Get ready to discover your new favorite sweet and salty obsession. These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are an incredibly addictive, wonderfully simple treat that requires just a handful of pantry staples. In this recipe, we layer salty crackers with a rich, buttery caramel and a decadent chocolate topping, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s a foolproof recipe perfect for holiday parties, last-minute gifts, or simply a Tuesday afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you call it “Christmas Crack” or just plain delicious, this is one recipe you’ll make again and again.
Why This Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe is a Must-Try
You are going to absolutely love how effortless these cracker bites are. With minimal prep and a quick bake time, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect recipe for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
- Incredibly Easy: With just 5 basic ingredients and simple steps, it’s a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of salty crackers, sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and a flaky salt finish hits every note.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This is a certified crowd-pleaser! It’s one of the first things to disappear from any dessert table. Looking for another guaranteed hit? Try these Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders.
- Highly Customizable: You can easily add your own spin with different toppings, chocolates, or even crackers.
The 5 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need five core ingredients to create these amazing Salted Caramel Cracker Bites.
- Crackers: Saltine or Club crackers work best as they provide the perfect salty, crispy base.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the caramel sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will work, providing the essential sweetness and molasses flavor for the caramel.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips melt beautifully and balance the sweetness of the caramel.
- Flaky Sea Salt: A final sprinkle enhances all the flavors and adds a professional touch.
How to Make Salted Caramel Cracker Bites (Step-by-Step)
Making these treats is a simple, four-step process. Just prep, boil, bake, and top! It’s that easy. For another wonderfully simple dessert idea, check out these No-Bake Marshmallow Cheesecake (coming soon) bars.
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Crackers
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet (approximately 10×15 inches) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is a crucial step to prevent the caramel from sticking. Arrange the crackers in a single, tight layer across the prepared baking sheet, covering the entire surface.
Step 2: Create the Buttery Caramel
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it begins to boil, let it bubble for exactly 3 minutes without stirring. This allows the sugar to dissolve completely and the caramel to thicken. Immediately pour the hot caramel evenly over the layer of crackers, using a spatula to spread it to the edges.
Step 3: Bake and Add Chocolate
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-6 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly all over. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for one minute. Then, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel. Let them sit for 5 minutes to melt, then use an offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate into a smooth, even layer.
Step 4: Top, Cool, and Break
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the top. If you like, you can add other toppings like chopped nuts or sprinkles at this stage. Let the pan cool completely at room temperature, or for a faster set, place it in the refrigerator for about 30-45 minutes until the chocolate is firm. Once completely hardened, break the treat into bite-sized pieces.
Tips for Perfect Cracker Bites
While this is an easy recipe, a few tips will guarantee perfection every time.
- Don’t Skip the Lining: Seriously, line your pan! Hot caramel is incredibly sticky, and parchment paper will save you from a major cleanup headache.
- Watch the Caramel: Boil the caramel for exactly 3 minutes. Boiling it for too short a time can make it runny, while boiling it too long can cause it to burn or separate.
- Spread Quickly: Both the caramel and the chocolate need to be spread while hot. Work quickly to get an even layer before they start to set.
Fun Variations to Try
These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are a fantastic base for creativity. Try one of these fun variations!
- Nutty Delight: Add a cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the top along with the sea salt.
- Different Crackers: Experiment with Ritz, Club, or even pretzel crisps for a different flavor and texture. For a more savory cracker-based recipe, try our Greek Chicken Flatbread.
- Chocolate Swirl: Use a combination of white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips, and create a swirl pattern before it sets.
- Holiday Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the brown sugar and butter mixture for a festive twist.
Storing Your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
Store your cracker bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from softening. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with layers separated by parchment paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe freezes very well. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Absolutely! While saltines are classic, you can also use Club crackers, Ritz crackers, or even pretzels for a different twist on the flavor and texture.
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to one week. If your home is warm, storing them in the refrigerator is recommended.
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best as their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the caramel. However, you can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter treat.
If your caramel is too soft or runny, it likely wasn’t boiled for long enough. It’s important to let the butter and brown sugar mixture boil for a full 3 minutes to reach the correct temperature and consistency to set properly.
More Sweet Treats to Explore
If you loved this simple yet decadent recipe, you’re in for a treat. Continue your culinary journey with our rich and fudgy Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake or the delightful Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups (coming soon). They are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
We hope you love making these irresistible Salted Caramel Cracker Bites! If you try them, please leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on Pinterest!
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites Recipe
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites: The Ultimate 5-Ingredient Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15 inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single, tight layer across the pan.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring until combined. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
- Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the crackers and spread evenly. Bake for 5-6 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly all over.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel. Let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the chips to melt, then spread the chocolate into a smooth layer with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate. Let it cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes until firm. Once set, break into pieces and serve.
Notes
Variations: Feel free to add chopped nuts, sprinkles, or other toppings along with the sea salt.
Tip: Do not skip lining the pan with parchment paper, as the caramel is very sticky and this will make cleanup much easier.
