Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats
The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Crunch
If there’s one snack that never fails to disappear from the table, it’s Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats. With their irresistible mix of buttery caramel, crunchy roasted peanuts, and salty, crisp crackers, these treats strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. They’re quick to make, require simple pantry ingredients, and deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you’re prepping for a party, a holiday tray, or a casual snack craving, these treats are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ritz crackers – 1 sleeve (about 30 crackers)
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (1 stick)
- Brown sugar – 1 cup, packed
- Light corn syrup – ¼ cup
- Salted roasted peanuts – 1 cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Optional Finishes
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single, tight layer, ensuring they touch slightly but do not overlap. This helps the caramel bind everything together.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, stirring nonstop, until the caramel becomes thick and glossy.
Tip: If the caramel looks grainy, lower the heat slightly and keep stirring until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Coat the Crackers
Carefully pour the hot caramel over the crackers. Using a spatula or spoon, gently spread it so each cracker is evenly coated. Work quickly—caramel firms up fast.
Step 4: Add the Peanuts
While the caramel is still warm, sprinkle the roasted peanuts evenly over the top. Press them lightly into the caramel so they adhere well, ensuring every bite gets that signature crunch.
Step 5: Bake Briefly
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes. This short bake helps the caramel bubble slightly and bond firmly to the crackers without burning.
Watch closely—caramel can darken quickly.
Step 6: Cool & Set
Remove from the oven and let the treats cool completely at room temperature. For faster setting, place the pan in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
Once set, break into individual squares or rectangles.
Step 7: Optional Finishing Touches
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled treats for extra indulgence
- Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet-salty contrast
Tips for Perfect Results
- Work fast: Caramel hardens quickly, so spread and top without delay.
- Balanced crunch: Don’t overload the peanuts—each cracker should have just enough for a clean bite.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Why These Treats Are So Addictive
Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats deliver everything a great snack should: crunch, richness, sweetness, and just enough salt to keep you coming back for more. They’re incredibly easy to make, endlessly shareable, and perfect for gifting, gatherings, or a quick homemade indulgence.
Simple ingredients. Bold flavor. Guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
