Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
Introduction
Craving a sweet and salty snack that’s both quick and delicious? Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are your answer! These little morsels combine the crunch of oyster crackers with a rich, homemade caramel sauce, topped off with a sprinkle of salt. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a late-night treat. In just one bowl and a baking sheet, you can whip up this delightful snack that will leave everyone asking for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like crackers and butter.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet and salty flavors appeal to everyone.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The recipe strikes the right balance of texture and flavor.
These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites stand out because they mix the light crunch of the crackers with a buttery caramel that’s not too sweet, making them a delightful snack that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients Needed
- For the Base:
- 1 (9 oz) package oyster crackers
- For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), unsalted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
How to Make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bites bake evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bites from sticking and making cleanup easier.
- Arrange the Crackers: Spread the oyster crackers in an even layer on the baking sheet. They should be close together but not overlapping.
- Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This adds a rich flavor to your caramel.
- Coat the Crackers: Pour the warm caramel sauce over the crackers and gently toss them to make sure every cracker is coated evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Cool and Share: Once done, remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool completely on the baking sheet. After they cool, break them apart into bite-sized pieces and serve.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
These bites are perfect for serving in a bowl or on a platter. You can also package them in small bags as party favors or take them to potlucks. For a fun twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
How to Store Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
To keep your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crunchy for about a week.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
- Don’t Skip the Stirring: Keep stirring the caramel while it cooks to prevent burning.
- Use a Timer: Set a timer when baking to avoid overcooking, as the bites can brown quickly.
- Test for Doneness: The bites should smell fragrant and look golden brown when done baking.
Variations
Consider adding chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, before baking for an extra crunch. You could also drizzle some melted chocolate on top after cooling for added sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different crackers for this recipe?
Yes! While oyster crackers are ideal, you can use any small snack cracker you like.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply choose gluten-free crackers and ensure your other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
How long can I store these bites?
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. They may lose some crunch over time.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are an easy, delicious treat that everyone will love! They’re quick to make, use simple ingredients, and offer the perfect combination of flavors and textures. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media—what variations did you try? Let us know below!
Print
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and delightful salted caramel bites made with oyster crackers and a rich homemade caramel sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 (9 oz) package oyster crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread oyster crackers in an even layer on the baking sheet.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together while stirring constantly until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the warm caramel sauce over the crackers and gently toss to coat.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking into bite-sized pieces.
Notes
These bites can be served in a bowl, on a platter, or packaged as party favors. They pair well with vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg