Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

Introduction

These Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are the perfect combination of creamy caramel, salty
crackers, crunchy peanuts, and buttery sweetness. They are unbelievably easy to make, require no baking,
and disappear fast at parties! These little bite-sized snacks were the biggest hit at my son’s birthday
party—once you try them, you’ll instantly understand why.

Short History

Ritz crackers have long been used in sweet desserts because of their buttery, lightly salted flavor.
Home bakers started pairing them with caramel and peanuts around the 1970s, inspired by classic candy bar
flavors like Snickers and PayDay. Over time, this quick stovetop treat became a beloved no-bake party
favorite, especially in the American South and Midwest.

Benefits

• No oven required—quick and simple.
• Perfect balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy.
• Requires only basic ingredients.
• Great for parties, holidays, gifting, or after-school snacks.
• Kid-friendly and highly addictive!

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
• 1–2 sleeves Ritz crackers

How to Make Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats

1. Prep the Pan: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the Ritz crackers in a
   single layer.
2. Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, heat the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and
   brown sugar over medium heat for 7–8 minutes, stirring often until smooth and lightly thickened.
3. Add Flavor: Reduce the heat and whisk in the milk, vanilla, and chopped peanuts. Cook
   for 2 more minutes until the caramel becomes thicker and more glossy.
4. Scoop: Remove from heat and spoon the caramel-peanut mixture evenly over each Ritz
   cracker (a cookie scoop works great).
5. Cool: Allow the treats to cool completely until set.
6. Store: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Quick Method

• Heat → Mix → Scoop → Cool → Store.

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate on top for a candy-bar effect.
• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each treat.
• Nut-Free: Substitute peanuts with crushed pretzels.
• Extra Crunch: Add crushed peanuts on top before cooling.
• Holiday Version: Top with red and green sprinkles.

Storage Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 10 days.

For the Lovers

If you adore sweet-and-salty desserts, caramel candies, or anything peanut-inspired, these treats are made
for you. Each bite tastes like a mini candy bar with a buttery cracker crunch. Impossible to eat just one!

Conclusion

Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are a go-to recipe for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
They require little effort, deliver huge flavor, and always impress a crowd. Make a batch once,
and they’ll quickly become a requested favorite at all your events!