Introduction

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are a delightful snack that combines sweet, salty, and buttery flavors in every bite. This simple recipe transforms ordinary oyster crackers into an addictive treat perfect for parties or casual snacking.

A close-up image showing a pile of square crackers coated in a shiny caramel glaze, sprinkled with coarse sea salt that adds texture and contrast. The crackers are golden brown with some pieces having small holes in the center, giving a crispy, glazed appearance. The pile sits directly on a white marbled textured surface, with some caramel drips visible around the edges, emphasizing the sticky coating. The lighting highlights the glossy caramel and the rough sea salt grains on the crackers, creating a warm and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (9 oz) package oyster crackers
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Place the oyster crackers in a large bowl and pour the caramel mixture over them. Toss gently to coat all crackers evenly.
Step 5: Spread the coated crackers onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even caramelization.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking into clusters and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Substitute 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall twist.
Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

Storage

Store Salted Caramel Cracker Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can be refreshed by warming slightly in a low oven if they lose their crunch.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of many small square crackers coated in a shiny caramel glaze. The crackers are golden brown with a slightly rough texture and some have tiny holes in the center. They are piled in a loose heap on a white marbled surface, and there is a sprinkling of coarse salt crystals on top that contrast with the sweet glossy coating. The caramel looks sticky and thick, making the crackers appear rich and crunchy photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Oyster crackers work best due to their size and texture, but you can experiment with other small, sturdy crackers. Avoid very thin or flaky types as they may become soggy.

Do I need to refrigerate these bites?

No refrigeration is necessary. Keeping them in a cool, dry place preserves their crispness and flavor.

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 81 reviews

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are a delicious, crunchy treat combining buttery oyster crackers coated in a rich, homemade salted caramel sauce with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or dessert tables, these bite-sized crackers deliver a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a delightful crispy texture.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cracker Base

1 (9 oz) package oyster crackers

Salted Caramel Sauce

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

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and thickens slightly, approximately 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the sugar mixture.
Add Flavorings: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully incorporated, ensuring an even flavor distribution.
Combine with Crackers: Place the oyster crackers in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot caramel sauce over the crackers and gently toss with a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure all crackers are evenly coated without breaking them.
Bake to Crisp: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the coated crackers out in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Bake and Stir: Bake the crackers for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent sticking. This step crisps the crackers and sets the caramel coating.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, they will become crisp and ready to enjoy. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Stirring during baking is essential to prevent burning and to achieve even coating.
These bites keep well for up to one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
For an extra touch, consider sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top before baking for enhanced texture.

Keywords: Salted caramel, oyster crackers, caramel bites, snack, sweet and salty, crunchy dessert