40 to 50 saltine crackers, enough to line your baking sheet
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, optional for topping
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is crucial because the toffee becomes very sticky as it cooks, and you want to ensure the final product releases easily from the pan.
Place the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are laid out side-by-side with no gaps, covering the entire surface of the pan. If necessary, you can break a few crackers to fit the edges perfectly.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Once it reaches a boil, let it bubble for exactly three minutes without stirring. This allows the mixture to caramelize and thicken. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully stir in the alcohol-free vanilla extract.
Immediately pour the hot toffee mixture over the arranged crackers. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so that every cracker is well coated. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling across the entire surface and has turned a lovely golden brown color.
Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee. Let them sit for about 2 to 3 minutes until they have softened from the residual heat. Use an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate into a smooth, even layer over the toffee.
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the chopped pecans and a pinch of sea salt over the top. Let the toffee cool completely at room temperature, then place the pan in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the chocolate and toffee to set firmly. Once set, break the toffee into irregular pieces by hand or cut them with a sharp knife.
