If you dream of salty-sweet snacks with irresistible crunch, get ready to fall for Salted Caramel Cracker Bites. This quick and easy treat takes humble oyster crackers and completely transforms them with a buttery caramel coating, a hint of cinnamon, and the perfect sprinkle of sea salt. Every bite is a bite-sized bonanza of flavor and texture — making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for parties, lunchboxes, movie nights, or anytime you need a little comfort food magic.

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, Salted Caramel Cracker Bites come together fast — but don’t let the simplicity fool you. Each ingredient brings its own delicious charm to the mix, ensuring every handful is as addictive as the last.

Oyster Crackers: These bite-sized, pillowy crackers soak up caramel beautifully while keeping plenty of crunch.
Butter (2 sticks): The key to silky, rich caramel with that melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
Brown Sugar: Offers a deep, toffee-like sweetness and gives the caramel its signature golden hue.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the caramel, making it extra aromatic and inviting.
Cinnamon: Just enough for a whisper of warmth and spice that rounds out the sweetness.
Salt: Finishes each bite with a punchy, crave-worthy contrast that makes these snacks so addictive.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the oyster crackers into a single, even layer on the sheet. Parchment not only keeps cleanup easy, but it also helps prevent sticking when the caramel gets all gooey.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Keep stirring as it comes to a gentle boil — expect delicious smells! Let it bubble for about 2-3 minutes, just until it thickens and the color turns a little lighter. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Coat the Crackers

Remove the saucepan from the heat right away and immediately pour the hot caramel over your spread-out crackers. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold and toss the crackers, making sure each one gets coated in that glossy, fragrant caramel. Top everything off with a generous sprinkle of salt.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 7-9 minutes. This short bake sets the caramel and adds extra crunch. Keep an eye out toward the end — the caramel can go from golden to burnt quickly! Once they’re done, remove the tray and let the crackers cool entirely.

Step 5: Break and Store

As soon as the Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are cool and the caramel is set, break them up into small, snackable clusters. Store your bites in an airtight container — or get ready to serve and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top right after baking. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dusting of crushed pecans or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can add a gourmet touch to your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites.

Side Dishes

Pair these beauties with something cool and creamy: vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or a dollop of whipped cream. They also shine alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or strawberries, which balance out the richness with a burst of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Salted Caramel Cracker Bites into party-ready treats by scooping them into mini cupcake liners for single-serve bites. For the holidays, pack them into mason jars with a ribbon for the sweetest gifts. Or simply fill a big snack bowl for casual gatherings — they’re always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten Salted Caramel Cracker Bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, though they rarely last that long once you start snacking!

Freezing

Looking to make a batch ahead of time? No problem! Freeze cooled cracker bites in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to two months. Let them thaw for fifteen minutes at room temperature before serving — they’ll be just as crisp.

Reheating

If you find the bites have lost a little crunch after storage, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in a 300 degree F oven for 3-5 minutes. Let them cool, and they’ll crisp right back up!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker for Salted Caramel Cracker Bites?

Absolutely! Mini pretzels, saltines, or even mini Ritz crackers all work well and add their own fun twist. Just aim for small, sturdy pieces that can handle the caramel coating.

What’s the easiest way to keep the caramel from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly. As soon as the caramel thickens and turns lighter in color, remove it from the heat — this prevents overcooking. Watch closely during baking, too, as caramel can darken quickly.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, and you absolutely should! Simply use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking to ensure even caramelization. It’s a perfect party snack.

Is there a way to make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites dairy-free?

Use your favorite plant-based butter substitute in place of the regular butter. Double-check that your brown sugar and crackers are dairy-free, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly treat everyone can enjoy.

Do I need a candy thermometer for the caramel?

No candy thermometer needed! Just go by the look and feel: once the mixture thickens slightly and lightens in color, it’s ready to pour over the crackers. This recipe is truly fuss-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a bowl of Salted Caramel Cracker Bites with friends and family. Give this recipe a try the next time you crave something sweet, salty, and perfectly crispy — I’m sure it’ll earn a permanent spot in your snack rotation!

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy. A simple yet addictive treat that is great for snacking or as a dessert option.

Ingredients

Scale

Oyster Crackers

1 9oz package oyster crackers

Caramel Sauce

1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Crackers: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread oyster crackers on the parchment paper.
Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until dissolved. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until thickened and light in color.
Pour Caramel Over Crackers: Remove from heat and pour caramel over crackers. Mix to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt.
Bake: Bake for 7-9 minutes, ensuring caramel doesn’t burn.
Cool and Serve: Allow crackers to cool, then break into clusters. Store in an airtight container.