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When I'm craving something crunchy and sweet without any hassle, caramel crackers always do the trick. They use simple ingredients from your pantry and hit that awesome sweet-salty spot that makes you want more.
One rainy day, I whipped these up and took them to a family game night. They vanished before the final game ended.
What You Need
- Butter: adds creaminess and helps the caramel stick smoothly
- Cinnamon: offers a warm, subtle spice that matches the salty and sweet flavors best when freshly ground
- Oyster crackers: give a light, crispy base that’s just right
- Salt: boosts flavor and balances sweetness, flaky sea salt works great for some crunch
- Brown sugar: brings that rich caramel taste, dark brown sugar makes it extra tasty
- Vanilla extract: lifts the caramel’s flavor, pure vanilla is best if you’ve got it
Steps
- Heat the oven and line up the crackers
- Set your oven to 350°F. Spread oyster crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to keep things easy and even.
- Whip up the caramel
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon right after. Keep stirring until the sugar melts and the mix starts bubbling. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken up.
- Cover the crackers
- Take the pan off the heat. Pour the caramel over the crackers and mix them around to coat all pieces well. Sprinkle salt on top for that extra kick.
- Bake but watch closely
- Put the crackers in the oven for 7 to 9 minutes. Keep an eye on it because caramel can burn fast. You want it bubbling without turning dark.
- Cool off and enjoy
- Let the crackers cool completely on the tray so the caramel can harden and get crispy. Break the big sheet into chunks and store in a sealed container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
My favorite thing is how the salt really makes the caramel pop. I have sweet memories of making these with my kids over holidays. They loved helping spread the caramel, and they knew they'd get a crunchy treat as a reward.
How to Store
Keep these crackers in a sealed container at room temp so they stay crunchy for up to five days. Skip the fridge since moisture can make them soft. If they’re not as crisp, warming them for 5 minutes in a low oven brings the crunch back.
Swaps and Changes
You can swap out oyster crackers for pretzel sticks or little pretzel twists if you want more saltiness. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free treat, but it’ll taste a bit different. Try maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a new kind of sweet but cut down on other liquids in the mix.
Ways to Serve
These crackers go great with a strong cup of coffee or tea for a midday snack. Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert boost. They’re also tasty on top of yogurt or oatmeal when you want some extra crunch and sweetness.
Seasonal Variations
Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the caramel for cozy holiday vibes. After coating the crackers, stir in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch. For a festive treat, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the clusters after they've cooled.
This treat balances salty and sweet perfectly and comes together super fast for your next snack craving.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Which crackers are best to use?
Go for oyster crackers since they're small and firm. They hold up really well when covered in caramel and don’t get soggy.
- → How can I stop the caramel from burning?
Watch the caramel closely when melting and baking because it can burn fast. Keep stirring while you melt it and set a timer for about 7 to 9 minutes in the oven.
- → Can I put other spices in the caramel?
Definitely! Cinnamon is a favorite but trying nutmeg or ginger adds a warm, cozy flavor without taking over the caramel taste.
- → What’s the best way to store these so they stay crunchy?
After they’ve cooled all the way, pop them in an airtight container at room temp. That keeps them crisp and stops moisture from making them soft.
- → Is baking after coating really needed?
Baking makes the caramel set tight on the crackers and brings out the flavor more. If you skip baking, the coating might stay sticky and less crunchy.