Wait, what? Can it be possible? Oh yeah…this low carb Cracker Toffee is destined to be a favourite holiday treat. Dig in, because it’s sugar-free! This post is sponsored by Lily’s Sweets.
What’s that sound? That thumping, bumping sound? Oh, ouch! That’s the sound of jaws hitting the floor. And that, my friends, is the sound you will hear when you serve your friends this Keto Cracker Toffee and then you tell them it’s low carb and sugar-free. You’ll may also hear a few gasps and possibly a disbelieving snort or two. Really, you’re going to hear a cacophony of startled and surprised sounds. And you are going to feel that warm inner glow of knowing you just totally crushed it. And that’s a pretty great feeling, I must admit.
Cracker Toffee is a holiday classic and I love nothing more than re-creating holiday classics in a healthier form. It makes me giddy with excitement, really. But you are going to hate me when you hear that I actually made this treat LAST YEAR and I didn’t share it with you. It happens every year. I start creating low carb holiday cookies and the like so early in the season, because I love them so much. And inevitably, by the time the holidays roll around, I don’t manage to get them all published in time. So I held onto this one. I held onto it for a long time, holding it close to my chest, just waiting until the right time to bring it out again. I held it like a precious object, like Frodo with The Ring, carrying it carefully, always conscious of its existence.
Overly dramatic, much? Yeah, maybe a bit. I don’t apologize for it. I mean, we are talking about low carb cracker toffee.
Now, here’s the thing about low carb cracker toffee. Unlike our friends who consume flour and sugar, we can’t go out and pick up some crackers and whip up the toffee and throw it all together. We have to be industrious and make our own crackers. But it’s worth it, believe me. Now if you are a fan of my homemade graham crackers, you can use those here. But I whipped up some Basic Almond Flour crackers as the base for these. The recipe is actually in my cookbook, The Everyday Ketogenic Kitchen, but I am sharing it here with you today as well. Because I know you want to make this keto treat and I am not the sort of person to hold out on you!
Here’s the other thing I learned when making this: low carb toffee doesn’t work the way sugar-based toffee does. So don’t just go throwing your chocolate chips or chopped chocolate on top here because it will sink right in. I found it best to cool the the toffee/cracker combo first, and then melt my favourite Lily’s Dark Chocolate separately and spread it over. That way, I got a lovely proper toffee layer and a lovely proper chocolate layer, instead of some crazy mixed up layer.
Once again, thank goodness for Lily’s chocolate. I already have to make the crackers from scratch, and I have to make the toffee from scratch. It’s a huge relief not to make the chocolate from scratch!
Wait, what? Can it be possible? Oh yeah...this low carb Cracker Toffee is destined to be a favourite holiday treat. Dig in, because it's sugar-free!
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp salted butter melted
- 3/4 cup Swerve Sweetener
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- 2 tbsp powdered Swerve Sweetener
- 4 ounces Lily's Dark Chocolate chopped
- 2 tsp coconut oil or avocado oil
- 3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
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Preheat the oven to 300F.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir in the egg and the melted butter until the dough comes together.
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Turn the dough out onto a large piece of parchment paper and pat into a rough rectangle. Top with another piece of parchment paper and roll out to a 1/8 inch thickness, as evenly as you can. Remove the top piece of parchment paper.
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Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, score the dough into 2-inch squares. Transfer the parchment to a large cookie sheet and bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crackers are firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before breaking apart into individual crackers.
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Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a rimmed baking sheet, about 11x17 inches, with foil and spray lightly with coconut oil spray. Arrange the crackers in a single layer so that they are touching, covering as much of the sheet as you can (break them to fit, if necessary, and you may have some leftover crackers).
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In a medium heavy-duty saucepan over medium heat, combine Swerve and butter and stir until Swerve is dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook without stirring until mixture darkens to amber, about 5 to 7 minutes (time may vary depending on the quality of your cookware).
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt. If the mixture appears to be separating, stir in 2 tbsp of powdered Swerve Sweetener until it comes back together.
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Pour the hot toffee immediately over the crackers as evenly as possible to cover. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes, until bubbling. Let cool while melting the chocolate.
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Combine the chopped chocolate and oil in a microwave safe bowl and melt on high in 30 second increments, stirring in between. Alternatively, you can melt them together double boiler style.
