Salted Caramel Bites are a delightful and addictive snack that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a sweet treat. These bites combine the rich flavor of caramel with a touch of salt, making them irresistible. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Salted Caramel Bites, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups oyster crackers
- 3/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the oyster crackers evenly over the prepared baking sheet.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
- Melt Butter:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add Brown Sugar:
- Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Add Vanilla and Salt:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla paste or extract and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt until well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Crackers
- Pour Caramel Sauce:
- Pour the caramel sauce over the oyster crackers on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat the crackers evenly with the sauce.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Crackers:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the caramel is set and the crackers are golden brown.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle with Salt:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt over the warm caramel-coated crackers.
- Cool Completely:
- Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the Salted Caramel Bites in a bowl or store them in an airtight container. Enjoy this sweet and salty treat!
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Stirring: Be sure to stir the caramel sauce constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning.
- Even Coating: Use a spatula to gently toss and coat the crackers evenly with the caramel sauce to ensure every cracker is covered.
Variations:
- Nutty Caramel Bites:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the caramel sauce before pouring it over the crackers for added crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle:
- Once the caramel-coated crackers have cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over them for a chocolatey twist.
- Spiced Caramel Bites:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce for a spiced version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, you can use other small crackers like mini pretzels or cheese crackers for a different texture and flavor.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Salted Caramel Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Salted Caramel Bites ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
4. What can I serve with Salted Caramel Bites?
These bites are great on their own but can also be served with ice cream, yogurt, or as a topping for desserts.
5. Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, you can use light brown sugar if you prefer a milder molasses flavor.
Salted Caramel Bites are a sweet and salty snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich caramel flavor and a touch of salt, these bites are sure to become a favorite treat. Whether you’re making them for a party, a movie night, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is easy to follow and full of delicious flavors. Give these Salted Caramel Bites a try and enjoy a comforting and delightful snack. Happy cooking!
