Salted Caramel Cracker Bites

Introduction:

These sweet and salty caramel bites are a dangerously delicious treat that comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients. With a buttery cracker base, gooey homemade caramel, smooth melted chocolate, and a touch of sea salt — every bite is a perfect blend of crunch, richness, and sweet-salty magic.

Whether you’re making these for a party, gifting them during the holidays, or just treating yourself to something special, these bites are sure to impress!

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Ingredients:

For the base:

• 40 buttery round crackers (like Ritz)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Medium baking sheet

For the caramel:

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or finely chopped chocolate)
• Sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare your baking tray

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone mat.
3. Arrange the crackers in a single layer, side-by-side, covering the tray completely (don’t overlap them).

Step 2: Make the caramel

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once melted, add the brown sugar and vanilla extract.
3. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the mixture is completely smooth and starts to bubble.
4. Let it boil gently for 3–4 minutes, still stirring — it will thicken slightly and get glossy.

Be careful not to overcook — you want a rich caramel, not burnt sugar!

Step 3: Pour caramel over crackers

1. Once the caramel is ready, carefully pour it over the crackers while still hot.
2. Use a spatula to spread the caramel evenly, making sure each cracker is well coated.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes.
2. The caramel will bubble and spread out more, binding everything together.

Step 5: Add chocolate

1. Take the tray out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips all over the hot caramel layer.
2. Let the chocolate sit for 2–3 minutes so it can melt naturally from the heat.
3. Then, using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the entire surface.

Step 6: Sprinkle sea salt

1. While the chocolate is still warm and soft, lightly sprinkle sea salt over the top — just enough to balance the sweetness and add that gourmet touch.

Step 7: Let it cool & break into bites

1. Let the tray cool at room temperature for a bit.
2. Then place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or until completely set).
3. Once firm, break into bite-sized pieces — squares, rectangles, or random shapes.

Serving & Storing Tips:

• Serve in a festive platter, wrap in cellophane bags for gifts, or store in an airtight container.
• These bites will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature in a sealed container.
• You can also freeze them for longer storage (just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper).

Extra Tips:

• Want it crunchier? Bake for 1–2 extra minutes.
• You can swap in milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference.
• Love nuts? Add crushed pecans or almonds on top before the chocolate sets.
• Want a twist? Use graham crackers or pretzels instead of Ritz! Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie