Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. The salty crackers create the perfect base for the gooey, sweet caramel, while the coarse salt on top adds that final touch that balances out the sweetness. They’re quick to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and are completely addictive! Whether you’re serving them as a quick dessert for guests or snacking on them throughout the day, these bites are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

1 sleeve of saltine crackers
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt (for topping)

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the sheet, covering as much of the surface as possible.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove the caramel sauce from heat and add in the vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the crackers. Use a spatula to spread it out and make sure each cracker is coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and has slightly darkened.
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the coarse sea salt over the top of the caramel.
Let the bites cool completely. For quicker cooling, place them in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Once cooled and set, break into pieces and serve!

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 12-16 (depending on how large you cut the pieces)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes (optional)

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for an added layer of sweetness.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor.
Toffee Flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of toffee extract for an extra layer of richness in the caramel.

Storage/Reheating

Store your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. No need to reheat unless you prefer to have them warm – they’re delicious straight from the fridge or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of cracker for this recipe?

While saltine crackers are the traditional choice, you can also experiment with graham crackers, buttery Ritz crackers, or other thin, crisp crackers.

2. Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, these can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week. They actually taste even better after they’ve cooled and set!

3. How do I keep the caramel from burning?

Keep an eye on the caramel mixture while it’s boiling, and stir constantly. Boil for no more than 4 minutes to avoid burning the sugar.

4. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but if you do, be sure to reduce the amount of additional salt added to avoid making the bites too salty.

5. Can I freeze these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites?

Yes, you can freeze them! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. Can I use regular sea salt instead of coarse sea salt?

Coarse sea salt gives these bites a nice crunch and burst of saltiness, but you can use regular sea salt if that’s all you have. Just sprinkle lightly.

7. What other toppings can I use for these bites?

Other fun toppings could include shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes for a festive twist!

8. Can I make this recipe without vanilla extract?

Yes, you can leave the vanilla out, but it does enhance the flavor of the caramel. You can also substitute with almond extract for a different flavor profile.

9. What can I do if the caramel hardens too quickly?

If the caramel hardens before you have a chance to spread it, warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it again.

10. Can I make these bites in a different pan size?

Yes, if you prefer a thicker or thinner layer of caramel, you can adjust the pan size. A smaller pan will give you thicker bites, while a larger one will spread the caramel more thinly.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are the ideal combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy, making them a fun and easy treat to whip up for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy these addictive bites that are perfect for sharing—or for keeping all to yourself! The best part? They’re versatile, so feel free to experiment with different toppings and add-ins to make them your own.