Caramel Crackers Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Crackers are a delightful sweet and salty snack that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. With a buttery caramel coating over crispy oyster crackers, this treat offers a satisfying crunch and rich flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 package (9 ounces) oyster crackers
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the oyster crackers evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
4. Step 4: Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the crackers on the baking sheet. Toss gently to coat all crackers thoroughly, then sprinkle the salt over the top.
5. Step 5: Bake the coated crackers in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven and allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking into clusters.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• Use light brown sugar for a milder caramel flavor or dark brown sugar for a richer taste.
• Ensure the caramel reaches a gentle boil without stirring to avoid graininess in the texture.

Storage

Store caramel crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them crisp, avoid refrigeration. If you want to refresh their crunch, warm them briefly in a low oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Yes, while oyster crackers are traditional, you can experiment with small, sturdy crackers like saltines or water crackers. Just be mindful that thinner crackers might become soggy faster.

How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel sauce thickens and bubbles during the 2 to 3 minutes of boiling. It will look glossy and coat the back of a spoon. Avoid boiling too long to prevent burning and bitterness.

Caramel Crackers Recipe

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4.9 from 107 reviews

Caramel Crackers are a sweet and crunchy snack made by coating oyster crackers in a rich, buttery caramel sauce infused with vanilla and cinnamon. Baked to perfection, these clusters offer a delightful combination of salty and sweet flavors, perfect for sharing or snacking throughout the day.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crackers

• 1 package (9 ounces) oyster crackers

Caramel Sauce

• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the oyster crackers evenly over the surface to ensure they bake uniformly.
2. Make Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, stirring consistently until the sugar dissolves fully. Allow the mixture to boil gently for 2-3 minutes until the caramel thickens slightly.
3. Coat Crackers: Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the crackers, stirring gently if needed to coat all crackers well. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the coated crackers to enhance the flavor balance between sweet and salty.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-9 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning, as the caramel can quickly darken. The crackers should be bubbly and caramelized when done.
5. Finish: Remove from the oven and let the caramel crackers cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break into clusters or pieces as desired. Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness and freshness.

Notes

• Use parchment paper to avoid crackers sticking to the pan and to make cleanup easier.
• Keep a close eye during baking to avoid burning the caramel; ovens can vary in temperature.
• For a twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel for a spicy kick.
• These crackers keep well for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature.

Keywords: caramel crackers, oyster crackers, caramel snack, sweet and salty snack, easy caramel recipe