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Drizzle the chocolate over the cooled toffee and spread evenly. Sprinkle immediately with the chopped pecans. Let set until the chocolate is firm and then break apart into pieces (it will typically break up along the lines of the crackers).
A note about servings...this makes a lot and really can be anywhere between 10 to 20 servings. It tends to break up along the lines of the crackers and if you make them 2 inches by 2 inches, you should get about 30 pieces.
Many thanks to Lily’s Sweets for partnering with me to bring you this recipe.
Renee says
You are my HERO.
yes, I do hate you for keeping these quiet for an -entire year-!!! But I forgive you. Thanks for sharing… making these TONIGHT !!!
Joan Snydmiller says
You’re hilarious! Your blog is the only one where I read the preamble before the recipe! Thanks for this recipe!!! Merry Christmas Caroline!
Joan Snydmiller says
Carolyn! Sorry
Carolyn says
That makes me happy!
Mrs. King says
What did I do wrong? My ‘toffee’ was liquid and just sat as puddles. What texture SHOULD it have been?
Carolyn says
What sweetener did you use?
Karen says
Holy Schnikeeeeees. One of my favorite, all-time holiday treats. Thought I had given up it’s crispy, buttery, chocolately, rich deliciousness forever. OM Goodness – can’t wait to make this. Doubtful I will share. HA. Just kidding… (maybe).
Carolyn says
Let me know what you think!
Terri says
I made my own chocolate using your recipe in the cook book(love it), could I use that for the chocolate bar? Would I still add the extra sweetener? I am loving my low carb treats this season, so thank you!
Carolyn says
Sure, you can use my chocolate for the top. There is no extra sweetener in the chocolate part of this recipe, I just use Lily’s so sub in my chocolate recipe as is, but add the extra oil to help it melt smoothly.
Jen says
Would it work to make just one big cracker right in the big rimmed sheet pan instead of cutting the dough into little squares? And then just leaving it in there or taking it out to cool and then putting it back in, and pouring the toffee over the whole thing? I’m lazy 🙂
Carolyn says
Possibly! I didn’t try it that way but I can’t see why not.
Margriet says
I was thinking the same thing. It eliminates a big step. I’m going to give it a try!
Nikki says
Not sure what I did wrong but mine is all flour. I used 2 cups of almond flour ended up adding 2 extra tablespoons of butter and an extra egg and it’s still doesn’t stick together.
Carolyn says
Something is not right… what kind of almond flour are you using? Is it the super dry, powdery, “defatted” kind? Because that’s what it sounds like. Or you are using coconut flour instead.
Gjeanieg says
Please let us know if that works, for those who have tried it. I am concerned that the very middle of the large cracker will not bake properly.
Tonia says
It might also be a bit challenging to count the carbs if it’s not already precut. Very easy to indulge and not notice. Lol
Theresa says
Made it. Loved it! Thank you!!
Carolyn says
Wonderful!
Karen Peterson says
Hi Carolyn
Love your recipes! Your cookies are the first I’ve made that I actually had to have a second and third. Question about Swerve. Is it just erythritol? Can I use pure erythritol, maybe mixed with something? I use blends because I can taste erythritol and especially stevia, but not as much when combined.
Thanks
Karen Peterson
Carolyn says
Swerve is erythritol and oligosaccharides. It’s the only one where I don’t get an aftertaste but every palate is different.
Karen Peterson says
Thanks. I just ordered some Swerve. Pyure seems to work Ok for me, but I have to be careful with all these items not to use too much, or I’ll get the dread aftertaste. I’m a super taster. Everything tastes too strong or too bitter to me, or in the case of erythritol, too cold. And, of course, Stevia is way bitter. I’ve had to throw things away.
Kim says
have you tried allulose? it’s a game changer for me. I taste all sweeteners and hate them. swerve gives me the cooling effect but not the aftertaste. I dont like the cooling effect.
Spaceranger says
I made this tonight. It’s delicious! (And I didn’t cut any of the crackers up as I made it, so I have one giant sheet of goodness, that I’m just breaking off into random shaped pieces.)
Christina says
I just wanted to throw in here that in all of the recipes where we have to “roll out” dough for thin crackers and the like, I have started using my tortilla press. I can control the thickness and it is a consistent thickness. Works like a charm!
