Name: Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sleeve (approx. 40 crackers) Saltine Crackers; 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter; 1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; ¾ teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt; 1 ½ cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; ½ cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional)

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Welcome, fellow food lovers! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the irresistible world of Salted Caramel Cracker Bites, a truly addictive sweet-and-salty confection that’s surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is your ticket to a dessert that perfectly balances crunchy, buttery crackers with a rich, chewy salted caramel, all topped with a decadent layer of chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a quick party favor, a homemade gift, or just a delightful treat to satisfy your cravings, these cracker bites are guaranteed to hit the spot.

Key Ingredients for Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Here’s what you’ll need to create these heavenly bites:

1 sleeve (approx. 40 crackers) Saltine Crackers: The foundation of our crunchy base. Look for classic, unsalted or lightly salted crackers.
1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter: Crucial for the rich caramel flavor and texture.
1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar: Provides the sweetness and molasses notes for the caramel.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the depth of flavor in the caramel.
¾ teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt: Essential for that signature “salted” caramel punch and a beautiful garnish.
1 ½ cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Forms the delicious top layer. You can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.
½ cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Adds an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Get ready for a treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour! These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites offer an incredible blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures, creating a satisfying dessert that comes together in under an hour. With minimal effort, you’ll be treated to buttery crackers coated in a chewy, golden caramel and topped with luscious chocolate—a truly irresistible combination. The entire process takes approximately 45 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet (about 10×15 inches) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is crucial for easy removal and cleanup.
Arrange the Crackers: Lay the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are close together and cover the entire surface, breaking them as needed to fill any gaps.
Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and light brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and continue boiling for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and reaches a deep caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of the flaky sea salt. Be careful, as the mixture will be hot!
Pour Over Crackers: Carefully and evenly pour the hot caramel mixture over the cracker layer, making sure to coat all the crackers thoroughly. Spread with an offset spatula if needed.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and slightly darker around the edges. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Add Chocolate and Optional Toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to soften, then use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate smoothly over the caramel layer. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts now.
Chill and Set: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ teaspoon of flaky sea salt generously over the melted chocolate. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30-60 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
Break and Serve: Once completely chilled, carefully lift the parchment paper from the baking sheet. Break the large slab of Salted Caramel Cracker Bites into individual pieces, or into shards of varying sizes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

You’re going to fall head over heels for these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites because the main highlight is undoubtedly the phenomenal balance of sweet and salty. The rich, chewy caramel perfectly coats the crisp, buttery saltine crackers, creating a textural masterpiece that’s undeniably addictive. Not only are these bites incredibly delicious, but making them at home is a fantastic cost-saving alternative to gourmet candies or bakery treats, providing a big batch of joy for a fraction of the price. The flaky sea salt sprinkled over the melted chocolate truly elevates the flavor, making each bite an explosion of sweet, salty, and decadent goodness.

If you enjoyed these, you might also love our recipe for Chocolate Covered Pretzels, which offers a similar delightful crunch. Don’t wait—indulge your sweet and salty cravings today! Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!

What to Serve Salted Caramel Cracker Bites With

While these caramel cracker bites are a star on their own, they also pair beautifully with a few simple accompaniments:

A Hot Beverage: Enjoy them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a comforting mug of hot cocoa, or a soothing herbal tea.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A small piece of a Salted Caramel Cracker Bite crumbled over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream adds a wonderful textural and flavor contrast.
Fruit Platter: For a lighter counterpoint, serve them alongside a platter of fresh berries or sliced apples.
A Glass of Milk: The classic pairing for any sweet treat, especially one as rich and satisfying.

Top Tips for Perfecting Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Don’t Skimp on Quality Ingredients: While saltines are humble, good quality butter, chocolate, and flaky sea salt will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend: Do not skip lining your baking sheet! The caramel will stick fiercely to the pan otherwise. Parchment paper ensures easy removal and cleanup.
Boil the Caramel Properly: Don’t rush the boiling process for the caramel. Letting it boil for the full 3-5 minutes on a rolling boil ensures it will set properly and have that chewy, not sticky, texture.
Even Caramel Spread: After pouring, use an offset spatula to quickly and evenly spread the caramel over all the crackers. You want every cracker to be fully coated.
Chocolate Chip Melting Magic: Allow the chocolate chips to sit on the hot caramel for a few minutes before spreading. This gives them time to melt evenly without needing to put them back in the oven, which can lead to burnt chocolate.
Salt is Key: The flaky sea salt is not just for garnish; it enhances the caramel and chocolate flavors significantly. Don’t skip it!
Cool Completely: Patience is key! Make sure the Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are fully chilled and set before breaking them. This prevents a sticky mess and ensures clean breaks.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Crackers: While saltines are classic, you can experiment with other plain, unsalted crackers like Ritz (though they’ll be richer) or even graham crackers for a different twist.
- Chocolate: Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate can be used instead of semi-sweet. You can also drizzle with a different kind of chocolate for a two-tone effect.
- Toppings: Beyond nuts, consider adding sprinkles, crushed peppermints (for a holiday twist), or a drizzle of white chocolate.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are incredibly resilient and store well, making them perfect for making ahead!

Storage at Room Temperature: Store the broken pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If your kitchen is particularly warm, the chocolate might soften, so refrigeration is a better option.
Storage in the Refrigerator: For longer freshness and to ensure the chocolate stays firm, store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment: Place the individual pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing/Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these! If frozen, simply remove the desired number of pieces from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until they’ve softened slightly and are ready to enjoy. If refrigerated, just bring them to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture, or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a firmer bite.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are more than just a treat; they’re a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. The combination of crispy crackers, gooey salted caramel, and rich chocolate is a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for “just one more.” They are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in a quiet moment of culinary bliss. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to delight your taste buds with these irresistible sweet and salty wonders!

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Salted Caramel Cracker Bites FAQs

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- A: Yes, you can, but reduce the added flaky sea salt in the caramel to ¼ teaspoon to avoid it becoming too salty. Add the remaining ¼ teaspoon only on top of the chocolate.
Q: Why did my caramel not set?
- A: This usually means the caramel wasn’t boiled long enough. Ensure it reaches a rolling boil for the full 3-5 minutes, as this allows the sugar to reach the correct temperature and consistency.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
- A: You would need to use a dairy-free butter alternative, a dairy-free brown sugar caramel, and dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture and flavor might vary slightly.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
- A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They also freeze well for up to three months.
Q: Can I use different types of crackers?
- A: While saltines provide the classic sweet-and-salty balance, you can experiment with other plain, sturdy crackers. Just ensure they are not too thin or too flavored.
Q: How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
- A: Ensure no water gets into your chocolate, and avoid overheating. Spreading the chocolate chips over the hot caramel and letting them melt naturally is the best method here.