Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats: The Perfect Sweet & Salty Snack 🥜🍶😋
These Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Treats are the ultimate combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Perfect for parties, gifting, or indulging in a quick dessert fix, they’re easy to make and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk (Creates the creamy caramel base.)
- 1/3 cup butter (Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel.)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (Gives the caramel a deep, molasses-like flavor.)
- 3 tablespoons milk (Helps thin the caramel mixture for perfect texture.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Enhances the flavor of the caramel.)
- 1 cup roughly chopped peanuts (Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.)
- 1-2 sleeves of Ritz crackers (The salty, crunchy base for the treats.)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and arrange Ritz crackers in a single layer.
2️⃣ Make the Caramel-Peanut Mixture:
- In a saucepan, heat the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Lower the heat and whisk in milk, vanilla extract, and chopped peanuts. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
3️⃣ Assemble the Treats:
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, carefully dollop the caramel-peanut mixture onto each Ritz cracker.
4️⃣ Cool and Store:
Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Tips for Perfect Caramel Peanut Ritz Treats:
- Use Fresh Peanuts: Freshly chopped peanuts will give the best flavor and crunch.
- Avoid Overcooking the Caramel: Stir frequently to prevent the caramel from burning or becoming too hard.
- Add a Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled treats.
- Customize Your Nuts: Swap peanuts for chopped almonds or pecans for a flavor twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use unsalted crackers?
Yes, but salted Ritz crackers enhance the sweet-salty flavor balance.
2. How long do these treats stay fresh?
Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store them properly.
4. Can I freeze these treats?
Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
5. What if I don’t have peanuts?
You can substitute with other nuts like cashews, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
1. Overloading the Crackers: Keep the caramel-peanut topping balanced to avoid messy treats.
2. Not Lining the Baking Sheet: Always use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Overcooking the Caramel: Remove from heat as soon as the mixture thickens to avoid a burnt taste.
4. Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the treats to cool fully ensures they hold their shape.
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