The very first time I made Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats, my kitchen smelled like a cross between a candy shop and a warm holiday bakery. I remember standing over the stove, watching the caramel bubble into a glossy golden swirl and feeling that familiar excitement that comes when you know something delicious is about to happen. As soon as I dipped those buttery Ritz crackers and sprinkled the chopped peanuts on top, I knew this recipe was going to become one of my go-to treats. It’s simple, nostalgic, and unbelievably addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it delivers the perfect mix of salty, sweet, crunchy, and creamy in every single bite. It takes only a few ingredients, requires almost no baking skill, and always impresses people as if you spent hours making gourmet candy.
Ingredients
- 1 box Ritz crackers
- 1 (14-oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips or melting chocolate
- ½ cup chopped peanuts (salted or unsalted)
- Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
I love how flexible these ingredients are. If you want a sweeter treat, use milk chocolate; if you prefer a deeper flavor, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate. The heavy cream keeps the caramel smooth and prevents it from hardening too much, so don’t skip it. As for peanuts, roasted peanuts give the best flavor, but any chopped nut works beautifully. And that pinch of flaky sea salt? It takes these treats over the top.
Equipment Needed
- Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
- Small mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment or silicone liner
- Spoon or small spatula
- Cooling rack (optional)
This recipe doesn’t require much equipment, which is one of the reasons I make it so often. A microwave-safe bowl is perfect for melting chocolate without fuss, and a baking sheet lined with parchment keeps everything neat and prevents sticking. If you don’t have a cooling rack, don’t worry—the parchment alone works fine. A small spatula helps spread caramel evenly, but a regular spoon gets the job done too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I begin making these treats, I always start by lining my baking sheet with parchment paper so I’m not scrambling once the caramel is ready. Ritz crackers tend to stick to warm caramel, so a nonstick surface makes all the difference. Then, I place the crackers in neat rows so I can work quickly once the caramel is melted. This little bit of prep saves a ton of time and prevents frustration later.(See the next page below to continue…)