Salted Caramel Cracker Bites made with oyster crackers, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sweet, salty, and utterly addictive!
Do you ever have one of those moments where you need something sweet and salty, like, right now? That’s exactly how these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites were born. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I was rummaging through my pantry, looking for inspiration. Staring back at me were a lonely bag of oyster crackers and a half-used stick of butter. That’s when it hit me: Why not turn these humble crackers into something spectacular?
I remember that first batch so vividly. My kitchen smelled like a candy shop, and my family was hovering—you know, that way they do when something smells too good to ignore. The second they cooled, my kids pounced. My husband, who swears he’s not a “snack person” (yeah, okay), grabbed a handful and declared them “dangerously good.”
Now, these little bites have become a staple in our house. Whether it’s a last-minute treat for movie night, a quick gift idea for the holidays, or just a way to satisfy my own sweet tooth, they never disappoint. They’re so simple it feels almost wrong calling it a recipe. But hey, sometimes the simplest things are the best, right?
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe?
- Sweet Meets Salty: There’s just something magical about that combo, isn’t there?
- Foolproof Recipe: No candy thermometers, no stress. Just a saucepan and an oven.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These disappear in minutes at parties, and everyone asks for the recipe.
- Customizable: Feeling creative? Add nuts, drizzle with chocolate, or mix in some festive sprinkles.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pop them in a jar with a cute ribbon, and you’ve got an instant holiday hit.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s chat about what makes these bites so ridiculously good:
- Oyster Crackers: These are the perfect base. They’re light, crispy, and just the right size for snacking.
- Butter: Real, unsalted butter is a must here. It gives the caramel that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor that makes the caramel taste extra indulgent.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash rounds out the flavor and makes everything taste a little fancier.
- Cinnamon: A pinch adds warmth and makes these bites feel cozy and special.
- Salt: The sprinkle at the end is what ties the whole thing together. Sweet, salty perfection!
How To Make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites?
This recipe is as easy as it gets, but the results? Absolutely next-level. Here’s how it’s done:
- Get Your Baking Sheet Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, this makes cleanup so much easier. Spread the oyster crackers out in an even layer. - Whip Up the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Once it’s combined, bring it to a gentle boil. Let it bubble for about 2–3 minutes while you stir—don’t wander off here! You’ll notice it thickening and turning a gorgeous golden color. - Coat Those Crackers
Pour the caramel mixture over the crackers. Use a spatula to gently toss everything, making sure each cracker gets its fair share of that buttery goodness. Sprinkle a little salt over the top for good measure. - Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 7–9 minutes. Keep an eye on it—caramel can go from golden to burned faster than you’d think. - Cool and Break into Bites
Let the crackers cool completely on the tray. As they cool, the caramel hardens into that irresistible crunchy coating. Break them into bite-sized clusters, and you’re ready to snack.
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week. They’ll stay crunchy and delicious.
- Freezer: Want to stockpile some for later? Freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temp before diving in.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to make these bites your own:
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or almonds for an extra layer of crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bites. Instant upgrade!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the caramel for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
- Swap Crackers: Mini pretzels or saltines work beautifully if you’re out of oyster crackers.
- Seasonal Flair: Add sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch during the holidays.
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Cracker Bites?
These bites are snack perfection on their own, but if you want to get fancy:
- With Coffee or Tea: The sweet caramel pairs beautifully with a hot drink.
- On Ice Cream: Crumble them over vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- In a Snack Mix: Combine with popcorn, nuts, and chocolate candies for a party-ready treat.
- With Wine: A crisp white or light rosé balances the sweet and salty flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Sure, just skip the extra salt at the end to keep things balanced.
Do I need any special equipment?
Nope! All you need is a saucepan, a baking sheet, and some parchment paper.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. They store well and are perfect for gifting or prepping ahead for parties.
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. They’re easy, addictive, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re snacking solo or sharing with friends (good luck with that), these bites are guaranteed to impress. So, what do you think? Ready to give them a try? Let me know how they turn out—I’d love to hear your take!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
Ingredients
- 1 package 9 ounces oyster crackers
- 2 sticks 1 c butter
- 1 c brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Set your temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Evenly spread oyster crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan melt butter. Add sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir until everything is dissolved. Bring it to a boil. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Pour the caramel over the crackers ensuring they are coated evenly. Sprinkle a bit of salt on top.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven for 7 to 9 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent any burning.
- Let the crackers cool down before breaking them into clusters. Store them in an airtight container, for enjoyment.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
7 Responses
Easy to make and a delicious snack!
These are amazing! But baker beware, especially if you dont work with any kind of caramel, you aren’t going to end up with a bowl of beautiful individual crackers as the pictures suggest here. You end up with most peanut brittle-like pieces, and a few individual crackers, as you have to break apart the concoction once it sets.
Still fantastic, will still be a hit anywhere you take them, but wanted to share the true end result.
Thank you for your feedback! It’s true that the caramel can sometimes form into larger pieces that may look more like peanut brittle than the individual crackers shown in the photos. This is a common result when making this treat, as the caramel will often clump together when it cools, but it doesn’t affect the taste or overall enjoyment of the recipe!
As you mentioned, breaking the cooled caramel into bite-sized pieces can still result in a delicious snack. It’s an easy, addictive treat that’s sure to impress no matter the shape or form.
Great combination of salty and sweet. Very easy to put together.
Do you use regular table salt or sea salt?
For this recipe, you can use either regular table salt or sea salt, depending on your preference. Sea salt tends to have a more delicate texture and can add a slightly different flavor, while table salt has a finer grain. If you prefer a more subtle touch of salt, sea salt might be your choice. However, if you’re using table salt, make sure to adjust the amount if needed, as its finer texture can make it saltier.
Made and there are amazing and easy !