Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats. These no-bake confections are a staple of holiday treat trays, school bake sales, and last-minute potlucks, thanks to their addictive flavor profile and incredible simplicity. They transform three pantry heroes—the buttery, flaky Ritz cracker, rich peanut butter, and sweet caramel—into a snack that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
🍪 The Allure of the Sweet & Salty Crunch
What makes this simple treat so successful? It’s the perfect textural and flavor contrast:
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Salty/Buttery Base: The Ritz cracker provides a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth foundation with a distinctive salty-butter flavor.
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Rich Filling: A generous slathering of peanut butter adds creaminess, protein, and a classic flavor pairing.
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Decadent Coating: The sweet, smooth, and chewy caramel enrobes the entire sandwich, locking in the flavors and providing the glossy finish.
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Crunchy Topping: A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or toffee pieces provides a satisfying crunch to contrast the soft textures.
These treats are often mistaken for mini candy bars, and the recipe itself is a testament to the genius of no-fuss, assembly-line baking (or rather, no-baking!).
📝 The Recipe: Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats
This recipe requires no oven, minimal ingredients, and very little hands-on time, making it perfect for novice bakers or a fun activity for children.
Yields: Approximately 24 sandwiches
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
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48 Ritz crackers (or similar buttery round crackers)
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About 1 cup creamy peanut butter
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1 (14-ounce) bag of soft caramel candies (like Kraft or similar)
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2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts, toffee pieces, or sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
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Prep the Sandwiches: Lay half of the Ritz crackers flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread about a teaspoon of peanut butter onto each cracker. Top with the remaining crackers to form small sandwiches. Set aside.
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Melt the Caramel: In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies, milk or cream, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. This typically takes about 1.5 to 2 minutes. Stir until the mixture is thick and glossy.
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Dip and Coat: Using a fork or a small dipping tool, dip one peanut butter sandwich into the melted caramel. Turn to fully coat the entire cracker. Hold it over the bowl to allow any excess caramel to drip off.
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Set and Top: Return the coated cracker to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle the top with chopped peanuts, toffee bits, or a small pinch of sea salt while the caramel is still warm and sticky.
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Chill: Repeat the dipping process with the remaining sandwiches. Once all are coated and topped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel to firm up completely.
Pro Tip for Perfect Dipping
If the caramel begins to thicken while you are dipping, return it to the microwave for 10-15 seconds to smooth it out again. Work quickly, as the caramel sets fast once off the heat!
These Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are a testament to the joy of simple, delicious food. Enjoy the sweet, salty, and crunchy perfection!