Chrissy says
Great idea, thanks for that
Anita says
What a great idea. I am not familiar with a tortilla press. Do you think a pasta rolling machine would also work?
Melissa says
A pasta roller works well too!
Michelle says
If dairy free, do you think coconut oil instead of butter would work???
Carolyn says
I have never tried making this toffee with coconut oil so I am really not sure.
Caroline Campa-Murany says
I have seen coconut oil mixed with ghee or if you can tolerate ghee (clarified butter) I bet that would work!
Eileen says
Made these last night as a fun “New Year’s Eve” treat. Really tasty! I found them to be a little too big for my taste — I’m not a big fan of foods that feature the taste and of erythritol; too sweet for me — but by simply doubling the number of crackers (1/2 the recommended size), the sweetness/richness were just right, and would be a delightful accent on a Christmas cookie tray. Kids really enjoyed them, which makes me happy.
I was impressed with the cracker portion — really tasted like saltines! I think these would be tasty (alone, not with the toffee) with peanut butter or cream cheese & low carb jam.
(Had one this am with my morning coffee, too. And it didn’t even wreck any New Year’s Resolutions! Another keeper.) 🙂
Kristin says
Eileen, can you please explain what you mean by “doubling the number of crackers (1/2 the recommended size)”? Thanks!
Beth K says
I think she means make into 1 inch squares instead of 2 inch.
Jen Schoenbein says
I have to share a recipe mash up success with you! I made your mint chocolate star cookie recipe, minus the mint. Used it to replace the cracker in this recipe. It turned out perfect. Then, I poured and cooked on the toffee. Then I topped it with the chocolate. Then while it was soft, topped it with coffee grounds. It is unbelievably good! I call it coffee toffee, but since you developed the base to it, you get credit too. Feel free to use it!
Jen
Carolyn says
Very cool!
Bernice Tornquist says
Made these twice…like them a lot. One thing I would suggest is in your recipe, please mark the difference between layer two and layer three, being the chocolate. The first time I made it I put the ingredients of the two layers together…it was too late…had to go with it. I know it is explained in the method, but this would be helpful. Thanks.
Betsy says
Do these freeze well? If so for how long? Anyone know? I like to make my treats ahead. Thanks for wonderful recipe!!
Carolyn says
I have not tried freezing this recipe.
Jeaniemmiller says
I always freeze mine after I make it so we don’t eat it too fast. Lol
Russ says
I was just wondering what a alternative to Lily’s would be don’t want to order it and can’t find around me…thanks and God Bless
Carolyn says
If you can find Lindt 85 or 90%, you can use that.
Jane says
Lily’s bars are sold in our Publix in Florida and Lindt is sold in our Walmarts. Just sayin’.
Diana says
Also you can buy Lily’s on amazon.
Megan says
I’m so excited to make these for christmas but love to make ahead to make it less stressful. How far ahead can these be made/kept for? And would you store them on the counter or in the fridge?
Thanks!
Carolyn says
It can stay good for at least a week, if not more. I’d keep it in the fridge until you want to give it out.
Cindi says
Shut up!!! We can make toffee???? Gonna have to try this!!
Christian says
Has anyone tried this with a different type of low carb flour?
Andrea says
My mother made the original Christmas crack and I struggled to stop reaching for another bite. When I found your recipe, I knew I had to give it a try. And I’m pleased to say it was a SUCESS!!! Because I’m a person that needs specifics, I heated the toffee until it reached the “hardball” stage on a candy thermometer. When I poured it, I wasn’t sure it would harden but it came out perfect and delicious!! Thank you a million times over for THM-Ifying this 🙂
Carolyn says
So glad to hear it!
Jeaniemmiller says
OMG…..I thought my bestie and I were the only ones who call it Christmas Crack… we’ve been making it for 30 years. I’m so glad you mentioned using your candy thermometer it was my one question. Does the chocolate harden up in this recipe? I always found the original better if it was refrigerator.
Thanx, Happy Holidays
Deborah says
This sounds wonderful – Can’t wait to try it! Can Swerve powdered be used or does it have to be the granulated sweetener? I can only get the powered Swerve at the only store that carries it here.
Carolyn says
I haven’t tried it with the powdered but I think it would work.
