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No-Bake Caramel Bites

These no-bake caramel bites are quick, nostalgic treats made with melted caramel candies, crushed cookies, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. The mixture is stirred until smooth, shaped into small bites, and set until chewy and gooey with a crispy shell, perfect for an effortless dessert or sweet snack. Their final appearance is glossy, golden, and sprinkled with sea salt for a perfect sweet-salty balance.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter salted or unsalted, melted
  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess and sweetness
  • 1 cup caramel candies or caramel bits melts into a smoky, sweet ooze
  • 1 cup crushed cookies graham crackers or digestives, toasted lightly
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances caramel depth
  • to taste sea salt flakes for sprinkling on top

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Place the caramel candies or bits in a small saucepan and melt over low heat, stirring constantly. The candies should turn glossy and smooth after about 3-5 minutes, filling your kitchen with a sweet, caramel aroma.
  2. Add the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk to the melted caramel, stirring continuously until the mixture is well combined and heated through. It will thicken slightly and smell rich and inviting.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat once the mixture is smooth, shiny, and just bubbling around the edges. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
  4. Fold in the crushed cookies quickly, mixing until evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky and slightly thickened, with bits of cookie visible.
  5. Using a teaspoon or small scoop, portion the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping each into a small, rounded bite. Gently press down to flatten slightly if desired.
  6. Sprinkle sea salt flakes over each bite for a perfect sweet-salty contrast. Let the bites sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until set and chewy.
  7. Once set, enjoy these glossy, golden caramel bites straight from the fridge or at room temperature. They should be chewy, gooey, and bursting with nostalgic flavor.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, swap butter and condensed milk with coconut oil and coconut cream. Add chopped nuts or drizzle chocolate on top for extra flavor. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days for best freshness.