Isn’t there something magical about the combination of sweet and salty? It’s comforting, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying. Thank you for stopping by—whether you’re a returning reader or just stumbled upon this page while craving something snacky and delightful, I’m grateful to share this treat with you. 🧡
These Salted Caramel Bites are little flavor bombs—crispy, buttery, sweet, and finished with a touch of salt to make every bite pop. They’re quick to make, addictive to eat, and versatile enough for gifting, snacking, or topping your favorite desserts.
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What Are Salted Caramel Bites?
Salted Caramel Bites are buttery oyster crackers drenched in rich homemade caramel, then baked to crunchy golden perfection and kissed with sea salt. They’re part candy, part snack, and totally crave-worthy.
These little bites are:
- Ridiculously easy – 6 ingredients, one pan, one bake.
- Customizable – Add nuts, drizzle with chocolate, or spice things up with cinnamon or cayenne!
- Make-ahead friendly – Store well, travel well, and last up to a week.
- Perfect for any occasion – Parties, potlucks, teacher gifts, or cozy nights in.
What Do Salted Caramel Bites Taste Like?
✨Imagine this: you pop one into your mouth, and it crunches gently between your teeth. You get that deep caramel warmth, with a buttery richness that coats every nook of the cracker. And then—bam!—the salt hits, bright and bold, balancing everything like a tiny flavor conductor.
It’s nostalgic, elegant, and utterly addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & fuss-free – No candy thermometer required!
- Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples.
- Crowd-pleaser – Both kids and adults will beg for more.
- Perfect texture – Crispy without being hard, chewy in all the right places.
- Packable – Great for lunchboxes, road trips, or holiday tins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oyster Crackers | 4 cups |
| Butter | ¾ cup |
| Brown Sugar | ¾ cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 tsp |
| Kosher Salt | 1 tsp |
Tools You’ll Need
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Non-stick spray
- Medium saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Optional Additions & Substitutions
- Spice it up: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a fun twist.
- Go nutty: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds.
- Choc it out: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled bites.
- Cracker swap: Mini pretzels or puffed rice cereal work as great substitutes!
How to Make Salted Caramel Bites (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Lay out the crackers
Spread oyster crackers in an even layer on the prepared sheet.
Step 3: Make the caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and vanilla. Let it bubble and boil for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes lighter in color and smells like heaven!
Step 4: Coat the crackers
Remove from heat and pour caramel evenly over the crackers. Toss gently to coat each piece—yes, it's sticky, but totally worth it!
Step 5: Salt it right
Sprinkle kosher salt over the top. Don’t be shy—this is the flavor sparkle that makes these bites sing!
Step 6: Bake
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until the caramel bubbles and darkens slightly. Watch closely to avoid burning!
Step 7: Cool & break apart
Let cool completely before breaking into clusters or single bites. Try not to eat them all while they’re still warm (but I won't judge if you do 😉).
What to Serve With Salted Caramel Bites
- As a topping for ice cream or yogurt
- Alongside a charcuterie board (yes, really!)
- Crushed into a pie crust or cheesecake base
- With your favorite hot cocoa or coffee
Tips for Perfect Bites
- Don’t skip the stirring—keep the caramel moving so it doesn’t burn.
- Line your tray to make cleanup a breeze.
- Store in layers between parchment if stacking to prevent sticking.
- Want a richer flavor? Use dark brown sugar!
Storage Instructions
Let the bites cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. (Good luck making them last that long!)
They also freeze well—just let them thaw at room temp for 15 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use mini pretzels instead of crackers?
Yes! They give a fun twist with extra crunch and salt.
What’s the best butter to use?
Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level, but if salted is all you have, just reduce added salt slightly.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.
Is it okay to skip the vanilla?
You can, but it adds a deep, aromatic finish that elevates the caramel.
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Bites are a tiny treasure trove of flavor: buttery, sweet, salty, and dangerously snackable. They’re simple enough for weekday treats, but special enough for gift baskets and festive platters.
So go ahead—whip up a batch, let your kitchen fill with the warm scent of caramel, and watch them disappear before your eyes. ✨
Craving More?
Check out these peach-inspired desserts next:
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Nutritional Information (per serving – approx. ⅓ cup)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 28g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
Let these little bites of joy bring a little sweetness (and saltiness!) to your day
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