Caramel Salty Cracker Treats Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Salty Cracker Treats are a delightful sweet and salty snack that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. Crispy oyster crackers coated with a rich caramel glaze and a touch of cinnamon create an irresistible combination. These treats are great for parties, holidays, or an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 package oyster crackers (9 ounces)
- 2 sticks butter (1 cup)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the oyster crackers evenly across the sheet.
- Step 2: In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir continuously until the mixture blends well and begins to bubble. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Step 3: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the crackers, ensuring all crackers are coated. Sprinkle the salt evenly on top to balance the sweetness.
- Step 4: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning; the caramel should be bubbly and set but not darkened too much.
- Step 5: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the crackers to cool completely on the parchment paper. Once cooled, break into smaller chunks and store in an airtight container.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds before baking.
- Use sea salt flakes instead of regular salt for a more delicate salty finish.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
- If you prefer a softer treat, reduce the baking time slightly.
Storage
Store these caramel salty crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. If they lose crunchiness, briefly reheat in the oven at low temperature to restore crispness, but be careful not to burn the caramel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
While oyster crackers work best for their size and texture, you can substitute with any small, sturdy cracker. Just make sure they hold up well to the caramel coating and baking process.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Keep the heat at medium when cooking the caramel and don’t rush the process. Also, watch the crackers closely while baking since ovens vary in temperature. Remove them as soon as the caramel is bubbly and slightly thickened but before it darkens too much.
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Caramel Salty Cracker Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6–8 servings 1x
Description
These Caramel Salty Cracker Treats combine crunchy oyster crackers with a rich, buttery caramel sauce infused with brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, finished with a sprinkle of salt for the perfect sweet and salty snack. They are easy to prepare and bake into a delightful treat that’s great for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a crunchy, caramel-coated dessert.
Ingredients
Cracker Base
- 1 package oyster crackers (9 ounces)
Caramel Sauce
- 2 sticks butter (1 cup)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Crackers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then evenly spread the oyster crackers across the sheet to ensure each cracker can be coated evenly with the caramel.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir continuously until the mixture is well blended and begins to bubble. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, creating a rich caramel consistency.
- Assemble Treats: Remove the pot from heat and carefully drizzle the warm caramel mixture over the oyster crackers, ensuring all crackers are coated. Immediately sprinkle the teaspoon of salt evenly over the top to add a perfect salty balance to the sweet caramel.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake the caramel-coated crackers for 7-9 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning; the caramel should become bubbly and slightly caramelized but not burnt.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the treats from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break them into smaller chunks for serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Keep a close watch during baking to avoid caramel burning.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle additional ground cinnamon or sea salt flakes before baking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature; these treats stay fresh for up to one week.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness in the recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel oyster cracker treats, salty sweet snack, caramel crackers, easy snack recipe, holiday treats, buttery caramel crackers
