Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Salty Delight: The perfect balance of rich caramel and a touch of salt creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this snack in no time.

• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday gifts, party snacks, or a delightful addition to your dessert table.

• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

• 9 oz bag oyster crackers

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the oyster crackers in a single layer.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

3. Pour the caramel mixture over the oyster crackers, ensuring they are evenly coated. Gently toss the crackers to distribute the caramel.

4. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the caramel-coated crackers.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The caramel should be bubbly and golden.

6. Remove from the oven and allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break them into bite-sized pieces.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 12 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 9 minutes

• Total Time: 24 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the caramel mixture for an extra crunch.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cracker bites.

• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the caramel for a sweet and spicy twist.

• Different Crackers: Substitute oyster crackers with mini pretzels or saltine crackers for a different texture.

• Festive Touch: Sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top for holiday-themed treats.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled cracker bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

• Freezing: Place the cracker bites in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Reheating: If desired, warm the cracker bites in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to refresh their crispness.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent it from being too salty.

What if I don't have oyster crackers?

You can substitute with mini pretzels, saltine crackers, or even broken-up graham crackers for a different flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free crackers available at most grocery stores to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Keep a close eye on the caramel while it's cooking and during baking. Stir constantly while simmering, and don't exceed the recommended baking time.

Can I add other spices to the caramel?

Yes, feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.

Is it necessary to line the baking sheet with parchment paper?

While not mandatory, using parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents the caramel from sticking to the pan.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients. Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet or bake in batches to ensure even cooking.

How long do these cracker bites stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to one week.

Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?

Certainly! Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the caramel-coated crackers before baking, or mix them in after baking while the caramel is still warm.

What's the best way to package these for gifts?

Place the cooled cracker bites in decorative tins, mason jars, or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a delightful homemade gift.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, offering a satisfying crunch in every bite. Easy to make and versatile, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to festive gatherings. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your collection.

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Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are the ultimate sweet-and-salty snack, combining buttery caramel, crisp oyster crackers, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for holiday treats, party snacks, or edible gifts, these bite-sized delights are quick to make and endlessly customizable.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

9 oz bag oyster crackers

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread oyster crackers in a single layer.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Pour caramel over the crackers, coating evenly. Toss gently to distribute.

4. Sprinkle salt evenly over coated crackers.

5. Bake for 7–9 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Caramel should be bubbly and golden.

6. Remove from oven. Let cool completely on the baking sheet. Break into bite-sized pieces once cooled.

Notes

• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds.

• Drizzle with melted chocolate after baking for a decadent twist.

• Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.

• Substitute oyster crackers with mini pretzels or saltines for variety.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.