Deborah says
Great! Thanks so much for your quick reply. May you and your family have a blessed and Merry Christmas!
Kat says
Does this recipe use regular granulated swerve or the brown sugar kind?
Carolyn says
Well, when I first created it, there was no Swerve Brown. But I think it should work if you wanted to try it.
Esther says
I just made this with 2/4brown sugar swerve and 1/4 granular and I just took the toffee and crackers out of the oven and it looks like the crackers are floating in a puddle of liquid. Not sure it should look like that or if I’ve ruined the whole recipe. Most of the sugar has run off and is floating on the sides of my pan 😭
Carolyn says
It doesn’t sound right, if they are floating. But it may harden and come together in the end. I’ve never used Brown Swerve for this recipe.
Rebecca says
Best low carb dessert I have made. Delicious. Will definitely make again. Thank you for sharing this recipe!!
Carolyn says
So glad to hear it!
Kathy says
The only sweeteners i use are coconut sugar, honey, and maple syrup. Could any of these be used instead of the swerve? I would love to give this a try! Thanks
Carolyn says
No, none of those will work. They don’t harden up enough.
SimplyMe says
If I want to sub erythritol for the swerve would I use the same amount or less or more?
Carolyn says
You should be able to do it in the same amount.
Jackie says
Carolyn,
If I just poured your toffee mixture on to some parchment and baked it….could I end up with some toffee I could smash up a bit, to get some toffee sprinkles to use for other recipes? Do you think that would work out?
Thanks!
Carolyn says
🙂 I already have a toffee recipe like that. It’s good but it does have a sandier texture than sugar-based toffee, and that’s just the nature of erythritol.
Deedee says
There’s sound perfect, however, I have but allergy. Can this be made using all purpose gluten-free flour??
Deedee says
NUT allergy! So sorry Siri really hates me.
Carolyn says
Or you can try sunflower seed flour for a lower carb option.
Rachel says
So
Good!
Maryse says
Wow, wow, wow, I finally made this today and it’s pretty darn good!! I made Christmas Crack at Thanksgiving for my inlaws that are not on Keto and I couldn’t help to have a taste … What a good recipe it is, thank you!!!
Carolyn says
So glad!!!
Krista Smith says
Can you use monk fruit instead of swerve? If so how much?
Carolyn says
The question is… what do you mean by monk fruit? Do you mean a mostly erythritol based sweetener such as Lakanto?
Liz says
It will only work if it is an erythritol/monk fruit blend. Pure monk fruit does not chemically behave the same way as sugar, i.e. reaching the hard crack stage. Erythritol is the great equalizer in getting sugar substitutes to behave like sugar.
Katie says
Your blog HANDS DOWN has the absolute best keto recipes. They keep us in check on trim healthy mama and I can always count on Your recipes Being amazing!!
Your thin mints have always been our favorite but THIS might top it. Made it exactly as you have it written, absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much for all the time and hard work you put into your recipes!
Carolyn says
I am so happy to hear it! Thank you.
Sirah says
O.my.word. these are absolutely fabulous. Went straight to number 1 of my favourite cookies. I mean, they looked like a mess, there was toffee everywhere in the baking sheet ( except on top of the crackers), I have chocolate all over my fingers after eating just 1 peace and it’s very hard to keep with just 1 peace a day. But man are these nice!!! Worth all fuss and living up to the expectations the name implies.
Carolyn says
So happy to hear it. Messy is good!
christin knechtges says
This stuff is awesome! Made a double batch for coworkers and another double batch for family. Making it regularly to have on hand for a little something sweet. Thank you!
Carolyn says
Hooray!
Bernice Tornquist says
This recipe is fabulous…have made it numerous times. One thing I would like to point out is that it would be more clear if the recipe was in 3 parts, instead of two. The first time I made it, I put all the ingredients together after the crackers were in the pan….everything from the topping to the chocolate was put together. If the chocolate mixture was pointed out to be the 3rd part, it would be more clear. Would like to reach Carolyn to tell her about it, but don’t know how. Thank you.
Cassie says
I love this recipe so much! I just made it tonight and it’s so easy and delicious. I missed these after I started keto as well and it tastes just like the non-keto version. This will definitely be a dessert staple in my household. Thank you so much for sharing you’re amazing. ❤️