Salted Caramel Crackle: The Sweet, Salty Treat You Can’t Stop Snacking On

 

There’s something almost magical about the combination of sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and a touch of sea salt. Add a satisfying crunch, and you have a treat that disappears from the plate faster than you can say “just one more piece.” That’s the beauty of Salted Caramel Crackle — a layered confection that shatters with every bite and delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday dessert table, a homemade gift, or a late-night indulgence, this recipe is simple, impressive, and dangerously addictive.

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What Is Salted Caramel Crackle?

Salted Caramel Crackle is a layered candy bark made from:

• A crispy base (often crackers or cereal)

• Buttery homemade caramel

• Melted chocolate

• A finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt

When chilled and broken into shards, it forms irregular, glossy pieces that “crackle” when snapped — hence the name.

It’s similar in spirit to toffee bark, but with a softer caramel layer and a more pronounced sweet-salty contrast.

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Why This Recipe Works

The success of Salted Caramel Crackle lies in three key elements:

1. Texture contrast – Crunchy base + smooth caramel + silky chocolate

2. Salt balance – Flaky sea salt enhances sweetness rather than overpowering it

3. Layer timing – Pouring chocolate while caramel is hot helps the layers bond perfectly

Now let’s get into how to make it.

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Salted Caramel Crackle Recipe

Ingredients

For the base:

• 35–40 salted crackers (such as saltines) or 3 cups crispy rice cereal

For the caramel layer:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter

• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar (packed)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For the topping:

• 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1–2 teaspoons flaky sea salt

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  Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil.

  • Arrange crackers in a single, even layer across the bottom. If using cereal, spread it evenly instead.

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  2. Make the Caramel

  In a medium saucepan over medium heat:

  1. Melt the butter completely.

  2. Stir in the brown sugar.

  3. Bring to a steady boil while stirring constantly.

  4. Let it boil for 3–4 minutes until thick and glossy.

  5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

  The mixture should be bubbling and slightly thickened. Don’t overcook, or it may harden too much.

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  3. Pour and Bake

  • Immediately pour the hot caramel evenly over the cracker layer.

  • Spread gently with a spatula.

  • Bake for 5–7 minutes, until the caramel is bubbling all over.

  This step helps the caramel set and fuse with the base.

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  4. Add the Chocolate

  • Remove from the oven.

  • Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel.

  • Let sit for 2–3 minutes until melted.

  • Spread into a smooth layer with a spatula.

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  5. Finish with Sea Salt

  Sprinkle flaky sea salt lightly over the melted chocolate.
  A little goes a long way — you want balance, not overpowering saltiness.

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  6. Chill and Crack

  • Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until fully set.

  • Lift from the pan.

  • Break into rustic shards using your hands.

  Listen for that satisfying crack — that’s how you know you did it right.

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  Tips for Perfect Crackle

  Don’t Skip the Boil

  Caramel needs that 3–4 minute boil to properly set. Underboiling can make it too soft.

  Use Flaky Salt, Not Table Salt

  Flaky sea salt provides bursts of saltiness without dissolving too quickly.

  Try Dark Chocolate

  For a less sweet version, substitute dark chocolate (70% cocoa) for a deeper, more intense flavor.

  Add Texture Variations

  • Toasted pecans or almonds

  • A drizzle of white chocolate

  • Crushed pretzels for extra crunch

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  Storage

  Store in an airtight container:

  • At room temperature (cool climate) for up to 5 days

  • In the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

  If stacking, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

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  Why People Love Salted Caramel Crackle

  It’s:

  • Easy enough for beginners

  • Fancy enough for gifting

  • Customizable

  • Made with pantry staples

  • Impossible to eat just one piece

  That irresistible balance of buttery caramel, rich chocolate, and delicate sea salt hits every craving at once.