size pieces. It’s that easy!
Variations
While my grandma’s peanut butter saltine cracker candy is delicious on its own, you can also get creative and add your own twist to the recipe.
Chocolate Version
Stir in some chocolate chips during the second stage of mixing.
Chocolate Frosted
Once you’ve poured your candy into your pan to set, quickly sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the warm candy mixture. Spread chocolate chips with a knife once the chocolate chips have melted.
Nut Butters
You can experiment with other nut butters, such as almond butter or Nutella.
Chopped Nuts
Adding in finely chopped nuts is another flavor option for your peanut butter saltine cracker candy.
Flaked Sea Salt
To achieve an even greater sweet/salty balance, sprinkle cooling candy with flaked sea salt.
Holiday Sprinkles
To make this peanut butter saltine cracker candy look even more festive, add holiday sprinkles to the top of your candy right after you pour it into your greased pan to cool.
Flaked Coconut
If you’re not quite sold on mixing the coconut into the saltine cracker candy, you can easily top a section of your candy with flaked coconut (I use unsweetened). Plus the coconut looks so pretty and like a snow-covered North Dakota prairie.
Tips and Tricks for Success
To ensure that your saltine cracker candy turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:
- Saltine Texture: To achieve the right texture, make sure to crush the saltines finely. You can do this by placing them in a plastic storage bag and rolling a rolling pin over them until they are crushed to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can pulse them in a food processor or blender so they are crushed fine.
- Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe has such simple ingredients, using high-quality ingredients can make all the difference in the final result. Opt for creamy and smooth peanut butter, make sure your saltines are fresh and crispy and use name-brand evaporated milk over store-brand.
- Variations: Our home is divided on what they like for the variations. You can easily top sections of your candy with different toppings.
- Cool & Set: Once you’ve poured the candy mixture into the pan, allow it to cool and set before cutting it into squares. This will ensure that the candy maintains its shape and holds together nicely.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This candy is perfect as a dessert at family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday parties. It’s also a great option for homemade gifts, as it can be packed into a tightly covered container, separated by waxed paper, and refrigerated.
Make sure to keep the saltine cracker candy in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It is best stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or the freezer for up to 3 months. But let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long once you taste it!
Granny’s Peanut Butter Saltine Cracker Candy
Ingredients
- 2 c. granulated sugar
- ⅔ c. evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 tbsp peanut butter, creamy
- 32 saltine crackers
- ⅔ c. flaked coconut optional
Instructions
- Place parchment paper in a 9X9-inch square pan. This results in candy that is about 1/2" thick, you may use a smaller pan or double the recipe if you'd like thicker candy.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and milk. Heat on medium heat, stirring the mixture constantly.
- Heat to boiling and let the mixture boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Turn off the burner and immediately stir in the peanut butter, saltines, & vanilla extract. (if incorporating the coconut flakes – stir them in now.)
- Pour your mixture into the prepared pan and top with any added decorations or flavors desired.
- Let the candy cool and cut. Store candy in the refrigerator for up to a week or the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
VARIATIONS:
Chocolate Version – Stir in some chocolate chips during the second stage of mixing. Chocolate Frosted – Once you’ve poured your candy into your pan to set, quickly sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the warm candy mixture. Spread chocolate chips with a knife once the chocolate chips have melted. Nut Butters – You can experiment with other nut butters, such as almond butter or Nutella. Chopped Nuts – Adding in finely chopped nuts is another flavor option for your saltine cracker candy. Flaked Sea Salt – To achieve an even greater sweet/salty balance, sprinkle cooling candy with flaked sea salt. Holiday Sprinkles – To make this saltine cracker candy look even more festive, add holiday sprinkles to the top of your candy right after you pour it into your greased pan to cool. Flaked Coconut – If you’re not quite sold on mixing the coconut into the saltine cracker candy, you can easily top a section of your candy with flaked coconut (I use unsweetened).Final Thoughts on Granny’s Saltine Cracker Candy
This candy is not only delicious, but it’s also fun and versatile which allows for creativity. Feel free to add your own personal touch by experimenting with different toppings, mix-ins, or variations. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in the delightful combination of peanut butter and saltines. Whip up a batch of peanut butter candy with saltines today and share the love with your friends and family. Trust us, they won’t be able to resist this unique and delicious treat!
