Craving a quick and easy vegan snack? Try these delicious, salted caramel bread croutons – a tasty twist on classic croutons. Perfect for snacking or dessert!
Salted caramel bread croutons are small, sautéed, or re-baked bread cubes generously coated in a luscious, salted caramel syrup. They're wonderfully crunchy and have a delightful toffee-like flavor that's not too heavy. You can sprinkle these sweet croutons on top of your ice cream or puddings for some extra yum, or simply enjoy them as a tasty movie snack. They are also called caramel bread popcorn and sold in China as a street food snack.
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You might find our Comprehensive Guide to Vegan Croutons and recommended store-bought vegan crouton brands to be of interest.
Ingredients Notes
To make these homemade sweet croutons you need
- Bread Slices: I am using sliced bread to make these dessert croutons. You can simply use any bread like sourdough bread, ciabatta, challah, and more.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: To make this caramel sauce you need Sugar, Baking powder, Coarse salt, vegan butter, and salt.
How to Make Bread Croutons
Let's break down the process of making these crispy salted caramel bread croutons in simple steps
- Prep the Bread: Begin by removing the edges of your bread slices and cutting them into small 1-inch cubes. Smaller cubes are usually a good choice.
- Toast the Bread: Heat a pan on low and toast the bread cubes until they turn golden and crispy. This usually takes a few minutes. Once toasted, set them aside.
- Create the Caramel: In a wok, mix sugar and water, then heat it over low heat until the sugar fully melts. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
- Add Baking Powder: When the sugar has melted and started to bubble, add baking powder. Stir for a minute or two until the sugar caramelizes and changes color, enhancing the flavor.
- Mix with Salt and Toasted Bread Cubes: Add coarse salt to the caramel, and gently fold in the toasted bread cubes. Ensure each cube is coated with caramel.
- Transfer to a Tray: Use a butter paper-lined baking tray to prevent sticking and place the caramel-coated bread cubes on it.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the salted caramel croutons to cool completely. This step helps the caramel harden for that irresistible crunch. You can gently separate any that may have stuck together during cooling.
- Enjoy: Once cooled and set, savor these delightful croutons as a snack, a dessert garnish, or a topping for ice cream. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
Caramel croutons are a versatile treat that can be served in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to make the most of these sweet and crunchy delights:
- Ice Cream Topping: Elevate your Nice cream with sweet croutons for a sweet crunch and caramel flavor.
- Yogurt Parfait: Create a creamy and crunchy parfait by layering caramel croutons with flavored coconut yogurt and fresh fruits.
- Dessert Garnish: Enhance desserts like puddings, custards, and mousse with caramel croutons for added texture and flavor.
- Fruit Salad: Sprinkle caramel croutons over fruit salads to introduce a delightful sweet and savory twist.
- Hot Chocolate or Coffee: Float a few caramel croutons on top of your hot chocolate or coffee for an indulgent twist.
- Trail Mix: Mix these sweet croutons with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to make a delicious and energizing trail mix.
- Gift or Party Favors: Package caramel croutons in small, decorative containers or bags and give them as gifts or party favors. They make for a delightful and unique homemade present.
Gluten-Free Croutons
To make this crouton recipe gluten-free simply get the gluten-free bread. All other ingredients are already gluten-free.
Storage
To store caramel croutons, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If needed, refrigerate in hot and humid conditions.
For long-term storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the air fryer or preheated oven for five minutes to get that crunch back.
More Vegan Snacks
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Salted Caramel Bread Croutons
Ingredients
- 8 slices Bread
- 25 g Vegan butter
- 1 cup Sugar
- ¼ cup Water
- ¼ tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Coarse salt
Instructions
- Begin by removing the edges of your bread slices and cutting them into small 1-inch cubes. Smaller cubes are usually a good choice.
- Heat a pan on low and toast the bread cubes until they turn golden and crispy. This usually takes a few minutes. Once toasted, set them aside.
- In a wok, mix sugar and water, then heat it over low heat until the sugar fully melts. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
- When the sugar has melted and started to bubble, add baking powder. Stir for a minute or two until the sugar caramelizes and changes color, enhancing the flavor.
- Add coarse salt to the caramel, and gently fold in the toasted bread cubes. Ensure each cube is coated with caramel.
- Use a butter paper-lined baking tray to prevent sticking and place the caramel-coated bread cubes on it.
Notes
- Start with fresh, good-quality bread to ensure delicious croutons. Cut the bread into even cubes for consistent cooking.
- Toast the bread cubes over low heat to prevent burning. Stir the cubes often to ensure even toasting.
- Be patient when making caramel; watch it closely to avoid burning.
- Ensure all croutons are well-coated with caramel. Let the croutons cool fully for that perfect crunch.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
Rachel says
So delicious! 10/10 would recommend it to everyone!