Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and ready in under an hour.
Sweet and Salty: Perfect balance of caramel sweetness and salty crackers.
Crunchy Texture: Layers of crisp crackers topped with gooey caramel and nuts.
No Baking Required: Mostly no-bake, just a quick caramel melt.
Great for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or snack time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

40 saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies
1 ½ cups chopped pecans or walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: sea salt for sprinkling

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Arrange Crackers: Place saltine crackers in a single layer covering the entire pan.
Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
Pour Caramel Over Crackers: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Immediately pour caramel sauce evenly over crackers.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until bubbly.
Add Nuts: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the caramel layer, pressing them lightly into the caramel.
Cool and Set: Let the dessert cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.
Serve: Break into pieces and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 pieces
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel for extra indulgence.
Nut-Free: Omit nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the caramel sauce.
Different Crackers: Use buttery crackers or graham crackers for variation.
Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over nuts for a sweet-salty kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated in warm climates to maintain firmness.
Reheating: Not necessary; best served at room temperature or chilled.

FAQs

Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?

Yes, but caramel bits help the caramel set better. Use thick caramel sauce and reduce other liquids accordingly.

What kind of crackers work best?

Saltines are traditional for the perfect salty crunch.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Boil the caramel mixture for the recommended time without stirring, and remove promptly.

Can I use other nuts?

Yes, almonds, pecans, walnuts, or mixed nuts work well.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

Saltine crackers contain gluten; use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes, make ahead and store covered at room temperature.

How do I get clean pieces when breaking?

Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry to cut.

Can I freeze Caramel Apple Crack?

Freezing is not recommended as caramel texture may change.

Can I add dried fruit?

Yes, sprinkle dried cranberries or raisins along with nuts.

How sweet is this dessert?

It’s sweet but balanced by the salty crackers; adjust sugar to taste if desired.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Crack is a crunchy, sweet, and salty treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Perfect for sharing at parties, holidays, or as a simple homemade snack, this dessert combines familiar flavors with an addictive texture that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite nuts, chocolate, or spices to make it uniquely yours.