“Better Than Anything” desserts are a beloved category for a reason—they’re incredibly decadent and easy to love. Based on the name and your listed ingredient, this is almost certainly a fantastic Better Than Anything Toffee recipe, often also called Pecan Toffee Crack(er).
Here is the full, detailed recipe. It’s a perfect combination of salty, sweet, crunchy, and chewy.
Better Than Anything Toffee
This irresistible treat features a salty cracker base, a rich butter toffee layer, toasted pecans, and a blanket of chocolate. It’s shockingly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Yields: About 2 pounds
Ingredients:
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40-50 saltine crackers (about one sleeve)
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1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
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1 cup packed light brown sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/4 tsp salt (optional, if you like it extra salty)
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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Flaky sea salt (like Maldon), for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Pan:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a standard 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or a 9×13-inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes removal easy.
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Lightly grease the foil with butter or non-stick spray.
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Arrange the saltine crackers in a single, even layer to completely cover the bottom of the pan.
2. Toast the Pecans (Highly Recommended):
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Spread the chopped pecans on a dry baking sheet.
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Toast them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning.
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Remove and set aside. (This step deepens their flavor immensely).
3. Make the Toffee Layer:
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In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a full, rolling boil.
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Once boiling, stop stirring and let it boil for exactly 3 minutes. The mixture will become frothy and deepen slightly in color.
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Immediately remove from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract (it may bubble up). If using, add the 1/4 tsp salt.
4. Assemble and Bake:
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Carefully and slowly pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the arranged crackers.
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Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it into a thin, even layer, covering all the crackers.
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Place the pan in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. The toffee will be bubbly and spread across the pan.
5. Add the Chocolate:
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Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee.
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Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to soften and melt from the residual heat.
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Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the melted chocolate into a smooth, even layer.
6. Add Toppings:
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Sprinkle the toasted chopped pecans evenly over the melted chocolate.
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For a gourmet touch, finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
7. Chill and Break:
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Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely set.
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Once firm, use the foil overhang to lift the entire sheet of toffee out of the pan.
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Place it on a cutting board and break it into irregular pieces by hand, or use a sharp knife to cut it into squares.
8. Store:
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It’s best served cool!
Chef’s Notes & Tips:
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Why Saltines? The crackers provide a salty, crunchy base that balances the intense sweetness of the toffee and chocolate. Don’t substitute other crackers; the saltiness is key.
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Don’t Stir the Boiling Toffee: Stirring while it’s at a rolling boil can cause the sugar to crystallize, making the texture grainy instead of smooth.
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Nut Variations: You can use other nuts! Try coarsely chopped almonds or walnuts. Pre-toasting is always recommended.
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Chocolate Options: Feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. A combination is also delicious.
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The “Better Than Anything” Name: This often comes from the addition of other toppings like toffee bits or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the chocolate layer before adding the nuts. Get creative!
Enjoy your unbelievably delicious and addictive homemade toffee