Sugar Free Chocolate Caramel Crack (High Protein Recipe)

Sugar Free Christmas Crack is the ultimate holiday treat with a sugar-free collagen protein caramel and protein pretzels. The perfect macro friendly, high protein, low fat and low calorie snack with 6g of protein a piece.

If you're looking for the ultimate sweet and salty snack around the holiday season that supports your fitness goals and your health, this collagen protein pretzel Christmas crack is it! Think chewy and crunchy and caramel-y and chocolatey, but still healthy!

I used protein pretzels, smothered them in a homemade, low fat and sugar free healthy caramel sauce made with collagen peptides, and then topped it sugar free chocolate. Its one of those desserts that you're gong to keep going back for more, haha.

Inspiration here came from my friend Chahinez' Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Crack! It looked too easy to say no to! 

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick & Festive: You only need a few minutes of prep and a very short bake time to make a huge batch of this delicious treat for friends and family.
• Packed with Protein: With collagen peptide caramel and protein pretzels, each piece of crack has over 6g of protein.
• No-Cook Caramel: This protein caramel recipe is made in a bowl; No stovetop stress or candy thermometer.
• Low Sugar: With no brown sugar needed, using sugar-free chocolate and the maple syrup alternatives makes this great for those cutting out sugar or in need of a diabetic friendly recipe. 
• The Perfect Texture: It's the ultimate combination of salty pretzels, gooey sugar free caramel sauce, and smooth chocolate.

Ingredients for Sugar Free Christmas Crack

This no sugar Christmas crack is made with some really clean ingredients and is a very low sugar, low fat, low calorie and high protein treat. 

• High Protein Pretzels: Provide the salty crunch while keeping the macros tight. I use the one from Kindling.
  • Substitute: Use the classic saltine crackers, gluten-free pretzels or crackers, or even keto crackers for a low-carb recipe.
• Sugar-free Chocolate - Like the one from Lakanto or Sugar-free chocolate chips from Lily's.
  • Substitute: Regular chocolate bar or chocolate chips instead of sugar free is okay. Dairy-free or Vegan chocolate also works.
• Toppings: I use sprinkles, but you can add m&ms, nuts (peanuts, walnuts or pecans), or even a bit of sea salt

Protein Collagen Caramel

• Unflavored Collagen for an extra boost of protein. Here's the one I used from Vital Proteins.
• Peanut Butter - Gives the healthy caramel sauce its richness and adds some healthy fats 🙂
  • Substitute: Use cashew butter, almond butter orr sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free protein caramel recipe.
• Maple Syrup - Provides the classic caramel sweetness. If you want, use sugar free one from Lakanto.
  • Substitute: Use honey or agave.
• Almond Milk
  • Substitute: Regular or other non-dairy milk also works.

See recipe card at the bottom of the page for the measurements!

Instructions: How to Make High Protein Christmas Crack

This high protein Christmas crack with pretzels and caramel is super easy to make!

Step 1: Make the Collagen Caramel Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, combine the collagen peptides, peanut butter, maple syrup, and almond milk.
2. Whisk until completely uniform and smooth.
3. Let the sauce set for about 5 minutes in the fridge. This allows the collagen powder to hydrate and caramel to thicken up.

Step 2: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread the pretzels onto the sheet pan in a single layer. You can lightly break some into chunks for better coverage.
3. Pour your thickened collagen peptide caramel over the pretzels, ensuring you drizzle something over as many pretzels as much as possible.

1. Sprinkle the chocolate chunks on top and bake for just 3 minutes.
2. Remove from the oven and immediately use a spatula to spread the softened chocolate evenly.
   Add festive sprinkles or your favorite toppings on top!

Step 3: Set and Serve

1. Let the tray sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then transfer to the freezer for 1-2 hours.
2. Once fully set, peel off the parchment paper and use a sharp knife to cut into 16 chunks.

Storage for Fat Free Caramel Christmas Crack

Because this Christmas crack recipe uses a fat free caramel sauce made with collagen and almond milk, it is best kept cold!

• Freezer: Store the chunks in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• Important Note: Only remove the crack from the freezer right when you are ready to eat it. If left at room temperature for too long, the caramel will become too gooey and soft.

Did you try this recipe? I'd LOVE to know!
 Tag @hayls.kitchen on Instagram & leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!