When you need a quick, no-fuss dessert that still delivers on flavor, these Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Bites are a total game-changer. Sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy — they hit every note perfectly. And trust me, once you make them, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “dessert”!
I made these for my son’s birthday party, and they were gone in minutes. I thought I made plenty, but the kids (and adults) couldn’t stop grabbing them. Lesson learned: always make extra!
Let’s dive into the recipe so you can whip up your own batch of these dangerously addictive treats.
Why This Recipe Works
Sweet & Salty Perfection: The buttery Ritz crackers and salty peanuts balance the sweet, caramel-like filling for an ultra-satisfying bite.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a decadent treat without any complicated steps.
Quick & Easy: No baking required — just melt, mix, scoop, and let them cool!
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: These are guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at any party, potluck, or holiday gathering.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Servings: ~30-40 bites (depending on cracker count)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
⅓ cup butter
⅓ 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 Bites
- Prep the Cookie Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lay out the Ritz crackers in a single layer — leave a little space between each one.
- Make the Caramel-Peanut Mixture:
In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar.
Cook over medium heat for 7–8 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
The mixture should thicken and turn a beautiful golden color.
- Add the Final Flavors:
Reduce the heat to low.
Whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, and chopped peanuts.
Let the mixture cook for 2 more minutes, stirring until thick and glossy.
Remove from heat and let it cool for 1–2 minutes so it’s easier to handle.
- Assemble the Bites:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop a dollop of the caramel-peanut mixture onto each Ritz cracker.
Don’t worry if it spills over a little — the rustic look makes them even more tempting!
- Let Them Cool:
Allow the bites to cool completely at room temperature.
Once set, transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
Watch the Caramel Closely: Stir constantly to avoid scorching. Once the mixture thickens, it’s ready!
Customize the Toppings: Swap the peanuts for chopped pecans, cashews, or even mini pretzels for a fun twist.
Double the Batch: If you’re making these for a party, consider doubling the recipe — they vanish fast!
Add a Chocolate Drizzle: For extra decadence, melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled bites.
Storage Tips: These bites stay fresh for up to 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
These bites are perfect for:
Birthday Parties: A guaranteed kid favorite (but adults will fight over them too!).
Holiday Platters: Add them to your cookie tray for a pop of caramel-crunchy goodness.
Potlucks & Gatherings: No one can resist a sweet, salty treat that’s ready in 20 minutes.
Movie Nights: A bite-sized snack that beats store-bought candy any day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Bites are the definition of easy, affordable, and delicious. The salty, buttery crackers perfectly complement the sweet, gooey caramel, while the peanuts add the perfect amount of crunch. And since they come together in 20 minutes, you can whip them up on a whim whenever a craving strikes.
Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just a cozy night in, these bites are a guaranteed hit. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stovetop, and get ready to create a treat that people will be begging you to make again and again!
More Articles You Might Like
-
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes: The Crunchy, Cheesy Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed
There’s something timeless about sloppy joes. For generations, this saucy, savory, and slightly sweet ground beef sandwich has been a go-to comfort food in American kitchens. It’s quick, filling, and family-friendly—perfect for busy weeknights. But what if we told you there’s a way to take this classic dish up a notch? Enter the Texas Toast…
-
Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake
When it comes to Southern desserts, few sweets shine as brightly as the Classic Pig Pickin’ Cake. This nostalgic cake, sometimes called a “Mandarin Orange Cake,” has roots deep in Southern tradition. It gets its playful name from its frequent appearance at pig pickin’s—Southern-style barbecue gatherings where communities come together to enjoy slow-cooked pork, sides,…
-
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
There’s something irresistible about the combination of tender, golden-browned chicken paired with a creamy pasta coated in Parmesan cheese. Add the brightness of lemon, the depth of garlic, and the richness of butter, and you have a recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable enough for a weeknight dinner. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan…