Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

We’re talking buttery crackers (yes, like Ritz), coated in rich homemade caramel, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and melty chocolate drizzle. They’re kind of like toffee, kind of like candy, and totally addicting.

And trust me—no one will believe you made these with just a few pantry staples. They’re that good.

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Versatile
Perfect for holidays, gifting, movie nights, or sneaking from the fridge one by one when no one’s looking (we’ve all done it).

Budget-Friendly
All simple, low-cost ingredients—no fancy stuff here, just pantry classics turned into caramel gold.

Quick and Easy
Minimal prep, no candy thermometer, and just a few minutes in the oven. Total win.

Customizable
Switch up the crackers, drizzle with white chocolate or peanut butter, or add chopped nuts—make them totally your own.

Crowd-Pleasing
There is always someone asking, “Wait—can I get this recipe?” These are that kind of treat.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

These bites might be small, but the flavors are mighty. Let’s break it down:

Buttery Crackers

Ritz or similar round crackers are perfect here. Their flaky, buttery texture stands up to the caramel like a champ.

Brown Sugar

For deep, molasses-y sweetness and that rich caramel flavor we’re after.

Unsalted Butter

Melted with sugar to form the golden caramel coating. Trust me, this combo is magic.

Vanilla Extract

Adds warmth and balances the sweetness with cozy flavor.

Chocolate Chips

Melted and drizzled over the top—or spread over the whole batch for chocolate lovers.

Flaky Sea Salt

The final flourish. That salty crunch takes every bite to the next level. Don’t skip it!

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You’ll thank yourself later for easy cleanup.

Lay Out the Crackers

Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, edges touching, like a buttery little puzzle.

Make the Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together. Bring it to a gentle boil and stir constantly for about 3 minutes until smooth and bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Pour and Bake

Carefully pour the caramel mixture over the crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and slightly darker.

Add Chocolate

Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let them sit for a minute to melt, then gently spread or drizzle. (Or skip spreading if you like the drizzled look—totally your call.)

Sprinkle Salt

Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top. That sweet-salty contrast is the stuff of dreams.

Cool and Break

Let everything cool completely until set—pop it in the fridge if you’re impatient (no judgment). Once firm, break into bite-sized pieces.

Serve and Enjoy

Pile them onto a platter or stash them in a container for snacking later (good luck with “later”).

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 20–24 bites
Calories per serving: 130
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 1g
Calcium: 10mg
Iron: 0.3mg
Potassium: 40mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cool Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

As a Sweet-Salty Snack Board Star: Pair them with nuts, fruit, and other treats.
With Ice Cream: Crumble a few on top of vanilla ice cream for serious dessert magic.
In Gift Bags: Wrap them up in cellophane and give as holiday gifts or party favors.
On a Dessert Platter: These go fast, so make extra—they’ll steal the spotlight.
With Coffee: Morning treat, afternoon pick-me-up, midnight snack… they go with everything.

Additional Tips

Double the Batch: You’ll wish you had. These disappear fast.
Try Different Crackers: Saltines, club crackers, or even pretzels add their own flair.
Keep Them Fresh: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for a firmer bite.
Add Crunch: Top with chopped pecans, almonds, or crushed pretzels before the chocolate sets.
Use Silicone Mats: For even easier cleanup and release.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use saltines instead of Ritz crackers?
A1: Totally! You’ll get a slightly different texture, but they work beautifully.

Q2: What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?
A2: Use a pinch of kosher salt—just avoid table salt, as it can taste too sharp.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes! They’re great for prepping a day or two ahead. Just keep them sealed and cool.

Q4: How do I keep the caramel from burning?
A4: Stir constantly and don’t walk away! Once it bubbles for about 3 minutes, it’s good to go.

Q5: Can I skip the chocolate?
A5: You can, but it adds a lovely contrast. If you’re not a chocolate fan, try a white chocolate drizzle instead.

Q6: Are they freezer-friendly?
A6: Yep! Freeze in layers separated by wax paper for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q7: Can I use margarine or plant-based butter?
A7: Yes, just make sure it’s one meant for baking—not all spreads work the same.

Q8: Can I make these dairy-free?
A8: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips, and you’re good to go!

Q9: How do I make these more “toffee-like”?
A9: Cook the caramel mixture for a little longer (around 4–5 minutes) for a firmer, toffee-style bite.

Q10: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A10: Airtight container in a cool place or the fridge. You can even layer them with parchment to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap on these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites—aka the little treats that pack a big punch. They’re easy, they’re delicious, and they’ve got that sweet-salty balance that keeps you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re gifting, entertaining, or just craving something amazing, these are an instant win.

Go ahead and make a batch—you’ll see what I mean. Want to try a holiday version next with peppermint or toffee bits? I’m ready when you are!

Print