Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

Imagine crunchy, salty Ritz crackers doing a slow tango with hot, buttery caramel and crunchy peanuts—no apron drama, no tiny saucepans—just the kind of sticky, slightly naughty snack that gets everyone reaching for a napkin.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

Because it cheats like a pro and still tastes like you actually tried. Thin, flaky Ritz crackers create a light, salty platform for the caramel to cling to, which means every bite hits caramel, crunch, and peanut in perfect sync. The caramel is set just enough to be chewy, never rock-hard, and the whole tray behaves like an adult dessert even though it’s suspiciously simple. Also, it’s one of those recipes that makes you look like you have your life together—without demanding a life update.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 36–40 Ritz crackers (one standard sleeve) — any brand that snaps with dignity.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter — salted is fine if you like rugged flavors.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar — dark brown is moodier, light brown is sunnier.
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup — optional but it keeps the caramel glossy and cooperative.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract — because vanilla does the comforting heavy lifting.
• 2 cups roasted salted peanuts — roughly chopped if you want less jaw workout.
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet) — for the melt-over finish.
• Flaky sea salt to sprinkle — 100% optional but very persuasive.
• Shortcuts: 1 bag caramels + 2 tbsp cream can replace the butter/sugar/corn syrup mix if you’re low on ambition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil or parchment and arrange the Ritz crackers in a single snug layer—edges can touch. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, stir in brown sugar and corn syrup, and bring to a steady boil for 2–3 minutes while stirring constantly; remove from heat and stir in vanilla so the caramel doesn’t feel ignored.

2. Step 2

   Pour the hot caramel evenly over the crackers (a spatula or back of a spoon helps guide it) and quickly scatter the peanuts on top so they stick. Bake for 5–7 minutes until everything is glossy and the caramel is bubbling at the edges; remove, press a few chocolate chips over the hot caramel so they melt, spread them if you like, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, then chill in the fridge until set—about 45–60 minutes—before cutting into squares.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking the caramel won’t bubble—if it’s just simmering it won’t set properly; let it hit a proper boil for those few minutes. Pouring cold caramel over room-temperature crackers; the contrast is fine, but extremely cold caramel can crack the crackers, so work a bit quickly. Using a crowded pan—if crackers overlap, the caramel can’t coat them evenly and you’ll get sad soggy clumps instead of attractive squares. And finally, skipping the chill: cut it too soon and you’ll get sticky, uncooperative bars that require a fork and a therapist.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Gluten-free? Use GF buttery crackers or even thin rice crackers—texture shifts but the concept survives. Hate peanuts or allergic? Swap roasted almonds, cashews, or pretzel pieces for the crunch and salt; pretzels add a fun twist. For a faster route, melt store-bought caramels with a splash of cream and skip the stovetop chemistry. Want it less sweet? Use dark chocolate for the topping and a pinch more salt on top to balance the sugars. If you love drama, drizzle white chocolate over the chilled bars for zebra stripes and Insta-approval.

FAQ

Question 1?

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes—absolutely. Once chilled and cut, store them in an airtight container between sheets of parchment in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze in a single layer for a month; thaw in the fridge before serving. They actually age well, like gossip that gets better with time.

Question 2?

What if my caramel seizes or gets grainy? Graininess usually comes from not dissolving the sugar fully or stirring too aggressively at the wrong moment. If it happens, heat gently and stir until smooth, or accept the texture and move on—these treats are forgiving and your guests will be distracted by the peanuts.

Question 3?

Can I skip baking and just assemble? You can if you’re using pre-made soft caramels—melted caramels poured over crackers and chilled will set, but the stovetop method gives a deeper, buttery caramel flavor and a slightly chewier texture that’s worth the two extra minutes of surveillance.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is one of those rare kitchen wins: fast, crowd-pleasing, and slightly messy in the most delightful way. It behaves like a treat that required effort while secretly being mostly assembly and patience. Make it for a party, for a midnight snack, or just to convince yourself you’re an adult who can manage heat and sugar. If you try a variation, brag about it—preferably while handing someone a square. You’re welcome.

Lina

Hi, I’m Lina, the creator of Lina Easy Recipes.Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing simple, homemade dishes that anyone can prepare.