When it comes to flavor combos, sweet and salt is one of our all-time favorites. So when we heard about these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites we were immediately intrigued. They’re reminiscent of the famous Christmas cracker candy, but holding off on the chocolate (allowing the caramel to shine!) and using bite-sized oyster crackers instead of saltines. That means they’re even more snackable and dangerous… but in the best way! A crunchy layer of caramel on the outside gives way to a buttery cracker interior and once you have a taste you’ll understand why it’s impossible to stop at just one handful.
You’ll start by spreading out the oyster crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a pinch, you could just grease the baking sheet, but they come off the pan a whole lot easier with the parchment! You will then want to melt two sticks of butter in a saucepan to start the caramel. Add in the sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon and get that mixture bubbling! No candy thermometer needed for this recipe, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on things and continuously stir to make sure the caramel doesn’t burn.
Once the mixture starts to thicken and the color begins to lighten, remove the pan from the heat and pour the hot caramel over the crackers. We’ve found using a greased spatula works well for mixing the caramel into the crackers (and not ending up with a big clump on your spoon). Pop the baking sheet in the oven for just under 10 minutes and this irresistible snack is good to go!
These bites make the perfect treat for any occasion, but they’re especially popular around the holidays. As much as we love cookies, having a few other snack options on the table is never a bad idea. Whether you serve them in a big bowl at your Christmas party or packaged in baggies to give as gifts, friends and family alike will be raving about this sweet and salty treat. Give the recipe a try next time your sweet tooth strikes and you’ll soon understand just how addictive they can be. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!