Heavenly Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe for Sweet Snacking

Sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible, these salted caramel cracker bites dance between salty and sweet with delightful precision.

Every bite delivers a perfect symphony of textures that will make your taste buds sing.

Crackers become the unexpected canvas for a luxurious caramel coating that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet treat.

The combination of buttery caramel and delicate sea salt creates a magical contrast that elevates this snack from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll love how easily these bites come together, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor impact.

Each piece promises a rich, indulgent experience that’s impossible to resist.

Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet spectacular dessert that’s sure to become your new favorite indulgence.

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites – All the Appeal

• Super simple recipe with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for novice bakers wanting a delightful sweet treat.
• Elevate ordinary crackers into an irresistible dessert with just a few pantry staples, creating a magical snack that surprises everyone.
• Versatile treat that works wonderfully for potlucks, movie nights, family gatherings, or unexpected sweet cravings with minimal preparation needed.
• Adaptable recipe allowing personal touches like different salt types, optional chocolate drizzle, or experimenting with spice variations to suit individual tastes.

What’s Inside Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

• Crackers: Crisp base that provides a crunchy foundation for the sweet caramel coating.
• Butter: Rich ingredient that helps create a smooth and flavorful caramel sauce.
• Sugar: Essential for developing the classic caramel sweetness and texture.

• Vanilla, Cinnamon: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the caramel's taste profile.
• Salt: Provides a contrasting savory note that balances the sweetness of the caramel.

• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier during baking.

Tools for Cracker Bites Perfection

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for evenly spreading crackers and baking.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for melting butter and creating caramel sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring caramel mixture smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients like sugar and vanilla.
• Cooling Rack: Optional surface for cooling cracker bites after baking.

Making Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Arrange graham crackers or saltine crackers in a single layer without overlapping, creating a neat foundation for the caramel coating.

Step 2: Create Luscious Caramel Sauce

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until ingredients meld together smoothly.

Allow the mixture to bubble and thicken for 3-4 minutes, watching for a rich golden color and consistent texture.

Step 3: Drench Crackers in Caramel

Carefully pour the hot caramel sauce over the prepared crackers, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Use a spatula to spread the caramel if needed, creating a uniform layer that reaches all edges of the crackers.

Step 4: Sprinkle and Season

Generously dust the caramel-coated crackers with sea salt or kosher salt, adding a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel base.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning.

Watch carefully to prevent burning, looking for a deep golden color and slightly bubbling edges.

Step 6: Cool and Break

Remove from the oven and let the caramel cracker bites cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, break into rustic clusters or bite-sized pieces.

Transfer to an airtight container for storage, enjoying within 5-7 days for optimal crispness.

Tips for Caramel Cracker Bites

• Watch crackers closely during baking to avoid overcooking. Caramel can quickly turn from golden to burnt, so keep a close eye on the oven.
• Adjust sugar quantity based on your preference. Less sugar creates a lighter caramel, while more sugar deepens the rich, sweet flavor.
• Use thick, sturdy crackers like graham or saltine to ensure they hold up under the caramel coating. Thin crackers might become soggy.
• Choose high-quality sea salt or flaky salt for a more complex flavor profile. Sprinkle salt right after pouring caramel for better adherence.
• Keep bites in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.

Switch Up Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

• Chocolate Lovers' Swap: Replace cinnamon with cocoa powder and drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled caramel crackers for a rich chocolate version.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top of caramel before baking for added texture and nutty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free crackers or rice cakes as base, ensuring same crispy texture for people with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining caramel-like sweetness.

Serving Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

• Sweet Dessert Plate Pairing: Serve these crispy caramel bites alongside vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Elegant Party Snack: Arrange clusters on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for a sophisticated appetizer that wows guests.
• Gifting Presentation: Package cooled clusters in clear cellophane bags tied with twine, perfect as homemade edible gifts for holidays or special occasions.
• Coffee Companion: Pair these crunchy treats with espresso or cappuccino for a delightful mid-afternoon sweet and salty snack break.

Storing Caramel Cracker Bites Right

• Seal cooled cracker bites in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between clusters. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining crisp texture and delicious flavor.
• Wrap individual clusters tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 weeks, preserving their sweet and salty crunch.
• Store in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and crispy consistency.
• Warm briefly in oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore original crispness. Avoid microwave, which can make crackers soggy and diminish caramel's rich texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need to make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites?

You’ll need crackers, butter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. These simple pantry staples create a delicious sweet and salty treat.

• Can I use different types of crackers?

Yes! Saltine crackers work best, but graham crackers or butter crackers can also work. Choose a cracker with a neutral base that will absorb the caramel well.

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Watch the caramel closely while it’s boiling and stir constantly. Keep the heat at medium and remove from heat as soon as it thickens, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel cracker bites bring salty-sweet magic to dessert lovers. Graham crackers layered with buttery caramel and chocolate create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (9 ounces) oyster crackers
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter
• 1 cup brown sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Arrange crackers in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring no overlap and complete coverage of the surface.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter and sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
3. Add vanilla and cinnamon to the caramel mixture, continuing to stir until ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce develops a rich, golden hue.
4. Carefully drizzle the hot caramel evenly across the crackers, using a spatula to spread and ensure complete coverage.
5. Sprinkle flaky sea salt generously over the caramel-coated crackers for a balanced sweet and savory flavor profile.
6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 8 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning or excessive browning.
7. Remove from oven and allow the caramel cracker bites to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
8. Once fully cooled and hardened, gently break the sheet into bite-sized clusters using your hands or a sharp knife.
9. Transfer the clusters to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

• Choose sturdy crackers like graham or saltines that can withstand caramel coating without becoming soggy.
• Use a candy thermometer to monitor caramel temperature, ensuring perfect consistency without burning.
• Experiment with alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Sprinkle crushed nuts or dark chocolate chips on warm caramel for added texture and gourmet touch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg