If you’re anything like me, you know that the best snacks are the ones that leave you completely hooked—one bite turns into five, then ten, and suddenly, you’ve eaten an entire batch. That’s exactly what happens with these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites! These little treats are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and I’m telling you, they’ll vanish from your kitchen faster than you can say “caramel.”
I stumbled upon this recipe during a late-night snack craving (doesn’t that always seem to happen?), and now I can’t stop making them. Seriously, these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are my new go-to snack for book clubs, family get-togethers, or, let’s be real, any time I want something that’s almost too easy to make but tastes like a million bucks.
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Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
If you’re looking for a simple, sweet, and salty snack that’s guaranteed to satisfy, look no further. These bites are easy, quick, and oh-so-addictive! I made them for a book club gathering last week, and let’s just say the books barely even got opened before these were all gone. They’re made with the simplest ingredients you likely already have in your pantry—oyster crackers, butter, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon and salt—and somehow, they transform into the most magical treat.
And did I mention they only take about 30 minutes to make? Yup, that’s right. You can whip up a batch in no time, even on those days when you’re feeling more like “I’ll just grab something from the pantry” than “Let’s bake something fancy.” So, let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
- Oyster Crackers: These little crackers might seem plain at first, but once they’re coated in buttery caramel, they become the perfect base for your new favorite snack.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is the way to go here. We’re adding salt later, and we don’t want things to get too salty too soon.
- Brown Sugar: Dark or light brown sugar both work great. I usually grab whatever I have in my pantry—let’s keep things easy!
- Vanilla Extract: The real deal, please. It makes a difference, trust me.
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch to add warmth and a cozy touch to your caramel.
- Salt: The final sprinkle of flaky sea salt is what takes these bites from good to can’t-stop-eating-them great.
Let’s Make Some Magic: Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe
1. Preheat the Oven
First thing’s first—crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Double up on parchment if you want super easy cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
2. Make the Caramel
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly—don’t leave it alone! (I learned the hard way that caramel burns in the blink of an eye!) Once it starts to bubble and thicken a bit, add the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until it’s all smooth and shiny, like liquid gold. It’ll be worth the patience!
3. Coat the Crackers
Spread your oyster crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet. Pour the caramel over the crackers and gently toss them with two spatulas. You want each cracker to get a nice, even coat, so be gentle but thorough.
4. Bake ‘Em
Pop the baking sheet in the oven for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. Caramel can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a heartbeat, so don’t wander off to check Instagram just yet!
5. Cool and Break into Clusters
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool completely. I know, it’s tempting to sneak one while they’re still warm—but trust me, they’ll taste even better once they’ve cooled and the caramel has set. If you really can’t wait, feel free to sneak one or two—just don’t blame me when you can’t stop!
Storing Your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. But let’s be real, they’re so good that they probably won’t last that long. You can also freeze them if you’re looking to stash some away for later—you know, for those late-night cravings or surprise guests. (Or for you, when you’re the guest who didn’t want to show up empty-handed.)
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
- Stir, Stir, Stir: When making the caramel, keep stirring! The butter and sugar can burn easily if you leave it alone.
- Watch the Oven: This one’s important—caramel can turn from perfect to burnt in just a few minutes, so stay close during those final moments in the oven.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: That sprinkle of flaky sea salt? It’s what really makes these bites irresistible. It’s the little details, you know?
Mix It Up!
- Go Nuts: If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts before baking. My kids love the nutty twist, and it adds even more texture!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Sometimes I like to melt a little dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled crackers for an extra indulgence.
- Spicy Kick: Want to kick things up a notch? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel mixture for a sweet and spicy combo that’ll blow your mind!
FAQs About Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Absolutely! If you’re gluten-free, feel free to swap in your favorite gluten-free cracker. Just make sure whatever cracker you choose is sturdy enough to hold up to the caramel coating.
How long will these stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these bites will stay fresh for about a week. But, honestly, they might not even last that long. They’re that good.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! These are perfect for make-ahead snacks. Just make sure they cool completely before you store them in a container, and they’ll be good to go whenever you need them!
Time to Get Snackin’
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute treat for a party or a quick snack for yourself (no judgment here!), these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites will not disappoint. They’re the perfect balance of salty and sweet, buttery and crunchy, and seriously, they only take about 30 minutes to make. It doesn’t get much better than that.
So, grab your crackers, melt that butter, and get ready for some seriously addictive snack magic. Let me know what you think—my family’s already asking me to make another batch, and I just made one yesterday!
More Delicious Treats You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of sweet and salty combinations, you won’t want to miss these other tasty creations. For a rich, gooey dessert, try making some Chocolate Covered Cherry Magic Bars, perfect for any chocolate lover. Or, if you want a decadent, slow-cooked treat, indulge in a comforting Slow Cooker Brownie Pudding. For something warm and cinnamon-y, give the Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread a try—it’s a hit at every gathering. And if you can’t get enough of crunchy, caramelized snacks, you’ll love the easy-to-make Saltine Cracker Toffee. You can also check out more variations of salted caramel cracker treats with these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites for even more flavor inspiration. Enjoy!
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Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 4 cups of Salted Caramel Cracker Bites. 1x
Description
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, featuring crispy crackers coated in a rich caramel glaze and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. This easy, addictive treat is perfect for snacking, dessert, or gift-giving.
Ingredients
2 cups oyster crackers
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp coarse sea salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour the caramel sauce over the oyster crackers and toss gently until they are evenly coated.
Spread the crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Let cool completely before breaking into clusters.
Notes
Make sure to watch the caramel closely as it can burn quickly.
You can substitute other types of crackers if you prefer, but oyster crackers give the best results.
These treats store well in an airtight container for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: Approx. 150 calories per serving
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg