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Take plain oyster crackers and turn them into sweet and salty little bites packed with crispy crunch. These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are way too easy to eat—loaded with a buttery caramel glaze that sticks to every nook and cranny. Once you start snacking, it’s tough to stop.
The first batch I tried filled the house with an unreal caramel smell. My family kept poking around, eager for a sample. Even my partner, who says snacks aren’t his thing, was hooked and kept sneaking handfuls.
Irresistible Ingredients List
- Sea salt: Sprinkle flaky salt on at the end for a burst of flavor in every bite
- Ground cinnamon: A little freshly ground cinnamon makes this taste extra warm and special
- Pure vanilla extract: Go for real vanilla—just a splash makes the caramel taste amazing
- Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar brings out deep caramel vibes with a little molasses kick
- Unsalted butter: Pick a tasty, good quality butter so your caramel turns out super smooth and rich
- Oyster crackers: The classic small, crunchy crackers make these bites just the right size and extra crisp
Making Golden Caramel Clusters
- Cracker Setup:
- Line your baking sheet with parchment and spread out the crackers. Get your oven set to 350°F.
- Cover With Caramel:
- Once your caramel’s ready, pour it over all the crackers and gently toss to cover everything.
- Whip Up The Caramel:
- In a saucepan over medium, melt the butter, then add brown sugar and vanilla, stirring it all until it’s smooth.
- Bake Till Toasty:
- Sprinkle the crackers with sea salt, slide them in the oven, and bake for 7-9 minutes til you see a nice golden color.
- Bubbling Action:
- Let your caramel bubble gently for two or three minutes while stirring so it thickens up.
- Cool Down Time:
- Let everything cool until the caramel sets and you’ve got crispy little clusters ready to break apart.
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Honestly, I can’t get enough of that thick brown sugar caramel layer. It’s got that same nostalgic feel as my grandma’s caramel popcorn, but it’s even fancier and a little more grown up.
Tasty Ways To Serve
Serve a bowl of these bites next to your coffee or tea for guests. Or crumble them over your favorite ice cream—instant crunchy caramel topping that’ll wow everyone.
Fun Twists To Try
Switch things up by mixing in toasted nuts, drizzles of dark chocolate, or sprinkle in some holiday spices. Toss on candy sprinkles for parties or crumble bites over brownies for a serious upgrade.
Stay Crunchy
Just store these goodies in an airtight box on the counter and they’ll be great for at least a week. If you want to save some, stash them in a sealed bag in your freezer up to three months and let them come back to room temp before digging in.
After making tons of batches, I can tell you these bites do more than just fill you up—they make people happy. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a handful on your own, you’ll always end up smiling.
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Recipe FAQs
- → How long will these stay good?
- Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature, and they're good for up to 2 weeks.
- → Can I swap out the crackers?
- Sure, try saltines or any small plain crackers. Just keep the caramel amount the same.
- → My caramel got grainy—what happened?
- Over-stirring while boiling can cause this. Once boiling, let it cook without much stirring.
- → Can I freeze them?
- Yes, they hold up well in the freezer for 3 months. Let thaw at room temp to enjoy.
- → How can I tell if the caramel's done?
- When it’s a deep golden shade and turns thicker, after about 2-3 minutes of boiling, it’s ready.