Growing up, my grandma would make these incredible Salted Caramel Cracker Bites every holiday season. The rich, buttery caramel paired with the salty crunch of the crackers was like a party in my mouth. I can still remember the way the caramel would gently ooze out when you took that first bite, and the pure delight on everyone’s faces as they savored every morsel. Those Salted Caramel Cracker Bites were the stuff of legends in our family, and to this day, they’re the first thing I crave when the holidays roll around.
Why This Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
This Salted Caramel Cracker Bites recipe is truly special because it combines the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. The secret lies in the homemade caramel sauce, which is made with just a few simple ingredients but results in a rich, decadent topping for the crisp crackers. And the best part? This recipe yields a whopping 24 crackers, so you can share the love (or keep them all to yourself – I won’t judge!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these irresistible Salted Caramel Cracker Bites, you’ll need:
- Crackers: Any type of square or rectangular crackers will work, but I prefer a simple saltine for the perfect salty contrast.
- Unsalted butter: This is the key to the silky-smooth caramel sauce.
- Brown sugar: For a deep, molasses-y sweetness.
- Heavy cream: This helps create the creamy, luxurious texture of the caramel.
- Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt or flaky Maldon salt brings out all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Instructions
Preparing Your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
This recipe takes 20 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a small saucepan, a baking sheet, and a spoon to make these delectable Salted Caramel Cracker Bites.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the 24 crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2- In a small saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the 1/2 cup of brown sugar and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, about 3-4 minutes.
3- Carefully pour in the 1/4 cup of heavy cream and continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes, until the caramel thickens slightly.
4- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The caramel should now have a rich, glossy appearance.
5- Drizzle the hot caramel over the 24 crackers, making sure to evenly coat each one.
6- Bake the Salted Caramel Cracker Bites for 10 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the crackers are lightly golden.
Pro Tips for Success
- Be vigilant when making the caramel – it can go from perfect to burnt in no time, so keep a close eye on it and stir constantly.
- For an extra salty kick, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel-coated crackers before baking.
- Let the Salted Caramel Cracker Bites cool for a few minutes before serving – the caramel will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serving and Storing Your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
Perfect Pairings for Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites make a fantastic party appetizer or movie-night snack. Serve them up with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate sweet and salty experience. They’re also the perfect complement to a cheese board or charcuterie platter.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To store your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the Salted Caramel Cracker Bites for up to 2 months. Simply reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
Creative Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Variations
Want to mix things up? Try sprinkling the caramel-coated crackers with toasted chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers, or a dusting of cinnamon. You can also experiment with different types of crackers, like Ritz or wheat thins, for a unique twist.
Making Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Diet-Friendly
To make these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites gluten-free, simply swap the regular crackers for your favorite gluten-free variety. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and coconut cream in place of the heavy cream. And for a low-carb take, try making the caramel with a sugar substitute and serving the bites on keto-friendly crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cracker?
A: Absolutely! While I prefer the classic saltine cracker, you can use any square or rectangular cracker you like, from Ritz to wheat thins.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 crackers, with each serving being 1 cracker.
Q: Can I make the caramel ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the caramel up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then reheat it gently before drizzling it over the crackers.
Q: My caramel seems too thin. What can I do?
A: If your caramel is too thin, simply continue cooking it over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to the desired consistency.
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 24 crackers
Description
These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are a quick and easy, no-bake treat that combines crunchy crackers with a rich, gooey caramel topping and a sprinkle of sea salt. They’re the perfect sweet and salty snack or dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 24 saltine crackers
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
Instructions
1. 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. 2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, and whisk constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. 3. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture has thickened and turned a deep caramel color.
4. 4. Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
5. 5. Working quickly, dip the crackers one at a time into the hot caramel, turning to coat both sides.
6. 6. Place the coated crackers on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. 7. Sprinkle the tops of the caramel-coated crackers with additional sea salt.
8. 8. Allow the caramel to cool and set, about 30 minutes.
Notes
– For a chunkier texture, you can add chopped nuts or toffee bits to the caramel before dipping the crackers.
– Store the Salted Caramel Cracker Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Desserts & Baking
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are the perfect sweet and salty treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible bites that will have everyone coming back for more. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start baking up a batch of these delectable Salted Caramel Cracker Bites today!
