I love a snack that comes together fast and hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, crunchy, and just a little indulgent. These Salted Caramel Cracker Bites are made with simple ingredients, take less than 30 minutes, and are absolutely addictive. They’re perfect for parties, gifting, or just treating myself to something sweet and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I put this recipe together whenever I want a quick dessert without baking from scratch. The saltines give a crisp base, the caramel turns golden and gooey in the oven, and the melted chocolate chips bring everything together. I like to finish them with sea salt for that little extra kick. They store well and are great for making ahead of time, too.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup caramel sauce
1 package (about 4 ounces) saltine crackers
½ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup sea salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lay the saltine crackers in a single layer, edge to edge, across the baking sheet.
Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the crackers, spreading it out to coat most of them.
Bake for 5–7 minutes, until the caramel is bubbling and slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let them sit for a minute or two to soften.
Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the melted chocolate.
Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the top.
Let the pan cool at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes, then break into bite-sized pieces.

Servings and timing

Yield: about 24 bite-sized pieces
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 7 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for an extra crunch.
A drizzle of peanut butter over the caramel adds a rich, nutty layer.
If I want more depth, I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
To make it gluten-free, I swap the saltines for a gluten-free cracker.
A dash of cayenne pepper gives it a little heat—perfect with the sweet caramel.

Storage/Reheating

I store these in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh for up to 1 week. If I make them ahead of time, I just let them sit out for a few minutes before serving. There’s no need to reheat, but they also taste great slightly chilled if I want something firmer.

FAQs

What kind of caramel sauce works best?

I use a thick store-bought caramel sauce, but homemade caramel works great too as long as it’s not too runny.

Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?

Yes, I’ve swapped them in a few times. Graham crackers give a slightly sweeter base, which pairs nicely with the caramel.

How do I keep the caramel from sticking to the pan?

Lining the pan with parchment paper helps a lot. It also makes cleanup way easier.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, I’ve frozen them in a sealed bag for up to a month. I let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Do I have to melt the chocolate chips in the oven?

Not necessarily. I let the residual heat from the caramel melt them, but if needed, I pop the tray back into the oven for 1–2 minutes to help them melt faster.

Conclusion

I can’t get enough of these Salted Caramel Cracker Bites—they’re quick, simple, and absolutely delicious. Whether I’m prepping a holiday snack tray or just craving something sweet, they always hit the spot. Once I tried them the first time, they quickly became a go-to in my kitchen.