Caramel Crackers Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Crackers are a delightful snack that combines crispy oyster crackers with a rich, buttery caramel coating. This easy-to-make treat offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, ideal for sharing or enjoying solo.

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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the oyster crackers evenly across it.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
3. Step 3: Allow the caramel mixture to boil gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Pour the caramel evenly over the crackers, stirring gently if needed to coat them well. Sprinkle the salt evenly on top.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking them into clusters.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the crackers lightly before adding the caramel.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Make sure to watch the crackers closely while baking, as caramel can burn quickly.

Storage

Store caramel crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them crisp, avoid refrigeration. If the caramel softens, you can crisp them slightly by warming in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

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, small buttery crackers or mini pretzels also work well to hold the caramel coating.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Boil the caramel mixture for only 2-3 minutes and keep a close watch during baking, as caramel sugars burn quickly. Use medium heat to melt the butter and mix ingredients gently.

Caramel Crackers Recipe

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4.8 from 93 reviews

Caramel Crackers are a sweet, crunchy snack made by coating oyster crackers with a rich homemade caramel sauce, then baking until perfectly crisp. This easy-to-make treat combines buttery caramel with a hint of cinnamon and salt for a deliciously addictive flavor.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 6 cups of caramel cracker clusters 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crackers

• 1 package (9 ounces) oyster crackers

Caramel Sauce

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

Instructions

1. Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the oyster crackers evenly across the baking sheet to ensure they bake uniformly.
2. Make Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and the sugar dissolves. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
3. Coat Crackers: Pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the crackers on the baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to toss and coat the crackers thoroughly. Sprinkle the salt over the coated crackers to enhance the flavor balance.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7 to 9 minutes. Watch carefully during baking to prevent the caramel from burning. The crackers should be glossy and slightly crisp when done.
5. Finish: Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break the caramel crackers into clusters. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.

Notes

• Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the caramel.
• Ensure the caramel is boiling gently to avoid burning the sugar.
• Cool completely before breaking into clusters for the best texture.
• Store in an airtight container for up to one week to retain crispness.
• Feel free to adjust cinnamon and salt amounts to taste for a personalized flavor.

Keywords: Caramel Crackers, oyster crackers, caramel snack, sweet snack, easy party snack, buttery caramel, baked snack