Introduction

Remember those little salty crackers you loved as a kid? Imagine transforming them into something truly magical – chewy, caramel-coated bites with just the right hint of salt. That’s exactly what these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are! They’re like a cozy hug in snack form, perfect for movie nights, impromptu gatherings, or just when you need a little something sweet and satisfying. The best part? They come together in a flash, proving that the most delicious treats don’t have to be complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Fast: Seriously, you can have these ready to go in under 30 minutes from start to finish!
Incredibly Easy: No fancy techniques or equipment needed. If you can stir, you can make these.
Perfect for Gifting: Package them up in cute jars or bags for a homemade gift that’s always a hit.
Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: The irresistible sweet and salty combination means everyone will be asking for seconds (and thirds!).

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to snack-making bliss! Here’s what you’ll need:

9 ounces oyster crackers (1 package): These little guys are the perfect base – light, airy, and ready to soak up all that delicious caramel goodness.
1 cup butter (2 sticks): Unsalted is best here, so you can control the saltiness. It brings richness to our caramel.
1 cup brown sugar: This is what gives our caramel that classic chewy texture and deep, molasses flavor.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A little splash of vanilla adds warmth and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Just a hint of cinnamon adds a cozy, comforting spice note that pairs wonderfully with caramel.
1 teaspoon salt: This is the magic ingredient that balances the sweetness and makes the caramel truly “salted.” Don’t skip it!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get our hands (and our kitchen) a little sticky with some caramel-making fun! You’ll be amazed at how simple this is.

Preheat your oven: Get your oven nice and toasty to 350°F (175°C).
Prep your baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial for easy cleanup and preventing your cracker bites from sticking. Trust me on this one!
Melt the butter and sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine your butter and brown sugar. Stir them over medium heat, coaxing them into a smooth, glossy mixture. Keep stirring until it’s all melted and happy together.
Bring on the boil: Once it’s smooth, let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Let it bubble away for about 3 minutes, stirring every so often. This helps thicken the caramel slightly.
Flavor infusion: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Now for the magic! Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. The aroma at this stage is already heavenly!
Caramel shower: Spread your oyster crackers evenly across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Then, gently pour the warm caramel mixture all over the crackers, making sure to coat them as much as possible.
Bake to perfection: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for them to be lightly golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them – they can go from perfect to a little too dark quickly!
Cool down and break apart: This is the hardest part – waiting! Let the cracker bites cool completely on the baking sheet. Once they’re fully cooled, you can easily break them apart into yummy bite-sized pieces.

Substitutions & Additions

Want to put your own spin on these already amazing bites? Here are a few ideas:

Savory Swap: If you’re not a huge cinnamon fan, you can leave it out! Or, try a pinch of nutmeg for a different warm spice.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, a drizzle of melted dark or milk chocolate over the bites takes them to a whole new level of decadence.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even peanuts to the crackers before pouring the caramel for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Sea Salt Finish: For an extra pop of saltiness and visual appeal, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the bites right after they come out of the oven, before they cool.

Tips for Success

Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few insider tips. Here’s how to ensure your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t Overcook the Caramel: Keep a close eye on the caramel mixture while it’s boiling. Overcooking can make it too hard and brittle.
Even Coating is Key: Try to pour and spread the caramel as evenly as possible over the crackers so each bite gets a good amount of caramel.
Cool Completely: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting them cool completely is essential for them to set properly and break apart cleanly.
Prep Ahead: You can easily double or triple this recipe for parties or holidays. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and cooling space!

How to Store It

Once your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are cooled and broken apart, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh and chewy. I like to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, they might start to get a little sticky sooner, but they’ll still taste great!

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of cracker?

A: While oyster crackers are ideal because of their light texture, you could experiment with other small, unsalted crackers like Ritz or even saltines in a pinch. Just be aware that the texture and saltiness might vary slightly.

Q: My caramel seems too thin. What did I do wrong?

A: Ensure you boiled the caramel for the full 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This cooking time helps thicken it. Also, make sure your butter and sugar were fully melted and combined before boiling.

Q: Can I make these vegan?

A: You can try substituting vegan butter sticks and a vegan brown sugar alternative. The texture might be slightly different, but it’s definitely worth a try!

Easy Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Transform salty crackers into magical, chewy, caramel-coated bites with a hint of salt. These are perfect for movie nights, impromptu gatherings, or when you need a sweet and satisfying treat. They come together quickly and easily.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Equipment

Oven
Baking Sheet
Parchment paper
Medium saucepan

Ingredients

Main ingredients

9 ounces oyster crackers (1 package)
1 cup butter Unsalted is best
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For an extra pop of saltiness and visual appeal, sprinkle with flaky sea salt right after baking. You can also add chopped nuts or a chocolate drizzle for variations.