Salted Caramel Bites are a delightful treat featuring oyster crackers coated in a rich caramel sauce with a hint of vanilla and finished with a sprinkle of kosher salt. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for satisfying sweet and salty cravings, whether enjoyed as a dessert or a tasty snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious treat in no time.
- Addictive Flavor: The combination of buttery caramel, vanilla, and a touch of salt creates a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy these bites on their own, or use them to top ice cream, yogurt, or even as a crunchy addition to a dessert platter.
- Great for Sharing: Ideal for parties, gatherings, or as homemade gifts, these bites are sure to impress with their homemade caramel goodness.
- Kid-Friendly: Children and adults alike will love the crispy texture and rich caramel flavor of these addictive treats.
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:
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread the oyster crackers evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and vanilla paste or extract. Stir continuously until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and slightly lighter in color. The caramel sauce will thicken and develop a rich aroma.
- Remove the pan from the heat and quickly pour the caramel sauce over the oyster crackers on the baking sheet. Use a rubber spatula to gently mix and coat all of the crackers evenly with the caramel sauce.
Bake:
- Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the top of the caramel-coated crackers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The crackers should become slightly toasted and the caramel should bubble.
Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the Salted Caramel Bites cool completely on the baking sheet. The caramel will harden as it cools.
- Once cooled and hardened, break apart any clusters of crackers if desired and transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Storage Options:
- Store the Salted Caramel Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- If kept in a cool, dry place, they will maintain their crispiness and delicious flavor.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle additional kosher salt over the caramel-coated crackers right after baking.
Enjoy making and sharing these irresistible Salted Caramel Bites! If you have more recipes or need further assistance, feel free to ask.