🍯 Salted Caramel Pecan Cracker Bites
These Salted Caramel Pecan Cracker Bites are buttery, crunchy, sweet, salty, and incredibly addictive. Buttery crackers are coated in a homemade brown-sugar caramel, topped with crunchy pecans, and finished with flaky sea salt.
Ingredients
For the bites:
- 2 cups buttery round crackers, such as Ritz-style crackers
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
1. Prepare the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Arrange the crackers:
Place the crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try to keep them close together so the caramel coats them evenly.
3. Make the caramel:
Add the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and salt to a saucepan over medium heat.
4. Boil:
Stir until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth. Bring it to a gentle boil and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Finish the caramel:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla, cinnamon if using, and baking soda. The mixture will become light and foamy.
6. Coat the crackers:
Immediately pour the hot caramel over the crackers. Use a spatula to spread it as evenly as possible.
7. Add pecans:
Sprinkle the chopped pecans generously over the caramel-coated crackers. Gently press them into the caramel.
8. Bake:
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the caramel is bubbling and golden brown. Watch carefully toward the end so it doesn’t burn.
9. Add sea salt:
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
10. Cool completely:
Let the cracker bites cool on the baking sheet for at least 30–45 minutes, or until the caramel has completely hardened.
11. Break apart:
Once cool, break or cut the pieces apart into bite-sized clusters.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Cracker Bites
Use real butter for the best caramel flavor.
Don’t boil the caramel for too long or it can become hard and bitter.
Spread the caramel quickly because it thickens as it cools.
Toasted pecans give an especially delicious flavor.
For extra caramel flavor, add ½ teaspoon caramel extract along with the vanilla.
Storage
Store the cooled cracker bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Yield: About 8–10 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes