Easy Salted Caramel Bites Recipe

What You’ll Make

These are sweet little squares with three layers: a crunchy bottom, creamy caramel middle, and chocolate top with a sprinkle of salt. They taste like expensive candy but are much easier to make at home.

Why This Recipe Works for You

• No fancy equipment needed – just basic pans and spoons
• Large, clear steps – one thing at a time
• Room temperature ingredients work fine – no need for precise temperatures
• Forgiving recipe – small mistakes won’t ruin it
• Make ahead friendly – actually taste better the next day
• Easy to share – perfect for neighbors, grandchildren, or church groups

Shopping List

Print this and take it to the store

Pantry Items:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or buy whole crackers and crush them)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark, both work)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (regular salt is fine too)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional but nice)

Refrigerated Items:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (small carton)
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (small can)

Before You Start

Get these ready first:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper (makes removal easy)
• Get out: medium saucepan, wooden spoon, measuring cups
• Have all ingredients on the counter

Helpful tip: If you have arthritis or grip issues, ask someone to help open the condensed milk can.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Bottom Layer (10 minutes)

1. Mix the crust: In a bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup melted butter until it looks like wet sand
2. Press it down: Dump mixture into your lined pan. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly
3. Bake it: Put in oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden
4. Cool it: Take out and let it cool while you make the caramel

Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even – it will still taste great!

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer (15 minutes)

1. Combine ingredients: In your saucepan, add:
   • 1/2 cup brown sugar
   • 1/4 cup heavy cream
   • 1/4 cup butter (the other half of your stick)
   • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
   • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
2. Cook slowly: Put on medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon
3. Keep stirring: Don’t stop stirring! It will bubble and thicken in 7-10 minutes
4. Know when it’s done: It should coat your spoon and be golden brown
5. Add vanilla: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract

If your arm gets tired from stirring, it’s normal – the caramel is almost ready!

Step 3: Put It Together (5 minutes work, then waiting)

1. Pour caramel: Spread the warm caramel over your cooled crust
2. First chill: Put in refrigerator for 30-45 minutes until firm to touch
3. Melt chocolate: In microwave, heat chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
4. Top it off: Spread melted chocolate over firm caramel
5. Add salt: Sprinkle with flaky salt if using
6. Final chill: Refrigerate at least 30 more minutes

Step 4: Cut and Serve

1. Lift out: Use parchment paper to lift the whole thing out of the pan
2. Cut carefully: Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts
3. Make small squares: Cut into 20-24 pieces (about 1-inch squares)

Important Tips for Success

Temperature matters:

• Let each layer cool before adding the next
• A warm knife cuts cleaner – run it under hot water and dry it

Storage made simple:

• Keep covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week
• Bring to room temperature before serving for best taste
• Freeze up to 3 months in airtight container

If something goes wrong:

• Caramel too thin? Cook it a bit longer while stirring
• Chocolate seized up? Add a teaspoon of oil and stir
• Hard to cut? Let it warm up for 10 minutes first

Nutritional Information

Per piece (if you make 24):

• Calories: 130 (about the same as a small cookie)
• Sugar: 13g (moderate sweetness)
• Healthy fats: 7g (from butter and chocolate)
• Sodium: 75mg (low sodium)

Good to know: These are treats, not health food, but they’re portion-controlled and satisfying.

Perfect For:

• Gift giving – put in small tins or boxes
• Church potlucks – always a hit
• Grandchildren visits – they’ll think you’re magic
• Bridge club – elegant but not fussy
• Holiday trays – looks expensive, costs little

Money-Saving Tips:

• Make when you have a coupon for chocolate chips
• Graham crackers often go on sale in summer
• One batch makes enough to share and keep some
• Much cheaper than buying fancy caramels at the store

Final Words

Don’t be intimidated by making caramel – thousands of grandmothers have done this before you, and you can too! The key is just to keep stirring and be patient. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will ask for the recipe.

Take your time, follow the steps, and enjoy the process. Cooking should be a joy, not a stress!