Move over, cookies — these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are stealing the show! Crunchy, buttery, sweet, and just the right amount of salty, they’re the kind of snack you make “just to try” and end up eating half the tray before they’ve even cooled. Bonus: they’re shockingly easy and made with pantry staples!
This is the perfect make-ahead treat for parties, movie nights, or edible gifts (if you can manage not to eat them all yourself). Let’s get into why these caramel bites are about to be your new snack obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: No candy thermometer or fussy techniques required.
- 5 Simple Ingredients: Butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and crackers. That’s it.
- Ultra Snackable: They’re crunchy, sweet, salty, and totally addictive.
- Perfect for Sharing (or Not): Make a big batch and package them up, or store for personal snacking bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Oyster Crackers: These tiny crackers are the ideal base — perfectly bite-sized and great at soaking up that caramel coating. 🥨
Butter: Unsalted is preferred for better control over the saltiness, but if you use salted, just reduce or skip the kosher salt later. 🧈
Brown Sugar: Light or dark both work; it adds richness and depth to the caramel. 🍯
Vanilla Paste or Extract: Vanilla enhances the buttery-sweet caramel flavor. Paste gives a stronger flavor and beautiful flecks, but extract works too. 🌿
Kosher Salt: A sprinkle of salt at the end balances the sweetness and adds that irresistible salty finish. 🧂
How to Make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This keeps the caramel from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Arrange the Crackers
Spread 4 cups of oyster crackers evenly over your prepared baking sheet. You want a single, even layer so every cracker gets coated in caramel.
Make the Caramel
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt ¾ cup of butter. Stir in ¾ cup of brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of vanilla paste or extract. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves into the butter.
Now increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep stirring as it bubbles for about 3–4 minutes. The mixture will thicken slightly and turn a lighter golden brown — that’s your cue it’s ready!
Coat the Crackers
Turn off the heat and immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the crackers. Use a rubber spatula to gently toss and coat all the crackers evenly. Work quickly — the caramel sets fast!
Add the Salt
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of kosher salt evenly across the coated crackers. This step makes the magic happen — don’t skip it!
Bake
Pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes — the sugar can burn quickly.
Cool & Break Apart
Remove the tray from the oven and let the crackers cool completely. Once they’ve hardened, break them into bite-sized clusters. Store in an airtight container or enjoy right away!
Pro Tips for Perfect Caramel Crackers
- Don’t Overbake: Caramel can go from golden to burnt fast. Watch closely around the 8-minute mark.
- Work Fast: When pouring the caramel, move quickly and gently — it starts setting as soon as it hits the crackers.
- Want Extra Flair? Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top after baking for a fancier finish.
- Make it Your Own: Add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate once cooled for fun variations.
Storage Tips
Let the bites cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. (Good luck making them last that long!)
Get Ready to Snack!
Whether you’re making a batch for game day, gifting jars for the holidays, or sneaking a handful with your afternoon coffee, these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are guaranteed to be a hit. You might want to double the recipe… trust me on this one.