Sweet & Salty Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats Recipe

Sweet and salty cravings collide in these irresistible caramel peanut Ritz cracker treats that blend childhood nostalgia with grown-up flavor.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of buttery crackers and rich caramel goodness.

Ritz crackers create a crispy base that supports layers of gooey caramel and crunchy peanuts.

The combination feels like a delightful dessert mashup that surprises and delights.

Simple ingredients transform into an addictive snack that disappears quickly at gatherings.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed for this crowd-pleasing treat.

You’ll want to make extra because these delectable bites vanish in moments.

What You’ll Need for Caramel Peanut Ritz Treats

• Ritz Crackers: Classic buttery crackers that serve as the crispy foundation for this sweet treat.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides rich, creamy sweetness and helps create the caramel mixture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like flavor and helps thicken the caramel sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel base.

• Peanuts: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to complement the caramel.

• Milk, Vanilla: Softens the caramel mixture and adds a subtle, smooth flavor complexity.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking during the preparation process.

Tools to Make Ritz Cracker Treats Easy

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for arranging crackers and baking.
• Parchment Paper: Essential for preventing sticking and easy cleanup.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for cooking caramel mixture smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring caramel without scratching pan.
• Cookie Scoop: Helps distribute caramel evenly onto crackers.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Useful for blending milk and vanilla into caramel mixture.
• Airtight Container: Keeps treats fresh after cooling and storing.

How to Assemble Caramel Peanut Ritz Treats

Step 1: Prep the Baking Canvas

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and create a neat grid of Ritz crackers, ensuring they’re spread out evenly without overlapping.

Step 2: Craft the Caramel Base

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Butter
• Brown sugar

Heat the mixture over medium flame, stirring constantly for 7-8 minutes until it transforms into a smooth, golden liquid.

Step 3: Enhance the Caramel Blend

• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped peanuts

Whisk ingredients together, letting the mixture simmer and thicken for 2 minutes.

Remove from heat once it reaches a rich, glossy consistency.

Step 4: Create Decadent Treats

Using a cookie scoop, generously dollop the warm caramel-peanut mixture onto each Ritz cracker.

Ensure each cracker gets a luxurious coating of the sweet and nutty blend.

Step 5: Chill and Preserve

Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature.

Once set, transfer to an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture and delightful flavor.

Tips for Even, Crunchy Ritz Cracker Layers

• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure crackers don't stick and can be easily removed after cooling.
• Stir constantly during cooking to prevent burning and achieve smooth, even caramel consistency.
• Swap peanuts with almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Allow caramel mixture to cool slightly before spooning onto crackers to prevent cracker breakdown and maintain crispness.
• Separate layers with wax paper when storing to prevent treats from sticking together and maintain individual cracker integrity.

Fun Twists for Caramel Peanut Ritz Treats

• Almond Butter Crunch: Replace peanuts with sliced almonds, swap brown sugar for coconut sugar, and use almond butter instead of regular milk.
• Gluten-Free Delight: Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or graham crackers, keeping all other ingredients the same.
• Vegan Caramel Treats: Use coconut condensed milk, plant-based butter, and chopped pecans to create a dairy-free version of the original recipe.
• Sea Salt Caramel Cracker Bites: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel-peanut mixture before cooling for an enhanced flavor profile.

Serving Ritz Cracker Treats for Snacking or Parties

• Sweet Picnic Perfection: Pack these treats in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, creating a delightful portable dessert.
• Chocolate Drizzle Upgrade: Melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle elegantly over the cooled caramel peanut crackers for extra indulgence.
• Nutty Party Platter: Arrange treats on a decorative serving board with additional chopped peanuts sprinkled around for a stunning presentation that highlights the crunchy texture.
• Coffee Companion: Serve alongside hot espresso or rich cappuccino, letting the sweet and salty flavors complement the robust coffee notes.

Storing Caramel Peanut Ritz Treats for Sweet Tooth Moments

• Store treats in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 5 days, maintaining crispy texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual treats in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Place in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and crunch.
• Warm slightly in microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore softness. Avoid overheating to prevent caramel from burning or crackers from becoming soggy.

FAQs

• Are Ritz crackers the best choice for this recipe?

Ritz crackers provide a perfect salty base that complements the sweet caramel and adds a crispy texture, making them an ideal foundation for these treats.

• Can I use a different type of milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is crucial for creating the rich, thick caramel sauce. Substituting it might change the consistency and flavor of the recipe.

• How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Stir the mixture constantly and keep the heat at medium, watching carefully to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan or overcook.

• What if I don't have a cookie scoop?

You can use a spoon to carefully dollop the caramel-peanut mixture onto the crackers, ensuring an even distribution of the topping.

Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats: Sweet and Salty Fun

• These delightful treats come together with minimal kitchen skills, making them perfect for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a sweet snack.
• Combining salty Ritz crackers with rich caramel and crunchy peanuts creates an irresistible flavor explosion that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Swap ingredients like using different nuts or adding chocolate drizzle allows personal creativity and keeps the recipe exciting for repeat making.
• Using just one saucepan and a baking sheet means less washing up, making this recipe a stress-free dessert option for anyone wanting a quick sweet treat.

Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible caramel peanut Ritz cracker treats bring sweet and salty flavors together in one simple dessert. Chocolate drizzle and crunchy peanuts elevate this quick snack you can enjoy with friends or savor solo.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramel Coating:

• 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup (76 grams) butter
• 1/3 cup (73 grams) brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Crunchy Base:

• 1–2 sleeves Ritz crackers

Topping:

• 1 cup (150 grams) roughly chopped peanuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, carefully arranging Ritz crackers in a uniform single layer.
2. Combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar in a saucepan, heating over medium temperature for 7-8 minutes while continuously stirring to prevent scorching.
3. Reduce heat and incorporate milk, vanilla extract, and chopped peanuts into the caramel mixture, simmering for an additional 2 minutes until the consistency thickens and becomes glossy.
4. Using a cookie scoop, distribute the warm caramel-peanut blend evenly across each cracker, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
5. Allow treats to rest at room temperature until completely cooled and set, then transfer to an airtight storage container to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Notes

• Prep Surface Strategically use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Control Caramel Carefully monitor heat to avoid burning the mixture, stirring consistently for smooth texture.
• Customize Crunch Experiment with different nuts like almonds or pecans for varied flavor profiles and added crunch.
• Storage Hack Keep treats in a cool, dry place to maintain their crisp texture and prevent softening.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 173
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 153 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg