If you’re craving a sweet-and-salty snack that will sweep you off your feet with every crunchy bite, look no further than these irresistible Salted Caramel Cracker Bites. Imagine buttery oyster crackers coated in a luscious, homemade caramel glaze, perfectly balanced with a pinch of salt and just the right hint of warm cinnamon. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by gooey caramel warmth that melts in your mouth, making these bites an absolute showstopper for parties, movie nights, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special.

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites come together with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the perfect blend of flavors and textures that make this snack so addictive.

1 9 oz package oyster crackers: The crunchy base that soaks up the caramel while keeping a satisfying crispness.
1 cup (2 sticks) butter: Adds rich, creamy depth to the caramel sauce.
1 cup brown sugar: Provides a deep sweetness and molasses flavor that’s essential for caramel.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic warmth to the caramel.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
1 teaspoon salt: The magic finishing touch that balances the sweetness and elevates the salted caramel experience.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Crackers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the oyster crackers evenly over the sheet to ensure every bite gets an even caramel coating.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. This fragrant mixture is the heart of the Salted Caramel Cracker Bites.

Step 3: Boil and Thicken the Mixture

Bring the caramel mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a lighter caramel shade. This ensures your caramel will beautifully coat every cracker without being too runny.

Step 4: Coat the Crackers

Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the rich caramel sauce over your crackers on the baking sheet. Gently toss or stir the crackers to make sure each one is luxuriously coated. Sprinkle the teaspoon of salt over everything to bring out that signature salted caramel flavor.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the coated crackers in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the caramel from burning — you want it perfectly golden and sticky. After baking, let your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites cool completely so the caramel hardens and the flavors meld together. Once cooled, break the crackers into mouthwatering clusters for sharing or snacking.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of flaky sea salt over the bites right before serving for an extra pop of texture and enhanced saltiness. You could also add chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.

Side Dishes

Serve these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad for a perfect sweet-salty dessert combo. They’re also fantastic paired with warm beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, or even a spiced chai latte, balancing out intense richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange these bites on a festive platter with small bowls of nuts, dried fruit, and mini chocolates for a customizable snack spread. Alternatively, package them in small mason jars with a ribbon for charming homemade gifts that friends and family will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp and delicious for up to a week, perfect for enjoying anytime you need a quick sweet snack.

Freezing

You can freeze these bites by placing them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a treat, simply thaw them at room temperature for an hour or so. Freezing might slightly soften the texture but the flavors remain just as wonderful.

Reheating

If you prefer your bites a little warm and gooey, gently reheat them in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for 5 minutes. This will soften the caramel slightly without melting it completely, giving you warm, melty bites again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Absolutely! While oyster crackers are classic because of their size and texture, you can experiment with other small, sturdy crackers like saltines or mini rice crackers to create your own spin.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the oyster crackers for a gluten-free cracker variety. Just ensure they are small and crisp enough to hold the caramel coating well.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning during baking?

Keep the baking time short and watch closely during those last few minutes. If your oven tends to run hot, lowering the temperature slightly can also help avoid burning.

Can I adjust the sweetness or saltiness?

Definitely! You can reduce the brown sugar slightly for less sweetness or sprinkle more salt to enhance the salted caramel flavor according to your personal taste.

Are these bites good for gift-giving?

They make fantastic edible gifts! Pack them in decorative tins or jars, and they’ll be a delightful homemade treat for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites enough if you want a truly addictive snack that combines sweet, salty, buttery, and crunchy all in one. The simplicity of the ingredients paired with that gooey caramel magic will have you making them again and again. So go ahead, grab that package of oyster crackers and dive into this treat — your taste buds will thank you!

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4 cups of salted caramel cracker bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these irresistible Salted Caramel Cracker Bites, a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors wrapped around crunchy oyster crackers. This easy-to-make treat features buttery caramel infused with vanilla and cinnamon, finished with a sprinkle of salt for a satisfying snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cracker Base

1 9 oz package oyster crackers

Caramel Sauce

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Arrange crackers: Evenly spread the oyster crackers over the prepared baking sheet, creating a single layer to ensure even coating and baking.
Make caramel mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Boil caramel: Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Let it boil for 2–3 minutes, which will thicken the caramel and lighten its color, indicating readiness.
Coat crackers: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the hot caramel over the crackers on the baking sheet. Gently toss or stir to ensure all crackers are evenly coated. Sprinkle the salt evenly on top to enhance the caramel flavor.
Bake: Bake the coated crackers for 7–9 minutes. Watch carefully to make sure the caramel doesn’t burn; the mixture should be bubbly and set.
Cool and serve: Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet; the caramel will harden, forming clusters. Once cool, break into bite-size pieces. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

Make sure to stir the caramel continuously during boiling to prevent burning.
If you prefer extra crunch, let the cracker bites bake a minute or two longer, but watch them closely.
For variation, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts before baking for added texture.
Store leftover bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and ease cleanup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American