Salted Caramel Crackle: A Buttery, Crispy, Sweet-and-Salty Treat

If you love desserts that combine deep caramel flavor, a satisfying crunch, and just the right touch of salt, Salted Caramel Crackle is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This irresistible confection features a crisp base—often made with crackers or a thin caramelized toffee layer—topped with silky chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The result? A dessert that literally “crackles” when you break it apart and melts in your mouth with every bite.

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to making Salted Caramel Crackle at home, along with helpful tips to ensure perfect results every time.

What Is Salted Caramel Crackle?

Salted Caramel Crackle is a layered candy bark made by pouring homemade caramel or toffee over a crisp base, baking until bubbly, then topping it with chocolate and flaky sea salt. Once cooled and hardened, it’s broken into irregular shards—hence the name “crackle.”

It’s:

• Quick to prepare
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for gifting or parties
• Easy to customize

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Base:

• 1 sleeve (about 30–35) salted or plain crackers (such as saltines or buttery crackers)

For the Caramel Toffee Layer:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar (light or dark)

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1½ to 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

Finishing Touch:

• Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon-style salt)

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet (rimmed)
• Parchment paper or foil
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Offset spatula (optional)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If using foil, lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Arrange the crackers in a single layer, covering the entire bottom of the pan. Make sure there are no large gaps—this ensures an even caramel layer.

Tip: Break crackers if needed to fully cover the base.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Toffee

In a medium saucepan over medium heat:

1. Add the butter and brown sugar.
2. Stir constantly as the butter melts.
3. Once fully melted, bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Let it boil for 3–4 minutes, stirring continuously.

You’ll notice the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. This step is crucial—under-boiling may result in chewy caramel instead of crisp crackle.

Important: Keep stirring to prevent burning.

Step 3: Pour and Spread the Caramel

Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over the crackers.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring all crackers are covered.

Work quickly—the caramel begins to set as it cools.

Step 4: Bake to Create the Crackle

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 5–7 minutes.

You’ll see the caramel bubbling across the surface. This baking step helps the caramel seep into the crackers and create that signature crisp texture.

Remove from the oven once the entire surface is bubbling.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Layer

Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel layer.

Let them sit for 3–5 minutes. The residual heat will melt the chocolate.

Once softened, spread the melted chocolate into a smooth layer using a spatula.

Step 6: Finish with Flaky Sea Salt

Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle flaky sea salt lightly over the top.

Don’t overdo it—a little salt enhances the caramel flavor beautifully.

This contrast between sweet caramel and delicate salt crystals is what makes Salted Caramel Crackle so addictive.

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