Heath Candy Bar
A rich, crunchy treat featuring saltine crackers topped with caramelized butter and brown sugar, finished with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips — perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with heavy foil.
- Arrange 35 saltine crackers on the sheet in 7 rows by 5 rows.
- In a saucepan, combine margarine, butter, and brown sugar; bring to a boil and cook exactly 3 minutes.
- Drizzle the hot caramel mixture evenly over the crackers.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and immediately spread the chocolate chips over the hot surface.
- Allow to set until chocolate is firm before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more decadent treat, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate chips just after they melt. If you want to use a different type of chocolate, white chocolate or milk chocolate can be substituted. Ensure the mixture boils for exactly three minutes for the perfect caramel consistency. This recipe is also adaptable for those exploring vegetarian recipes, as all ingredients are suitable.
Serving Suggestions
These Heath Candy Bars are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert at gatherings. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a hot cup of coffee for a delightful pairing. They also pair beautifully with Ms Culver'S Strawberry Cake for a varied dessert table, offering a nice contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Heath Candy Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. Avoid freezing as it may alter the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heath Candy Bar contains roughly 1197 calories, with 17g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 828mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute regular butter for margarine in this recipe without any issues. The flavor may actually be enhanced with real butter, giving your Heath Candy Bars a richer taste. Just ensure that the total amount of butter used remains the same.
What can I use instead of saltine crackers?
If you don't have saltine crackers, you can substitute them with graham crackers or even pretzels for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary, so adjust the sweetness or saltiness accordingly based on your choice.
How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The caramel mixture is ready when it reaches a full boil and has been cooking for exactly three minutes. It should become bubbly and slightly thickened. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become too hard once cooled.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).