When you crave something sweet, salty, buttery, and crunchy all at once, these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites have your back. Imagine crisp little oyster crackers coated in a glossy caramel glaze, baked until golden and dusted with flaky salt — pure snack bliss in every bite. They’re dangerously easy to make (and even easier to eat), requiring just a handful of pantry staples and about 20 minutes of your time.

These bite-sized beauties were born from a kitchen “oops” moment that turned into snack-time gold. One snowy afternoon, while searching for dessert inspiration, I combined brown sugar, butter, and a bag of oyster crackers — and the magic practically made itself. The aroma of bubbling caramel filled the house, and once cooled, the crackers transformed into golden, crunchy caramel gems. Now, they’re a must-make every holiday season, packed into mason jars and shared as edible gifts that vanish faster than you can say “sweet and salty.”

Why You’ll Love It

Sweet-meets-salty perfection: That irresistible mix of buttery caramel and sea salt hits every craving at once.
Quick & foolproof: Just melt, mix, and bake — no candy thermometer or fancy tools required.
Perfectly crunchy: Every cracker turns into a mini caramel explosion with a crisp bite.
Make-ahead friendly: Stays fresh and crunchy for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).
Gift-worthy: Pack in jars or tins for the easiest homemade holiday treat.
Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate, or spices to create your own signature caramel mix.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: About 5 cups (8–10 servings)

Ingredients

1 (9 oz) package oyster crackers
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt (or ½ teaspoon if crackers are pre-salted)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat & Prep Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
Arrange the Crackers Spread oyster crackers in an even layer across the sheet pan. Shake lightly to eliminate overlapping — even coating is the secret to every crunchy bite.
Make the Caramel In a medium saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until it starts to bubble and pull away slightly from the sides (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat and carefully stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and salt — it will sizzle, and that’s where the flavor magic happens.
Coat & Bake Pour the caramel over the crackers. Toss gently with a silicone spatula until evenly coated. Bake for 10–12 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent pooling and ensure every piece gets caramel-kissed.
Cool & Crunch Let the caramel bites cool completely on the pan before breaking apart. Sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt for that gourmet finish. Once cooled, they’ll be crisp, glossy, and utterly addictive.

Fun Flavor Variations

Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup pecans or peanuts before baking for caramel nut clusters.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, zigzag melted dark or white chocolate over the top.
Pumpkin Spice: Swap cinnamon for 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice for cozy fall vibes.
Tropical Treat: Add toasted coconut and a dash of ginger for a sweet island crunch.
Birthday Bash: Stir in rainbow sprinkles after baking for a fun, festive touch.

Chef Emma’s Tips

Boil the caramel for the full 3 minutes — this ensures a crisp (not chewy) texture.
Don’t rush the cooling! It’s the secret to getting that perfect crackly crunch.
Sprinkle sea salt after baking for the most balanced flavor pop.
Store in airtight containers or jars to keep them fresh for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Info per Serving

Serving Size: ⅓ cup
Calories: 230
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 15g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did my caramel bites turn chewy?
A: The caramel likely didn’t boil long enough. Let it bubble for a full 3 minutes until thick and lava-like before coating your crackers.
Q: Can I use other crackers?
A: Yes! Saltines, mini pretzels, or even graham crackers work beautifully. Just reduce the salt slightly if they’re already salted.
Q: How should I store them?
A: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week — or freeze for up to a month for maximum crunch.
Q: How can I make these more “giftable”?
A: Package in mason jars or treat bags tied with ribbon and a pinch of sea salt on top. They’re gorgeous and crowd-approved!

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are proof that the best snacks come from the simplest ingredients. Sweet, salty, buttery, and dangerously crunchy — they’re the kind of treat that disappears faster than you can bake them. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, gifting them for the holidays, or sneaking a handful during movie night, every bite delivers instant joy. Save this recipe to your snack board and whip up a batch whenever you need some caramel magic!