Caramel Crackers Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Crackers are a delightfully sweet and crunchy snack that’s perfect for parties or an everyday treat. With a buttery caramel coating and a hint of cinnamon, these crunchy oyster crackers will quickly become your new favorite.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the oyster crackers evenly over it.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to boil gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Pour the caramel mixture over the crackers, spreading it evenly to coat them well. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the top.
- Step 4: Bake the coated crackers in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break into clusters and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips over the caramel before baking.
- Use light or dark brown sugar depending on your preferred caramel depth of flavor.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the crackers crisp longer.
Storage
Store caramel crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If they lose their crispness, a few minutes in a low oven can help restore their crunch. Avoid refrigeration to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, you can substitute oyster crackers with pretzels or small buttery crackers, but the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
How can I prevent the caramel from burning?
Keep a close eye on the crackers during baking, especially after the 7-minute mark, and remove them as soon as the caramel turns golden and bubbly.
Print
Caramel Crackers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
Caramel Crackers are a delightful sweet and salty snack featuring crispy oyster crackers coated in a rich, buttery caramel sauce with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a crunchy, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Snack Base
- 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 large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Spread the oyster crackers evenly over the baking sheet in a single layer for uniform coating.
- Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir continuously until all the sugar dissolves completely, then allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to a rich caramel consistency.
- Coat Crackers: Carefully pour the hot caramel sauce over the spread-out oyster crackers on the baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to gently toss or spread the caramel, ensuring that all crackers are evenly coated. Sprinkle the teaspoon of salt evenly over the coated crackers to enhance the flavor and create a balanced sweet and salty taste.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the caramel-coated crackers for 7 to 9 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as the caramel can quickly become too dark. The crackers should be bubbly and caramelized when done.
- Finish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the caramel crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step helps the caramel harden and the crackers to crisp up. Once cooled, break the crackers into clusters or pieces of your preferred size. Store the caramel crackers in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Be sure to watch the crackers closely while baking to avoid burning, as caramel can darken quickly.
- Using unsalted butter allows better control over the saltiness; you can adjust the added salt as per taste.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh.
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel for spicy caramel crackers.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute oyster crackers with gluten-free crackers of similar size.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel crackers, oyster crackers recipe, sweet and salty snack, caramel snack, easy party snacks
