These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are a sweet and salty snack that’s both easy to make and incredibly addictive! With a buttery, crunchy base of oyster crackers coated in a rich homemade caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, movie nights, or simply satisfying your sweet and salty cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick: This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time. You can have a batch of these delicious cracker bites ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes.
Sweet and Salty Perfection: The combination of buttery crackers, sweet caramel, and a sprinkle of salt creates a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and addictive.
Versatile: These cracker bites are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them on their own as a snack, serve them alongside your favorite dips and spreads, or use them as a crunchy topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Ingredients

Oyster crackers: These small, buttery crackers provide a perfect base for the caramel coating.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the caramel.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a deep caramel flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the caramel.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm and comforting spice note.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Crackers

Pour the oyster crackers onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them out in an even layer.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Coating

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
Continue cooking the caramel for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and lightens in color.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 4: Coat and Bake

Immediately pour the caramel over the crackers on the baking sheet.
Use a greased spatula to fold the caramel into the crackers until they are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the crackers with salt.
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the crackers to cool completely. This will allow the caramel to set and become crunchy.
Once cooled, break the crackers apart into small clusters.
Store the Salted Caramel Cracker Bites in an airtight container at room temperature.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Coating: Make sure the crackers are evenly coated with the caramel mixture for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the caramel will make it too hard and difficult to eat. Bake the crackers just until the caramel is set and golden brown.
Cool Completely: Allow the crackers to cool completely before storing them to prevent them from becoming sticky and clumping together.

How to Serve

These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are delicious on their own as a snack or can be enjoyed:

At the movies: A sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for sharing.
At parties: Serve them in bowls or individual cups for a fun and festive party snack.
As a topping: Crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for a crunchy and sweet topping.
With coffee or tea: A delightful accompaniment to your afternoon coffee or tea break.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cracker bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Freezing

You can also freeze the cracker bites for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cracker?

Yes, you can experiment with other types of crackers, such as saltine crackers, graham crackers, or even Ritz crackers. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute it with margarine if needed.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan butter to make this recipe vegan.

4. Why is my caramel too hard?

If your caramel is too hard, it’s likely that you overcooked it. Make sure to bake the crackers just until the caramel is set and golden brown.