Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats – The Sweet & Salty Snack You’ll Crave!

If you love the irresistible combo of sweet, salty, and crunchy, these Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are about to become your new favorite indulgence! Imagine buttery Ritz crackers layered with creamy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and a smooth chocolate topping — a dessert that’s easy to make, no-bake, and absolutely addictive.

Whether you’re prepping for the holidays, game night, or just need a quick sweet fix, these bite-sized treats hit all the right notes. With minimal ingredients and no fancy tools required, they’re the perfect mix of homemade goodness and nostalgic flavor — think candy bar meets cracker snack!


🍯 Why You’ll Love Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

  • No baking required: The perfect no-fuss dessert that sets in the fridge.
  • Sweet and salty bliss: Buttery crackers, rich caramel, and chocolate all in one bite.
  • Only a few ingredients: You probably have most of them in your pantry already!
  • Crowd-pleasing snack: Great for parties, gift boxes, or after-school treats.
  • Crunchy, gooey, chocolatey perfection: Every texture you love in one easy recipe.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Layer

  • 1 box (about 50) Ritz crackers
  • 1 cup salted peanuts, chopped

Caramel Layer

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if you prefer sweeter)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil (for smoother melting)
  • Extra chopped peanuts or sea salt (optional garnish)

🍪 How to Make Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Lay a single layer of Ritz crackers across the bottom of the pan, salted side up.


Step 2: Make the Caramel

In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and continue to stir for 5–7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and turns a rich golden brown.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.


Step 3: Layer and Add Peanuts

Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the layer of Ritz crackers.
Quickly sprinkle chopped peanuts over the caramel while it’s still warm so they stick well.
Top with another layer of Ritz crackers, pressing gently to help them adhere.


Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Pour over the top layer of crackers and spread evenly with a spatula.
If desired, sprinkle with extra chopped peanuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt for that perfect finishing touch.


Step 5: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until the chocolate is set and firm.
Once chilled, lift the entire slab out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars.

Enjoy cold for a firm, candy-bar-like bite or let sit at room temperature for a slightly softer texture.


🍬 Tips for Perfect Results

  1. Keep stirring the caramel — it burns easily, so constant attention ensures smooth, creamy texture.
  2. Don’t overcook the caramel: 5–7 minutes of bubbling is usually perfect.
  3. Use good-quality chocolate: It makes a huge difference in flavor.
  4. Line your pan: Parchment paper makes cleanup easy and ensures clean edges.
  5. Let it cool completely: Cutting too soon will make the layers slide apart.

🍫 Variations You’ll Love

  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Twist: Add a thin layer of peanut butter on top of the bottom Ritz crackers before pouring caramel.
  • Salted Caramel Pretzel Version: Replace the top cracker layer with mini pretzels for an extra crunch.
  • Nutty Deluxe: Try mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans) for more texture.
  • White Chocolate Drizzle: Once the top chocolate layer sets, drizzle with melted white chocolate for a pretty finish.
  • Holiday Edition: Decorate with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or red and green M&Ms!

🧊 Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Freeze in layers (with parchment between) for up to 2 months.
  • Room temperature: Keeps well for 2–3 days if your kitchen isn’t too warm.

💡 Pro Tip: These taste amazing cold — almost like a homemade candy bar!


🎁 Perfect for Any Occasion

These Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are a hit anywhere you bring them:

  • Potlucks and parties 🍬
  • Holiday cookie trays 🎄
  • Bake sales and school events 🍪
  • Movie nights or road trips 🚗
  • Homemade edible gifts 🎁

They’re easy to package in small boxes or jars for gifting — everyone loves a sweet, salty homemade treat!


❤️ Why These Treats Work So Well

The magic of this recipe lies in its balance — the buttery crackers, crunchy peanuts, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate all come together in perfect harmony.
The Ritz crackers add a light saltiness and delicate crispness that perfectly complements the rich, sweet layers.

It’s that sweet-salty-crunchy trifecta that makes these treats completely irresistible — and dangerously snackable!


🥄 Quick Recipe Recap

You’ll need: Ritz crackers, peanuts, butter, brown sugar, condensed milk, corn syrup, vanilla, and chocolate chips.
Steps:

  1. Layer Ritz crackers.
  2. Make caramel and pour over crackers.
  3. Sprinkle peanuts and add another layer of crackers.
  4. Top with melted chocolate.
  5. Chill, slice, and enjoy!

In under an hour (plus chill time), you’ll have a batch of irresistible caramel peanut candy bars that everyone will love.


🌟 Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to impress, these Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are it. They combine the nostalgia of old-fashioned candy bars with the simplicity of a no-bake recipe — and the result is pure decadence.

Every bite delivers layers of texture and flavor: buttery, salty, sweet, nutty, and chocolatey. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because — they’ll disappear faster than you can say “save me one!”

Print
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Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats – The Sweet & Salty Snack You’ll Crave!


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 sleeve (about 40) Ritz crackers
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup light corn syrup or honey
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup roasted salted peanuts (or chopped peanut butter cups)


Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange Ritz crackers in a single layer.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
  3. Bring to a boil and cook exactly 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and peanuts.
  5. Immediately pour mixture evenly over the crackers.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
  7. Let cool completely (about 30 minutes). Break into pieces and serve!

Perfect for holiday trays, school snacks, or gifting in pretty tins!

💡 Make ahead: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 10 mins , Cook Time : 7 mins , Total Time : 50 mins , Servings : 12 (2–3 pieces each) , Calories : 180 per serving , Net Carbs: 20g , Fats: 10g , Protein: 4g

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