Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats 

Sweet, Salty, Crunchy Bites with Buttery Crackers, Chewy Caramel, and Roasted Peanuts

Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are one of those desserts that surprise people. They look simple, almost humble—but the moment you bite into one, you get layers of flavor and texture that feel far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. Salty, buttery crackers. Soft, chewy caramel. Crunchy roasted peanuts. And often, a final chocolate finish that ties everything together.

This recipe works because it balances sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, and rich and light all at once. It’s the kind of treat that disappears quickly at gatherings and gets requested again and again.

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WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS SO WELL

Ritz crackers are the secret weapon. Unlike plain crackers, they are:

• Buttery
• Lightly salty
• Crisp but tender

When paired with caramel, the salt cuts the sweetness, while the butter in the crackers echoes the butter in the caramel. Peanuts add texture and a mild savory note that keeps the treat from tasting one-dimensional.

This dessert doesn’t rely on baking skill—it relies on balance.

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INGREDIENTS (WITH FULL EXPLANATIONS)

Ritz Crackers – about 40 crackers (20 sandwiches)

Ritz crackers are ideal because:

• They don’t shatter easily
• They have built-in butter flavor
• Their salt level is perfect for caramel

Avoid low-salt versions; salt is essential here.

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Soft Caramels – 300 g (about 40 pieces)

Use:

• Wrapped soft caramels (not hard candy)
• Good-quality brands that melt smoothly

Caramel provides:

• Chewiness
• Sweetness
• Structural “glue” that holds everything together

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Heavy Cream or Milk – 2 tablespoons

Added to the caramel to:

• Prevent scorching
• Improve smoothness
• Make caramel easier to spread

Cream gives richer results, but milk works fine.

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Unsalted Butter – 1 tablespoon (optional but recommended)

Butter adds:

• Extra richness
• Gloss
• Softer bite once cooled

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Roasted Peanuts – 1 to 1½ cups, chopped

Use:

• Dry-roasted
• Unsalted or lightly salted

Peanuts add:

• Crunch
• Nutty depth
• Contrast to the soft caramel

Chop them medium—not too fine, not too large.

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Chocolate (Optional Topping) – 200 g

Options:

• Milk chocolate (classic and sweet)
• Dark chocolate (balances sweetness)
• Semi-sweet chocolate (middle ground)

Chocolate adds:

• Snap
• Rich finish
• Visual appeal

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EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
• Spoon or small spatula

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STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

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STEP 1: PREPARE THE BASE

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay out half of the Ritz crackers flat, salted side up.
3. Leave a little space between each cracker.

This will be the base for the caramel filling.

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STEP 2: MELT THE CARAMEL PROPERLY

Microwave Method

1. Unwrap all caramels and place in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add cream (or milk) and butter.
3. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring each time.
4. Continue until completely smooth.

Stovetop Method

1. Place caramels, cream, and butter in a saucepan.
2. Heat on low, stirring constantly.
3. Do not rush—caramel burns easily.

Caramel should be:

• Smooth
• Thick but pourable
• Glossy, not grainy

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STEP 3: ADD PEANUTS TO THE CARAMEL

1. Stir chopped peanuts directly into the warm caramel.
2. Mix until evenly distributed.

This ensures:

• Every bite has crunch
• Peanuts stick properly
• No loose topping later

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STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE CRACKER SANDWICHES

1. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of caramel-peanut mixture onto each cracker.
2. Gently spread toward the edges.
3. Top each with another Ritz cracker, pressing lightly to form a sandwich.

Do not press too hard—the caramel should not overflow excessively.

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STEP 5: SET THE CARAMEL

Let the sandwiches rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes until the caramel firms slightly.

This step is important before adding chocolate.

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OPTIONAL CHOCOLATE TOPPING

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STEP 6: MELT THE CHOCOLATE

1. Chop chocolate and melt gently in microwave or double boiler.
2. Stir until smooth and shiny.

Avoid overheating—chocolate should melt, not cook.

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STEP 7: COAT OR DRIZZLE

You can:

• Dip half of each sandwich into chocolate
• Fully coat the top
• Drizzle chocolate over the surface

Let excess chocolate drip off before placing back on parchment.

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STEP 8: FINAL SET

Allow chocolate to set:

• At room temperature (30–45 minutes)
• Or in refrigerator (10–15 minutes)

Once set, treats are ready to serve.

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FINAL TEXTURE AND FLAVOR

Perfect Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats should be:

• Crisp at first bite
• Soft and chewy in the center
• Crunchy from peanuts
• Sweet but balanced by salt
• Rich without being heavy

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COMMON MISTAKES (AND HOW TO FIX THEM)

Caramel Too Hard

Cause:

• Overheating
• No added cream

Fix:

• Add more cream next time
• Heat gently

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Caramel Leaking

Cause:

• Too much filling
• Pressing too hard

Fix:

• Use smaller amounts
• Press gently

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Chocolate Bloom (White Streaks)

Cause:

• Temperature shock

Fix:

• Let treats come to room temperature before refrigerating

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STORAGE

Room Temperature

• 2–3 days in airtight container

Refrigerator

• Up to 7 days
• Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture

Freezer

• Up to 1 month
• Thaw slowly

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VARIATIONS

Salted Caramel Version

• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on caramel before topping

Peanut Butter Caramel

• Stir 2 tablespoons peanut butter into caramel

No-Chocolate Version

• Skip chocolate for a purer caramel-cracker flavor

Holiday Version

• Add crushed pretzels or toffee bits