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These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites started as a midnight snack experiment and quickly became my most requested party treat. Pillowy oyster crackers get totally transformed with homemade caramel, cozy cinnamon, and a sprinkle of salt—you will not believe how good these taste straight from the oven. With just pantry basics and a quick bake, you have a treat that disappears faster than you can pour yourself a glass of milk.
I first made these for a last minute book club snack and now everyone wants the recipe whenever I bring them along.
Ingredients
- Oyster crackers: look for fresh bags from the soup aisle for best crunch
- Butter: pick unsalted so you control the saltiness later
- Brown sugar: either light or dark brown sugar works and brings a rich molasses note
- Vanilla extract: splurge on pure vanilla for the deepest flavor
- Cinnamon: go for ground cinnamon that smells sweet and warm
- Salt: flaky sea salt is perfect for finishing and adds that irresistible pop
Always check your brown sugar for freshness since hard clumps can ruin the caramel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Ready:
- Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using two layers helps with sticky caramel if it bubbles over.
- Caramel Time:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat stirring often until fully liquid. Add brown sugar and keep stirring constantly for about three to four minutes until the mixture is combined and glossy. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and cinnamon making sure everything is evenly distributed.
- The Coating Party:
- Quickly pour the hot caramel mixture over your oyster crackers in a large bowl. Gently toss using two spatulas until every cracker is coated. Be patient as this step is key for even caramel coverage.
- Into the Oven:
- Spread the caramel-coated crackers onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about fifteen minutes stirring once halfway through so nothing sticks or burns. Keep an eye on the edges during the last few minutes since caramel can darken quickly.
- The Waiting Game:
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle generously with flaky salt. Let them cool completely on the sheet—this allows the caramel to crisp up. Break into clusters or bite-sized pieces once cool.
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The brown sugar caramel is always my favorite part especially when it pools a little around the crackers and gets really crunchy. One year my cousin and I made these together and ended up eating almost half the batch before the rest of the family even got home. That memory still makes me smile every time I bake them.
Storage Tips
Store these bites in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crispy. I often use a big cookie jar with a tight-fitting lid. If you are making a big batch for a party or gifts these also freeze surprisingly well. Thaw at room temp for about twenty minutes before serving for that fresh snap.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap oyster crackers for any small neutral crunchy cracker. I have tried gluten-free varieties with great results. If you want to mix things up try adding chopped nuts at the coating stage—pecans and almonds both work beautifully. Flaky sea salt is best but a little coarse kosher salt can also be used.
Serving Suggestions
These bites are dreamy with coffee or hot chocolate when you want something a little extra. Stack them in treat bags for homemade gifts or set out bowls at holiday gatherings. I sometimes drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bites for even more decadence.
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A Little History
This twist on classic cracker jack-style snacks goes way back in my family. My grandma always had some sort of caramel popcorn or cracker mix in her kitchen for surprise guests. Adapting that tradition with oyster crackers was my midnight way of bringing those comforting bites into the new generation. Making these always feels like a little nod to her simple sweet hospitality.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long do these crackers stay fresh?
When kept in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain crisp and flavorful for up to one week due to the caramel coating.
- → Can different types of crackers be used?
Yes, alternatives like gluten-free or sturdy neutral-flavored crackers work well, as long as they can hold the caramel without getting soggy.
- → Why is it important to watch them closely in the oven?
The sugar caramelizes quickly and can burn within minutes, so monitoring during the final baking stage prevents bitter flavors and ensures a perfect glaze.
- → Can these be prepared in advance for gifting?
Absolutely! Once cooled thoroughly, package in airtight containers or cellophane bags to keep fresh for gifting over the following week.
- → What salt is best for sprinkling on top?
Flaky sea salt works best, adding texture and enhancing sweetness. Kosher salt can be used cautiously due to its stronger flavor.