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Salted Caramel Peanut Ritz Crackers

The 4-Ingredient, 15-Minute Dessert That Breaks Every Rule (In the Best Way)

There are desserts that are nostalgic.
There are desserts that are indulgent.
And then there are desserts that shouldn’t make sense — but somehow become legendary.

These Salted Caramel Peanut Ritz Crackers fall into that final category. They’re sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy, chocolatey, and wildly addictive… yet they require almost zero effort and just four ingredients.

Imagine biting into a buttery-salty Ritz cracker, layered with warm caramel-peanut butter filling, then dunked entirely into silky melted chocolate. It’s like a homemade candy bar had a love child with a holiday cookie — and that child grew up to be the most popular treat at every party.

If you need a last-minute dessert, a potluck showstopper, or your next “just one more… okay, maybe two more” snack, this is the recipe.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 4 ingredients — but tastes like a gourmet candy bar.
• Ready in minutes — no baking, no stress, no equipment beyond a microwave.
• Sweet-salty perfection — the Ritz cracker brings the magic.
• Texture heaven — crispy, chewy, creamy, chocolatey.
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser — these disappear fast.
• Easily customizable with toppings or different chocolates.

Ingredients

Core Ingredients

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (32–34 crackers)
• 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits (or ~30 soft wrapped caramels)
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1 (10–12 oz) bag chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)

Optional Toppings

• Flaky sea salt
• Chopped peanuts
• Crushed pretzels
• Sprinkles

 Equipment You’ll Need

• Microwave-safe bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spoon
• Two forks (for dipping)

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel-Peanut Filling

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Arrange half of the Ritz crackers face down.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel bits + peanut butter.
4. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth (about 1½ minutes total).

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Quickly spoon 1 teaspoon of warm caramel mixture onto each cracker.
2. Top with a second Ritz cracker and gently press to spread the caramel to the edges.
3. Let them cool and firm up for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Enrobe in Chocolate

1. Melt chocolate chips in a clean microwave-safe bowl using the same 30-second burst method.
2. Dip each sandwich into the melted chocolate, turning with two forks to fully coat.
3. Let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl before placing on the parchment-lined sheet.
4. Immediately sprinkle toppings (salt, peanuts, etc.) before chocolate sets.

Step 4: Set & Serve

• Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour or chill for 15 minutes to firm.
• Serve once chocolate is fully hardened.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Rewarm caramel as needed: If it thickens, microwave 10 seconds.
• Thin layer = clean dipping: Too much caramel will squeeze out.
• Let chocolate drip 5–10 seconds: Prevents messy bottoms.
• Use high-quality chocolate: Makes a big difference in flavor.
• Don’t skip the salt: It takes this treat from good → unforgettable.

 Variations & Substitutions

• Use Nutella instead of peanut butter for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
• White chocolate coating for a festive holiday look.
• Dark chocolate + espresso powder for a sophisticated version.
• Add mini marshmallows inside for a "Rocky Road" style bite.
• Swap Ritz for pretzel crisps for EXTRA crunch.

 Serving, Storage & Gifting

Serving:

Perfect at room temperature — chewiness + crunch are at their best.

Storage:

• Airtight container, cool room temp: up to 1 week
• Refrigerated: up to 2 weeks
• Bring to room temp before serving for ideal texture

Freezing:

Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Gifting:

These pack BEAUTIFULLY in cookie tins or treat bags — and everyone thinks they’re gourmet.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?

No — caramel sauce is too thin. You need soft caramels or caramel bits.

Can I skip the peanut butter?

Yes! Use a splash of cream instead to thin the caramel.

Why is my caramel leaking out?

You used too much. A teaspoon is enough to spread when pressed.

Can I make these ahead?

Absolutely — they store beautifully and are even better the next day.

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Salted Caramel Peanut Ritz Crackers

A 4-ingredient, no-bake sweet-salty treat coated in chocolate.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers 32–34 crackers
• 11 oz caramel bits or ~30 soft caramels
• 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 10 –12 oz chocolate chips
• Optional: flaky salt chopped peanuts, sprinkles, crushed pretzels

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• bowls
• microwave
• two forks

Method

 

1. Line baking sheet with parchment; arrange half the Ritz crackers face down.
2. Microwave caramel bits and peanut butter in 30-second intervals until smooth.
3. Spoon 1 tsp caramel mixture onto each cracker; top with a second cracker and press gently.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a clean bowl using 30-second intervals.
5. Dip each sandwich into melted chocolate using two forks; let excess drip off.
6. Place on parchment and add toppings while chocolate is wet.
7. Let set at room temp 1 hour or chill 15 minutes.
8. Store airtight at room temp or fridge.