Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

Name: Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

Published: December 5, 2025

by kaeli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these treats in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of caramel, peanuts, and Ritz crackers creates an addictive taste.
Versatile Snack: Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a sweet treat in lunch boxes.
Easily Customizable: Feel free to change the toppings or add chocolate for extra indulgence.
Kid-Friendly: Simple enough for kids to help with, making it a fun family activity.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this simple recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Medium saucepan
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Medium saucepan: Ideal for making the caramel sauce evenly while controlling the heat effectively.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for assembling your treats and helps with even cooling.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For the Caramel

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Treats

1 cup roughly chopped peanuts (salted or unsalted)
1–2 sleeves Ritz crackers

How to Make Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange Ritz crackers in a single layer on the sheet.

Step 2: Make Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Add brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk along with milk.
3. Stir continuously until the mixture bubbles.
4. Reduce heat slightly and continue stirring for 4–5 minutes until caramel thickens and turns golden.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble Treats

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of warm caramel onto each cracker. While the caramel is still warm, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top.

Step 5: Set the Treats

Allow treats to sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes or refrigerate until firm before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats!

How to Serve Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are a delightful snack perfect for sharing. These treats can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

Casual Snack

Serve on a simple platter for casual get-togethers, allowing guests to grab and enjoy.

Dessert Table

Include these treats as part of a dessert spread during parties or celebrations, adding variety alongside other sweets.

Gift Idea

Package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for a homemade gift. They make thoughtful gifts for friends or neighbors.

Movie Night Treat

Place them in bowls for a fun movie night snack, offering a sweet crunch alongside popcorn.

Kid-Friendly Snack

Offer these treats as an after-school snack. Kids will love the caramel and peanut combination!

Holiday Gatherings

Present them on a festive platter during holiday gatherings. Their unique taste will impress your guests!

How to Perfect Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

Creating the perfect Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats takes a bit of care but is totally worth it. Here are some tips to ensure your treats turn out great every time:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butter and peanuts enhance the flavor of your treats, making them even more delicious.
Monitor Caramel Temperature: Ensure the caramel reaches the right thickness by keeping an eye on it while stirring. It should bubble gently and turn golden.
Work Quickly: Spoon the caramel onto the crackers while it’s warm. This helps the peanuts stick better and ensures an even coating.
Cool Completely: Allow your treats to cool completely at room temperature before serving or storing, ensuring they set properly.

Best Side Dishes for Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

While these treats are delicious on their own, serving them with complementary side dishes can elevate your snacking experience. Here are some fantastic options:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the treats.
Veggie Platter: Crisp vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers offer a crunchy contrast to the soft caramel texture.
Cheese Board: Pair with assorted cheeses for a savory touch that complements the sweetness of the caramel.
Popcorn: Lightly salted popcorn provides a fun crunch that pairs well with the sweet flavors of your treats.
Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert combo that’s hard to resist!
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: These salty-sweet bites add another layer of flavor that enhances your treat experience.
Mini Muffins: Include a variety of mini muffins as bite-sized snacks that add diversity to your spread.
Caramel Sauce Dip: For added richness, serve extra caramel sauce for dipping!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

Skipping the Parchment Paper: Not lining your baking sheet can cause the treats to stick. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.
Overcooking the Caramel: Allowing the caramel to cook too long can make it too hard. Aim for a golden color and thick consistency.
Neglecting the Peanuts: Forgetting to sprinkle peanuts while the caramel is still warm means they won’t stick well. Add them immediately for the best results.
Inconsistent Cracker Layer: Arranging crackers unevenly can result in inconsistent treat sizes. Make sure they are in a single, even layer.
Not Letting Them Set Properly: Rushing the cooling time can lead to messy treats. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate them until firm.

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats in an airtight container.
They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

Wrap each treat individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
These treats can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place treats on a baking sheet and warm for about 5–10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual treats on a microwave-safe plate for 10–15 seconds until slightly warm.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing treats inside for about 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats?

Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are sweet snacks made by topping Ritz crackers with a rich caramel mixture and chopped peanuts, creating a delightful combination of flavors.

How do I customize Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats?

You can customize these treats by adding chocolate chips, using different nuts, or drizzling melted chocolate over the top after they cool for added sweetness.

Can I make these treats gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free crackers instead of regular Ritz crackers, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats.

How long does it take to prepare Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats?

The total time is approximately 25 minutes, including both prep and cook time.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them based on your preferences or special occasions. Give this quick recipe a try; it’s perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or impressing guests!

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