Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion. As I first discovered this recipe, I was captivated by how simple ingredients could come together to create such a deliciously addictive bite-sized dessert. The combination of crunchy crackers, rich caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt not only tantalizes the taste buds but also evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood treats.
These bites have gained popularity for their incredible taste and texture, offering a satisfying crunch followed by a gooey caramel center. They are perfect for parties, movie nights, or even as a quick pick-me-up during a busy day. What I love most about Salted Caramel Cracker Bites is their convenience; they can be whipped up in no time and are sure to impress family and friends alike. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Preparing the Caramel Sauce
First things first, let’s get that delicious caramel sauce ready. It’s the star of the show!
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from burning.
- Once the butter is melted, add the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar to the pan. Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and starts to bubble.
- Allow the mixture to boil for about 3-4 minutes without stirring. You want it to reach a nice golden color. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
- After boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble up a bit when you add the vanilla.
- Set the caramel sauce aside to cool slightly while we prepare the crackers.
Preparing the Crackers
Now that we have our caramel sauce ready, let’s prepare the saltine crackers. This part is super easy!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that our cracker bites get nice and crispy.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help with easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. You can fit about 40 crackers on a standard baking sheet.
Assembling the Cracker Bites
Now comes the fun part—assembling our salted caramel cracker bites!
- Once the caramel sauce has cooled slightly, pour it evenly over the arranged saltine crackers. Use a spatula to spread it out if needed, ensuring that each cracker is well coated.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. You want the caramel to bubble up and get a little more golden, but be careful not to let it burn.
- While the crackers are baking, melt the chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on the stove.
- Once the crackers are out of the oven, immediately drizzle the melted chocolate over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more control.
- If you’re using nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the melted chocolate while it’s still warm. This will help them stick!
Cooling and Serving
Now that our cracker bites are assembled, it’s time to let them cool and set.
- Allow the baking sheet to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the chocolate and caramel set properly.
- Once cooled, sprinkle a little extra sea salt over the top for that perfect sweet and salty balance.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the cooled caramel cracker bites into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Transfer the pieces to a serving platter or store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your salted caramel cracker bites turn out perfectly:
- Make sure to keep an eye on the caramel while it’s boiling. It can go from perfect to burnt very quickly!
- If you want to add a twist, try using different types of chocolate, like white chocolate or dark chocolate.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 cracker bites 1x
- 1 cup of unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 40 crackers)
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once melted, add the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Stir continuously until well combined and bubbling.
- Allow to boil for 3-4 minutes without stirring until it reaches a golden color. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (it will bubble up).
- Set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Pour the slightly cooled caramel sauce evenly over the crackers, spreading it out with a spatula if needed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until the caramel bubbles and turns golden.
- While baking, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the baked crackers immediately.
- If using, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the chocolate while still warm.
- Allow the baking sheet to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle extra sea salt over the top.
- Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Transfer to a serving platter or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Keep a close eye on the caramel while boiling to prevent burning.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a sweet and salty treat that’s both simple and satisfying. The combination of crunchy crackers, rich caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt creates a delightful flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or simply craving something sweet, these bites are perfect for any occasion. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these delicious bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert. You can also experiment with variations by adding toppings like chopped nuts, drizzles of chocolate, or even a hint of sea salt caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of creating these delightful Salted Caramel Cracker Bites in your own kitchen. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, and any creative twists you’ve added. Let’s spread the love for this delicious treat together! Print
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites: The Perfect Sweet and Salty Snack Recipe
Description
Enjoy these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites, featuring a crispy saltine cracker base topped with rich homemade caramel and drizzled with chocolate. A perfect blend of sweet and salty, these treats are sure to satisfy your cravings!
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