Crunchy, caramel-coated, and totally crave-worthy—these Caramel Crunch Crackers are the snack you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re hosting a party, binge-watching your favorite show, or prepping holiday gift jars, these bite-sized snacks strike the perfect balance between buttery sweetness and salty crunch.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about simple pantry staples transforming into something this addictive. The caramel is rich and buttery, the oyster crackers soak it up beautifully without becoming soggy, and the oven toasting brings it all together into golden perfection. Plus, it’s a one-bowl, one-pan wonder with zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 bag (9 oz) oyster crackers – small, crisp, and perfect for coating
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – for that rich, caramel base
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – brings molasses depth
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – balances sweetness
- 1/4 tsp baking soda – gives that light crackle texture
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor
- Pinch of salt – to enhance every bite
Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder.
- Nutty twist? Toss in chopped pecans or almonds.
- Chocolate drizzle? After cooling, drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
How to Make Caramel Crunch Crackers
1. Preheat & Prep
Heat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Make the Caramel
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add both sugars and stir until smooth and glossy. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil for 2–3 minutes, undisturbed.
3. Finish the Caramel
Remove from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda, vanilla, and salt. It will foam slightly—that’s normal and helps create that signature crunch.
4. Coat the Crackers
Place the oyster crackers in a large bowl and pour the hot caramel over. Toss gently with a spatula until every cracker is evenly coated.
5. Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated crackers onto your prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even caramelization.
6. Cool & Crunch
Once golden and crisp, let them cool completely. The caramel hardens as it cools, giving you that perfect crunch.
Tips for Success
- Work quickly once the caramel is ready—cool caramel thickens fast.
- Stir often while baking to prevent clumping.
- Let cool fully before storing or eating to ensure crunchiness.
Serving Suggestions
These crackers are perfect for:
- Movie night snacks
- Lunchbox treats
- Holiday snack jars
- Topping yogurt or ice cream
Pair with a cup of Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups or your favorite latte for cozy vibes.
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month—thaw before serving.
More Snackable Recipes You’ll Love
- These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Easy Jalapeño Popper Bites
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- This Edible Cookie Dough
- This Brownie Batter Dip
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Crunch Crackers are dangerously addictive. They take minutes to prep and disappear even faster—consider this your fair warning! Whether you’re gifting or indulging, this recipe’s a must-save.
Tried it? Snap a pic and tag us @ChefManiac or leave a comment below—we’d love to hear how they turned out! 🥨✨
