Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

There’s something about simple ingredients coming together to create a magical treat that always excites me in the kitchen. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a quick snack to bring to a family gathering. The combination of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy, immediately stole the show. These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are not just a dessert—they’re a conversation starter. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors, making them impossible to resist. I love how they bring back childhood memories of indulgent treats, yet feel sophisticated enough to serve to guests.

You will love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple to make, yet it tastes like something you’d buy from a gourmet bakery. The salty-sweet contrast is perfectly satisfying, and the texture is divine: the crisp cracker base, the rich caramel middle, and the smooth chocolate topping work together beautifully. Plus, the recipe doesn’t require any complicated techniques, making it approachable even for beginner bakers.

What makes this recipe versatile is how easily you can adjust it to suit your preferences. Swap the chocolate for dark or milk varieties, sprinkle with crushed nuts for added crunch, or even drizzle with a touch of white chocolate for a decorative twist. These bites can be served at parties, gifted during holidays, or simply enjoyed as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

They’re also surprisingly affordable. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet the end result feels indulgent and luxurious. You don’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients, and a little goes a long way, making this treat both budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Cracker Bites:

• 40 saltine crackers

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)

• Sea salt for sprinkling

These six ingredients are all you need to create a batch of irresistible Salted Caramel Cracker Bites that will disappear faster than you can bake them. The combination of sweet caramel, crunchy crackers, and smooth chocolate makes this treat a timeless favorite.

How to Prepare Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Preparing Salted Caramel Cracker Bites is both fun and satisfying. The process is simple, and the results are impressive, making it a perfect recipe for any level of baker. With just a few steps, you can transform basic ingredients into a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your caramel layer will set evenly without burning.

2. Line Your Baking Pan: Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper covers the bottom and sides for easy removal later.

3. Arrange the Crackers: Lay the saltine crackers in a single layer across the parchment paper. Ensure the crackers fit snugly side by side without gaps.

4. Prepare the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for 3 minutes while continuing to stir.

5. Pour Caramel Over Crackers: Immediately pour the hot caramel evenly over the arranged crackers. Use a spatula to spread it carefully, ensuring each cracker is coated. Work quickly, as the caramel starts to set fast.

6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5–7 minutes. The caramel should bubble slightly and become fragrant. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

7. Add Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle 2 cups of chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel. Let them sit for 2–3 minutes to soften.

8. Spread Chocolate: Using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate into an even layer over the caramel. Work gently to avoid mixing the chocolate and caramel together.

9. Sprinkle Sea Salt: While the chocolate is still soft, lightly sprinkle sea salt over the top. This enhances the sweet-salty flavor contrast.

10. Cool and Set: Allow the pan to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then transfer to the refrigerator for 1–2 hours to fully set the caramel and chocolate layers.

11. Cut Into Bites: Once set, remove the parchment paper from the pan and transfer the dessert to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into small squares or rectangles.

Quick and Easy Tips:

• Use pre-chopped chocolate for faster melting.

• Line the spatula with parchment to prevent chocolate from sticking.

• Make in advance: These bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Customizable Options:

• Top with crushed nuts, toffee bits, or shredded coconut.

• Experiment with different chocolate varieties like white or dark chocolate.

• Adjust the amount of sea salt for your preferred sweetness-saltiness balance.

Popular With Many People:

These bites are a hit at parties, family gatherings, and potlucks. Their combination of textures and flavors appeals to both kids and adults. They’re also great for gifting, making them a versatile dessert for any occasion.

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FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, while saltine crackers are traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other thin, crisp crackers. Just ensure they have a neutral flavor to let the caramel shine.

2. Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely. Salted Caramel Cracker Bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

3. How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Stir constantly while cooking the caramel and avoid high heat. Once it boils, limit boiling to 3 minutes. Watching it closely ensures a smooth, golden caramel without burning.

4. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate all work well. You can even mix varieties for a marbled effect.

5. Are these bites suitable for gifting?
Yes, they make an excellent homemade gift. Wrap them in parchment or decorative boxes, and they’ll look as good as they taste.

6. Can I make a larger or smaller batch?
Definitely. Just adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally and ensure your pan size accommodates the crackers in a single layer.

7. How do I cut the bites cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and cut in one smooth motion. For easier cutting, chill the set dessert in the refrigerator before slicing.

8. Is there a way to make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free crackers in place of saltines. Ensure the crackers are thin and crisp to maintain the texture contrast with the caramel.