Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats transform simple pantry ingredients into an irresistible sweet-and-salty dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds. These delightful treats bring together the buttery, flaky texture of Ritz crackers with the rich decadence of homemade caramel and the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts. The combination creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that appeals to both sophisticated palates and picky eaters alike. What makes these treats truly special is their versatility – they’re elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for weeknight family desserts. Unlike many no-bake treats, these bars maintain their texture beautifully, with the crackers softening just enough to create cohesive bars while still providing that distinctive Ritz cracker experience. The contrast between the sweet caramel, salty crackers, and nutty peanuts creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and unique, making these treats an instant classic in your recipe collection.
Summary
These Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats combine buttery Ritz crackers, gooey homemade caramel, and crunchy peanuts into an addictive sweet-and-salty dessert. Finished with a drizzle of chocolate, these no-bake bars come together in under 30 minutes plus cooling time. The perfect balance of textures and flavors makes these treats ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or everyday indulgence. Yields 16-20 bars.
Equipment
- 9×9-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small microwave-safe bowl (for chocolate drizzle)
- Knife or offset spatula for spreading
- Sharp knife for cutting bars
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 4 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 100-120 crackers)
- 1½ cups roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (salted or unsalted, according to preference)
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt (increase to ½ teaspoon if using unsalted peanuts)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional)
- Extra chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
Preparation:
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Coarsely crush about half of the Ritz crackers and place in the bottom of the prepared pan. Break the remaining crackers into quarters or halves.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the chopped peanuts over the cracker layer, reserving ½ cup for mixing with the caramel.
For the Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and corn syrup.
- Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Slowly stir in the sweetened condensed milk.
- Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 235-240°F (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 5-7 minutes. If you don’t have a thermometer, cook until the mixture has thickened and turned a rich golden color.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and the remaining ½ cup of chopped peanuts.
Assembly:
- Immediately pour half of the hot caramel mixture over the crackers and peanuts in the prepared pan.
- Layer the remaining cracker pieces on top, gently pressing them into the caramel.
- Pour the remaining caramel over the top, ensuring all crackers are covered.
- Use a spatula to gently press the mixture into an even layer.
- Allow to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
For the Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter (if using).
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled caramel layer.
- If desired, sprinkle with additional chopped peanuts and a light dusting of flaky sea salt.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Serving:
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire dessert out of the pan.
- With a sharp knife, cut into 16-20 bars.
- Allow to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- The caramel should be cooked to the soft ball stage (235-240°F) for the perfect chewy texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet treat, use unsalted peanuts and increase the salt in the caramel slightly.
- These bars can be made with other crackers, but Ritz provide the ideal buttery flavor and flaky texture.
Tips for Success
- Don’t crush the crackers too finely – keeping some larger pieces adds wonderful texture contrast.
- Stir the caramel constantly to prevent burning or crystallization.
- Allow the bars to set completely before cutting to ensure clean edges.
- For easiest cutting, use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
- If the caramel seems too sticky to work with, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before cutting.
- Toast the peanuts before using to enhance their flavor, especially if using unsalted peanuts.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Add a full layer of melted chocolate on top instead of just a drizzle.
- Nutty Twist: Substitute half or all of the peanuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews.
- Salty-Sweet Kick: Add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne to the caramel for a spicy-sweet treat.
- Holiday Version: Add dried cranberries and white chocolate drizzle for a festive touch.
- S’mores Style: Use graham crackers instead of Ritz and add mini marshmallows to the layers.
- Peanut Butter Lover’s: Swirl peanut butter into the caramel before pouring over the crackers.
- Turtle Style: Use pecans instead of peanuts and add an extra drizzle of caramel on top of the chocolate.
- No-Peanut Option: For those with peanut allergies, substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own? A: While homemade caramel provides the best texture and flavor, you can use 2 cups of thick store-bought caramel sauce in a pinch. Heat it slightly before pouring to ensure even coating.
Q: How long do these treats stay fresh? A: When stored properly, these treats remain fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze these bars? A: Yes! These bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Why did my caramel turn grainy? A: This usually happens when sugar crystals form during cooking. To prevent this, avoid stirring too vigorously and make sure all sugar is dissolved before the mixture comes to a boil.
Q: Can I make these without corn syrup? A: Yes, you can substitute honey or golden syrup, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Q: Are these bars gluten-free? A: No, Ritz crackers contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free butter crackers.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The bars will become firmer when chilled.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars or the entire uncut slab in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats offer a delightful departure from traditional desserts, combining familiar ingredients in an unexpectedly delicious way. The contrast between the salty, buttery crackers and the sweet, chewy caramel creates a truly addictive treat that appeals to all ages. What makes these bars special is their perfect balance – sweet but not cloying, indulgent yet approachable, and impressive without being difficult to make. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, a homemade gift, or simply a satisfying dessert to enjoy with family, these treats deliver exceptional flavor with minimal effort. The combination of textures – from the slightly softened crackers to the chewy caramel and crunchy peanuts – creates a multi-dimensional dessert experience that will have everyone asking for your recipe.
