If you have a weakness for sweet, salty, and crunchy snacks all wrapped into one irresistible treat, you’re in for a delight with this Sea Salt Chocolate-Caramel Crackers Recipe. Picture this: buttery club crackers topped with a luscious caramel glaze that’s just the right amount of rich, then blanketed in silky semi-sweet chocolate and finished off with a sprinkle of sea salt to perfectly balance every bite. It’s a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors that’s incredibly simple to make but will impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Whether you’re snacking solo or bringing something special to a party, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Sea Salt Chocolate-Caramel Crackers Recipe is refreshingly straightforward, but every single item plays a key role in building those layers of flavor and texture that make this treat so addictive. From the crispy, neutral club crackers to the gooey caramel and glossy chocolate, these ingredients work in perfect harmony.
- 1.5 sleeves of club crackers: Choose your favorite brand, but make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold all the caramel and chocolate without sogging.
- 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter: Butter provides that rich, creamy base for the caramel and ensures it sets just right.
- 1 cup of light brown sugar, packed: Light brown sugar lends a warm, molasses-like sweetness that is essential for a deep, flavorful caramel.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic warmth that elevates the caramel’s flavor profile.
- 12-ounce package of semi-sweet chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate offers the perfect balance of sweetness and slight bitterness to complement the caramel.
- Hefty pinch of sea salt or kosher salt: The crowning touch that cuts through sweetness and rounds out the taste beautifully.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Sea Salt Chocolate-Caramel Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Crackers
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready when you are. Then, line an 11” by 17” baking sheet completely with foil for easy cleanup, followed by a layer of parchment paper right on the foil’s surface. This double layer ensures nothing sticks and those crackers come off effortlessly. Next, cover the lined sheet with club crackers, fitting them snugly side-by-side with no gaps. I counted about 52 and a half crackers to fill mine perfectly — it’s nearly like setting up a crunchy canvas for your caramel masterpiece!
Step 2: Make and Pour the Caramel
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter alongside the light brown sugar, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully because once mixed, this sugary buttery blend will start to bubble and come to a boil. Let it boil gently for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking frequently to prevent burning and to develop a rich caramel flavor. Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Now, quickly and confidently pour the warm caramel over the crackers, then spread it out evenly with a spatula. You want to work fast here because the caramel will begin setting quickly, so cover every cracker with that glossy, sticky goodness.
Step 3: Bake the Caramel-Covered Crackers
Place your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the caramel bubbles beautifully but the edges don’t brown too much — perfect caramel color is the goal, not burnt edges. Once baking time is up, carefully remove the tray from the oven. The crackers should be bubbling with molten caramel. This bubbling is your cue that the magic is happening underneath!
Step 4: Top with Chocolate and Sea Salt
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips generously over the hot caramel-covered crackers. Let the heat from the caramel and crackers soften the chocolate for about five minutes, then take a spatula and spread the melted chocolate evenly across the entire surface. Finally, add a hefty pinch of sea salt or kosher salt across the top. This is where the recipe truly shines — the salt balances the sweetness and adds an addictive crunch. Let everything cool completely before breaking the slab into pieces.
How to Serve Sea Salt Chocolate-Caramel Crackers Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little something extra, a light dusting of crushed toasted nuts or even a few flakes of Maldon sea salt on top can elevate the presentation and flavor. The hint of saltiness paired with the texture of nuts creates an even more memorable snack.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a perfect standalone treat, but it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The richness of the chocolate and caramel complements creamy or bitter accompaniments beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Break these crackers into small bite-sized pieces and serve them in a decorative bowl at a party, or stack them with layers of whipped cream and berries for an irresistible dessert parfait. You can even package them in cute gift bags for friends and family — they make fantastic homemade gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sea Salt Chocolate-Caramel Crackers keep best in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them perfectly crisp and lets the chocolate and caramel flavors meld over a few days without any sogginess. They’re great for snacking anytime!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? You can freeze these crackers for up to a month. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, and you’ll still get all that crunchy, caramellicious goodness.
Reheating
While these crackers are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you want to warm them for a softer chocolate experience, pop them in a low 250-degree Fahrenheit oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Just watch carefully to avoid melting too much or burning that delicate caramel layer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Absolutely! While club crackers are classic for this recipe because of their size and texture, you can experiment with buttery or salted crackers. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold the caramel and chocolate without getting soggy.
What’s the difference between sea salt and kosher salt here?
Both work well, but sea salt often has larger, flakier crystals that add a lovely burst of saltiness and texture. Kosher salt has finer grains that dissolve more evenly. Choose based on your preferred texture and salt intensity.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, using milk chocolate will result in a sweeter, creamier topping. Semi-sweet offers a nice balance of bittersweetness, but milk chocolate is a delicious variation if you have a sweet tooth!
How long do these crackers last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your Sea Salt Chocolate-Caramel Crackers Recipe treats will stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week — if they last that long with all the tempting snacking!
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
You can make a gluten-free version by substituting the club crackers with your favorite gluten-free crackers. Just be sure they have a similar sturdy texture to withstand the caramel layer.
Final Thoughts
This Sea Salt Chocolate-Caramel Crackers Recipe is one of those wonderfully simple, yet totally show-stopping treats that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s like the perfect hug in snack form — warm, sweet, a little salty, and utterly addictive. Give it a try; I promise it will become a staple in your recipe collection and a favorite among all your friends and family.
PrintSea Salt Chocolate-Caramel Crackers Recipe
Sea Salt Chocolate-Caramel Crackers are a delightful treat featuring crisp club crackers topped with a rich buttery caramel, melted semi-sweet chocolate, and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. This easy-to-make dessert combines crunchy texture with smooth chocolate and caramel, making it perfect for parties or casual snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base
- 1.5 sleeves of club crackers (Keebler Brand recommended, approximately 52 & 1/2 crackers)
Caramel Topping
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 1 12oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Hefty pinch of sea salt or kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 11”x17” baking sheet fully with aluminum foil, then place parchment paper on top of the foil to create a non-stick base.
- Arrange the crackers: Cover the entire baking sheet with club crackers, placing them side by side with no gaps. This will require about 52 and a half crackers to cover the sheet completely. Set aside.
- Make the caramel sauce: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and light brown sugar together, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture begins to boil, continue boiling for 2-3 minutes while whisking frequently to create a smooth caramel. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour caramel over crackers: Quickly pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the prepared crackers. Use a spatula to spread it swiftly and evenly as the caramel will start to set quickly.
- Bake the caramel-coated crackers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on the edges to prevent browning. The caramel should be bubbly when done.
- Add chocolate topping: Remove the crackers from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot caramel surface. Let the chocolate sit for 5 minutes to soften, then spread it evenly with a spatula to cover all the crackers.
- Finish with sea salt and cool: Sprinkle a generous pinch of sea salt or kosher salt over the melted chocolate. Allow the entire sheet to cool completely so the chocolate and caramel harden. Once cooled, break the sheet into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning the caramel.
- Make sure to spread the caramel quickly after pouring as it sets rapidly.
- Watch the baking carefully to avoid burning the edges of crackers.
- The sea salt adds a beautiful contrast but can be adjusted to taste.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the crackers crunchy and the chocolate fresh.
