Have saltine crackers? Need a quick and easy dessert? This recipe for Saltine Cracker Caramel Bars is for you! This recipe only takes a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and is perfect for parties, pot lucks, bake sales, holidays, etc.
If you are like me, sometimes I end up with something in my pantry that is not going to be consumed. My toddler was sick, I bought some saltine crackers for his upset tummy just like my mom used to do, he ate two and now the box is sitting there collecting dust. Although I love throwing things away, I hate throwing things away. So I searched for something to do with an entire box of crackers. This recipe was inspired by Pillsbury, sometimes the oldies are the goodies.
I've seen some recipes that call this "Saltine Crack" or "Toffee Crack Bars", this Saltine Cracker Caramel Bars recipe is very similar. And yes, they are like crack. LOL. They are REALLY good and REALLY easy to make. I was able to use up almost the entire box of crackers as well as clear out a few half-used packages of nuts and chocolate chips and a can of condensed milk that had been in the pantry for a while.
How to Make Saltine Cracker Caramel Bars
- Prepare 13x9 pan with foil or parchemnt paper and non-stick spray.
- Line the bottom of your pan with crackers (my layer was 24).
- To make the caramel, add condensed milk, milk, butter and brown sugar to a large saucepan on medium heat. YOU MUST STIR THE ENTIRE TIME. Once combined, increase heat slightly and boil for 5 minutes. Be careful, it's really hot and bubbly at this point but you do have to keep stirring or it will burn.
- Pour about ⅓ of the caramel over crackers in pan. Add another layer of crackers and cover with another ⅓ of the caramel. Repeat one more time so you have 3 layers of crackers and caramel.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips and microwave for 60 seconds. Stir and continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted. Here is where I add the vegetable oil. It adds a little more shine and makes the chocolate just a little easier to spread. This step is optional.
- Spread all of the chocolate over the top of the caramel and crackers and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set the chocolate.
saltine crackers 
caramel on top 
melted chocolate 
chopped nuts on top
Tips for making these Caramel Bars
- The caramel cooks fast, bubbles A LOT, and is VERY hot! Be careful and use a large pan to keep it under control.
- I used foil as a liner for my pan but I would recommend parchment paper.
- Store and leftover bars in the fridge in an airtight container. They will last 3-4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze these bars for up to 3 months.
Here are some more fun and delicious recipes to check out:
- Homemade Snickers Bars
- Twix Cookies
- Easy Cake Bites
- Pink Grapefruit Dessert Bars
- No-Bake Irish Cream Mini Cheesecakes
Saltine Cracker Caramel Bars
Equipment
- 9 x 13 pan (or similar size)
- parchment paper or foil
- large saucepan
- silicone spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 3 packages saltine crackers
- 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare a 13x9 pan with liner and non-stick spray. I used foil in these photos but I would recommend parchment paper.
- Line the bottom of your pan with crackers (my layer was 24 crackers).
- To make the caramel, add condensed milk, milk, butter, and brown sugar to a large saucepan on medium heat. YOU MUST STIR THE ENTIRE TIME. Once combined, increase the heat slightly and boil for 5 minutes. Be careful, it's really hot and bubbly at this point but you do have to keep stirring or it will burn.
- Pour about ⅓ of the caramel over crackers in the pan. Add another layer of crackers and cover with another ⅓ of the caramel. Repeat one more time so you have 3 layers of crackers and caramel.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips and microwave for 60 seconds. Stir and continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted. Here is where I add the vegetable oil. It adds a little more shine and makes the chocolate just a little easier to spread. This step is optional.
- Spread all of the chocolate over the top of the caramel and crackers and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set the chocolate.
Notes
- If you don't want to top with nuts (or are allergic) you can top with some sea salt!
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Did you make these Saltine Cracker Caramel Bars?
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