Introduction:

Salted caramel has long been a beloved flavor combination in the world of desserts. The perfect balance between sweet and salty tantalizes the taste buds and leaves you craving more. The Salted Caramel Cracker Bites take this flavor profile to a new level, using oyster crackers as a base to create a delightful treat that is easy to prepare and even easier to eat!

Key Features:

• No Chocolate, Pure Caramel: By skipping the chocolate often found in similar treats, the caramel gets a chance to truly shine, bringing its rich, buttery flavor to the forefront.
• Bite-Sized Delight: Using oyster crackers makes these bites incredibly snackable. Their small size allows the caramel to coat each cracker perfectly.
• Versatile Treat: These can be served at parties, used as a sweet topping for ice cream, or eaten straight out of the jar!

Ingredients:

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)

For the Cracker Bites:

• 4 cups oyster crackers
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
• Cooking spray or parchment paper for lining the baking sheet

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula until the sugar begins to melt and turns into a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
2. Once the sugar has completely melted and reached the desired amber color, add the butter to the saucepan. Be cautious as it may bubble up when you add the butter. Stir the butter into the caramel until it is fully melted and well combined.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up again, so be careful. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes until the caramel sauce is smooth and has thickened slightly.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sea salt. Taste the caramel and adjust the salt level to your preference. Set the caramel sauce aside to cool for a few minutes while you prepare the oyster crackers.

Step 2: Prepare the Cracker Bites

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Place the oyster crackers in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle them with the additional 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
3. Pour the prepared salted caramel sauce over the oyster crackers. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss the crackers until they are evenly coated with the caramel sauce.
4. Spread the caramel-coated oyster crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

1. Bake the caramel-coated oyster crackers in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the caramel has set and the crackers are lightly golden brown.
2. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cracker bites cool completely on the sheet. As they cool, the caramel will harden, creating a sweet and salty coating.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the Salted Caramel Cracker Bites have cooled and the caramel is firm, you can break them apart into bite-sized pieces. Store them in an airtight container or jar.
2. Serve your Salted Caramel Cracker Bites at parties, as a topping for ice cream, or enjoy them as a sweet snack anytime you desire!

These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are sure to become a favorite treat for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavors. Enjoy!