Salted Caramel Cracker Bites – Sweet, Salty, and Addictively Crunchy
Few treats strike the perfect balance between sweet, salty, crunchy, and buttery like Salted Caramel Cracker Bites. These bite-sized squares of goodness are made by layering crisp buttery crackers, rich homemade caramel, and smooth melted chocolate, then finishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
They’re simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to bring to holiday parties or gift in a festive tin. And the best part? You only need five basic ingredients and about 20 minutes of hands-on time to make them!
If you’ve ever had “Christmas Crack,” these are its modern, bite-sized cousins — portion-controlled (sort of!) and totally irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
- Quick and easy: Just melt, pour, bake, and chill.
- Minimal ingredients: Only five pantry staples.
- Customizable: Use your favorite type of crackers or toppings.
- Perfect for gifting: Package them in mason jars or treat bags.
- Sweet & salty perfection: The combination of caramel, chocolate, and flaky salt hits every craving at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (such as Ritz or saltines)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips)
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Optional toppings:
- Chopped pecans or almonds
- Crushed pretzels
- Drizzle of white chocolate for contrast
- Mini toffee bits for extra crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then arrange the crackers in a single layer to completely cover the surface. Set aside.
2. Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble. Once bubbling, let it cook for about 3 minutes — stirring gently — until it thickens and looks glossy.
3. Pour and Bake
Quickly pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the arranged crackers, spreading it out with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling all over.
4. Add Chocolate
Remove the tray from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let them sit for 2–3 minutes, then spread evenly with a spatula to create a smooth chocolate layer.
5. Sprinkle with Salt and Chill
While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly across the surface. Let the tray cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for about 30 minutes until fully set.
6. Break into Bites
Once chilled, break or cut the sheet into small, bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or at room temperature (if it’s cool) for up to 1 week.
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange crackers in a single layer to cover the sheet.
- Melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until bubbling, then cook 3 minutes until thickened.
- Pour caramel over crackers, spreading evenly. Bake for 5 minutes until bubbling.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle chocolate chips on top, let melt, and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt and chill until set, about 30 minutes.
- Break into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Tips for the Best Results
- Line your tray: Caramel can stick — parchment or foil makes cleanup easy.
- Use real butter: Margarine won’t give the same rich flavor or texture.
- Don’t overcook caramel: Three minutes of bubbling is perfect — too long, and it may burn.
- Sprinkle salt last: Add the sea salt after spreading the chocolate so it sticks beautifully to the top.
- Cool completely: Rushing this step can cause messy or uneven bites.
Flavor Variations
- Nutty Toffee Bites: Add a layer of chopped pecans before baking the caramel.
- Dark Chocolate Espresso: Mix ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder into the caramel for a coffee twist.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: After spreading the chocolate, drizzle warm peanut butter on top and swirl.
- White Chocolate Peppermint: Use white chocolate chips and sprinkle crushed candy canes for a holiday version.
- S’mores Cracker Bites: Add mini marshmallows on top before baking for gooey fun.
The Magic Behind Sweet and Salty
Our taste buds love contrast. The sweetness from caramel and chocolate triggers pleasure receptors, while the salt enhances those flavors and keeps the dessert from being overly sweet. That’s why salted caramel has become one of the most popular dessert trends worldwide — it’s indulgent and perfectly balanced.
These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites deliver that balance in every crunchy, chewy piece. The buttery base, rich caramel, creamy chocolate, and finishing salt combine into a texture and flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist.
Storing and Freezing
To store:
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.
To freeze:
Place pieces in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Ideas
- As a holiday treat tray favorite — people can’t stop reaching for them!
- Crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a gourmet touch.
- As an edible gift — pack in small boxes tied with twine and a handwritten label.
- Alongside coffee or tea as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Why These Treats Are Perfect Year-Round
While these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are often associated with holidays, they’re actually great for every occasion. Need a last-minute dessert? Have surprise guests? Craving something crunchy and sweet but don’t want to bake a full cake? This recipe delivers.
Because they use simple pantry ingredients, you can whip them up on short notice without a grocery run. They’re also endlessly adaptable — you can swap in graham crackers, use dark chocolate, or top with coconut flakes to make them your own.
Fun Fact: The “Cracker Toffee” Origin Story
This recipe’s roots go back decades and are sometimes called “Christmas Crack” or “Cracker Toffee.” It originated as a Southern holiday treat — an easy, economical way to make homemade candy using simple pantry staples. Over time, bakers began experimenting with different toppings and shapes, leading to fun spinoffs like these bite-sized versions.
Final Thoughts
Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, hosting a party, or just craving something special, these crunchy, buttery, chocolatey bites will steal the show.
They’re incredibly addictive — so be warned: once you start, it’s hard to stop at one!
