If you’re looking for a sweet, crunchy snack that’s incredibly easy to make and absolutely addictive, Caramel Crackers are your new best friend. This delightful treat combines crispy oyster crackers coated in a luscious, buttery caramel glaze, dusted with a touch of cinnamon and salt to balance the sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a casual get-together or simply craving a cozy snack to nibble on, Caramel Crackers will quickly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together in harmony to create a snack that’s rich in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the buttery richness to the satisfying crunch and just the right hint of spice.

Oyster crackers (1 package/9 ounces): The light, crispy base that soaks up the caramel without losing its crunch.
Butter (2 sticks/1 cup): Provides a creamy, luscious richness that’s essential for the caramel sauce.
Brown sugar (1 cup): The cornerstone of caramel, it adds depth and a warm sweetness.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the caramel flavor with a lovely aromatic note.
Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of spice that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sugary caramel, elevating the overall flavor with a little savory kick.

How to Make Caramel Crackers

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, spread your oyster crackers in a single, even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures they cook evenly and the caramel spreads beautifully without sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a saucepan, melt the butter gently over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely, then bring the mixture to a boil. Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens into that gorgeous, sticky caramel sauce that will coat your crackers perfectly.

Step 3: Coat the Crackers

Pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the crackers on your baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to make sure every cracker is nicely coated. Then, sprinkle the salt over the top to give a fantastic flavor contrast that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 7 to 9 minutes. Watch carefully during this time to prevent the caramel from burning – you want it golden and bubbling. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the Caramel Crackers cool completely; this step helps the caramel set so you can easily break the crackers into clusters.

How to Serve Caramel Crackers

Garnishes

To dress up your Caramel Crackers, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving to highlight their salty-sweet flavor. You can also dust a little additional cinnamon or drizzle melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

These crackers are fantastic on their own but also play wonderfully alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a party, pair them with a cheese board where the sweetness complements stronger, savory cheeses like sharp cheddar or aged gouda.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Caramel Crackers in a festive bowl sprinkled with chopped nuts or crushed pretzels for added texture. You can also layer them into a clear jar with mini marshmallows for a fun gift idea that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Caramel Crackers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to a week—perfect for snacking anytime.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats around longer, you can freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag. Just separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When ready, thaw completely at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If your crackers lose some crunch, a quick 5-minute pop in a 300°F oven will refresh them beautifully. Just watch closely to avoid caramel browning too much and becoming bitter.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker?

While oyster crackers are ideal for their size and texture, you can experiment with other small, crunchy crackers. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up to the caramel coating without getting soggy.

Is it necessary to watch the crackers while baking?

Yes, caramel can burn quickly, so it’s important to keep a close eye on the crackers during the bake time to ensure they come out perfectly golden and not bitter.

Can I make Caramel Crackers vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and check that your brown sugar is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.

How long do Caramel Crackers last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will last about a week while keeping their crunch and flavor intact.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Toss in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips after coating with caramel for a delightful twist on this classic treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something joyful about making and sharing Caramel Crackers—it’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor with every bite. Once you try this sweet, salty, crunchy snack, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for so many. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and create a batch to enjoy or gift; you won’t regret the cozy, caramel-coated goodness!

Caramel Crackers Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Caramel Crackers are a delightful sweet and crunchy treat made with oyster crackers coated in a rich homemade caramel sauce, baked to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of salt for a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Crackers

1 package (9 ounces) oyster crackers

Caramel Sauce

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly spread out the oyster crackers in a single layer.
Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to boil for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Coat Crackers: Pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the crackers, using a spatula to ensure all the crackers are coated well. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the caramel-coated crackers.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-9 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning; the caramel should bubble and coat the crackers nicely.
Finish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the caramel crackers to cool completely on the sheet. Once cooled, break the clusters apart and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Notes

Make sure to watch the baking crackers closely during baking to prevent the caramel from burning.
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
For a twist, sprinkle chopped nuts or a pinch of cayenne pepper over the caramel before baking.
Once cooled, store caramel crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Snack/Dessert
Method: Baking and stovetop caramel making
Cuisine: American