Looking for a sweet snack that’s crunchy, gooey, and crazy good? These caramel peanut Ritz cracker treats are it. They’re salty, sweet, and super fun to make.
You get buttery crackers, gooey caramel, and crunchy peanuts in every bite. It’s like candy and a snack had a baby. So simple, but so tasty.
Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or just a treat-yourself moment. No baking needed. Just stack, drizzle, and snack.
Let’s get stacking! Grab your crackers and caramel—snack magic is just a few minutes away.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Reader Favorite: As one happy baker said, “These taste like something you’d find at a cozy family bakery.”
- Sweet, Salty, Crunchy: Each bite has the perfect balance of creamy caramel, salty crackers, and crunchy peanuts.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need already in your pantry.
- No Fancy Equipment: No candy thermometer required — just everyday kitchen tools.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings:
- Makes about 30 bite-sized treats, depending on how you portion.
Difficulty:
- Very easy — perfect for beginners or anyone craving a quick sweet bite.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small offset spatula (optional, for spreading caramel)
Ingredients for Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats
Here’s what you’ll need (full measurements will also be listed in the recipe card below):
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The base for a rich, creamy caramel sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky caramel texture.
- Brown Sugar: Provides deeper, molasses-like sweetness and body.
- Milk: Lightens the caramel and ensures it spreads easily.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and aroma to balance the sweetness.
- Peanuts: Roughly chopped for the perfect crunchy texture. Use salted peanuts for extra flavor.
- Ritz Crackers: Light, buttery crackers that form the base of each treat.
Variations for Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats
- Chocolate Drizzle: After the caramel sets, drizzle melted milk or dark chocolate over the top for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Nut Swap: Try chopped almonds, cashews, or pecans if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel while it’s still warm for a sweet-salty kick.
- Mini Sandwich Style: Add a second Ritz cracker on top of each caramel dollop to create little caramel cracker sandwiches.
- Holiday Twist: Stir a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the caramel for a cozy seasonal flavor.
How to Make Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer. Set aside.
2. Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and milk. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble gently. Lower the heat slightly and continue stirring for about 4–5 minutes until the caramel thickens slightly and turns golden.
3. Add Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful — it might bubble up slightly.
4. Assemble the Treats
Working quickly, spoon about 1 teaspoon of caramel onto each Ritz cracker. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top of the warm caramel so they stick.
5. Let Them Set
Allow the treats to sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes until the caramel firms up enough to handle. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the tray in the refrigerator for faster setting.
Serving and Decoration
Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are perfect just as they are — simple, rustic, and inviting. But if you want to make them look a little extra special:
- Add a Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a few tablespoons of chocolate chips and use a fork to drizzle over the set treats.
- Sprinkle Crushed Peanuts: Lightly crush extra peanuts and sprinkle them on top for a more textured look.
- Festive Touch: During the holidays, add a few colored sprinkles or edible glitter while the caramel is still sticky.
Serve them piled high on a tray, packaged in clear treat bags for gifting, or stacked neatly on a dessert platter.
How to Store Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: For a firmer texture, keep them chilled. They will stay good for about a week.
- Freezer: These treats freeze surprisingly well. Freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Work Quickly: Caramel thickens fast once off the heat. Have your crackers lined up and ready to go.
- Keep Stirring: Constant stirring prevents burning and ensures a smooth, creamy caramel.
- Use Fresh Peanuts: Older peanuts can taste stale or rancid. Fresh salted peanuts add the best crunch and flavor.
- Watch the Caramel Color: Remove from heat once it’s a deep golden brown for best flavor — too dark and it can become bitter.
- Adjust Thickness: If the caramel thickens too much before you finish, warm it gently again over low heat to loosen it.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Treat) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Sodium | 110mg |
(Approximate values. Exact nutrition will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.)
Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats
Course: Uncategorized9
treats15
minutes10
minutes120
kcalIngredients
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup roughly chopped peanuts (salted or unsalted)
1–2 sleeves Ritz crackers
Directions
- Prepare: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange Ritz crackers in a single layer.
- Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and milk. Stir continuously until mixture bubbles. Reduce heat slightly and continue stirring for 4–5 minutes until caramel thickens and turns golden.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Assemble: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of caramel onto each cracker. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top while caramel is warm.
- Set: Let treats sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes or refrigerate until firm.
Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes! You can substitute Club crackers or saltine crackers for a slightly different flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too fast?
Work quickly once the caramel is ready. If it thickens before you’re finished, gently reheat it over low heat while stirring.
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Absolutely. They’re great for make-ahead parties, holiday trays, or gifting. Store them airtight for best freshness.
What if I want a softer caramel?
Cook the caramel for slightly less time (around 3 minutes after bubbling) for a softer, chewier finish.
Conclusion
Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make something truly delicious. With their buttery crunch, rich caramel center, and peanut topping, they deliver that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and crunchy in every bite.
Whether you’re making a quick dessert for the family or preparing treats to share with friends, these little bites will always be a crowd favorite. Give them a try — they might just become your new go-to easy dessert!