Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: the Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake! This no-bake wonder is a dream come true for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and salty. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone was asking for seconds! It’s incredibly easy to whip up, which is a huge bonus for those busy days when you just want something delicious without all the fuss. Trust me, once you experience that creamy, caramel goodness paired with the crunch of Ritz crackers, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra Ritz crackers for topping
How to Prepare the Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making this delightful dessert! I promise you, it’s as easy as pie (or should I say cake?) and totally worth every minute of prep. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping treat in no time!
Step 1: Mix the Cracker Base
First, grab those crushed Ritz crackers and toss them into a mixing bowl. Now, pour in half of that luscious salted caramel sauce, and give it a good stir until everything is nicely coated. The crackers should be evenly mixed with the caramel, creating that sweet and salty base we all love. It’s a simple step, but trust me, it sets the stage for the whole cake!
Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream
In a separate bowl, let’s whip up some magic! Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat it on medium-high until you see those beautiful stiff peaks forming. This is key—make sure you don’t overwhip it, or it can turn grainy. You want it fluffy, light, and ready to fold into the cracker mixture!
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into your cracker mixture. Use a spatula and be kind—folding is the name of the game here. You want to combine them without deflating that airy whipped cream. It’s okay if you see a few streaks; just don’t overdo it. You want that light, creamy texture to shine through!
Step 4: Layer and Chill
Time to build this beauty! In a dish, layer the cracker-cream mixture, spreading it evenly—this will help everything set nicely. Once you’ve got that done, drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce on top. Now, here’s the tough part: cover it up and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can resist!). This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up, giving you that perfect slice when it’s time to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a no-bake dessert, perfect for warm days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
- Quick and easy to make, with minimal prep time—only about 20 minutes!
- Rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious with the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
- Great for gatherings or potlucks, as it can be made ahead of time and served chilled.
- Endless possibilities for customization—try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top!
- Perfectly portioned, so everyone can enjoy their own slice of heaven.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this fabulous Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake, here are some of my top tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Use homemade caramel sauce: If you have the time, making your own salted caramel sauce can elevate this dessert to another level of deliciousness. It’s worth the extra effort!
- Chill overnight: While 4 hours is the minimum, letting the cake chill overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives it a firmer texture for serving.
- Top it off: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top right before serving. It enhances that sweet-salty vibe and looks stunning!
- Customization is key: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients. Chopped nuts or chocolate chips can add a delightful crunch, and fresh fruit can bring a refreshing contrast.
- Be mindful of the layering: When layering the mixture in the dish, take your time to spread it evenly. This helps each slice hold together nicely and look fabulous when served!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this delightful treat! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Here’s a breakdown for one slice of the Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
So there you have it! This dessert is rich and indulgent, perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat on a cozy night in. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation—though, let’s be honest, it’s hard to stop at just one slice!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of crackers for this icebox cake?
Absolutely! While Ritz crackers provide that perfect sweet-salty balance, feel free to experiment with other types of crackers. Graham crackers or even buttery round crackers can work well, though the flavor profile may change a bit.
How long should I let the cake chill?
I recommend chilling the cake for at least 4 hours, but if you can wait overnight, do it! The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld together and the firmer the texture becomes, making it easier to slice.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker option. There are some great alternatives out there that taste just as good and will still give you that satisfying crunch.
What can I do if my whipped cream isn’t thickening?
If your whipped cream is struggling to thicken, make sure you’re using heavy whipping cream and that it’s cold. If it still doesn’t whip up properly, try chilling your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping for a little extra help.
How should I store leftovers of the Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep it covered to maintain that creamy texture and flavor. No need to reheat; it’s best enjoyed chilled right out of the fridge!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this delicious Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake is super easy! Just pop any remaining slices into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, which is perfect if you want to enjoy a sweet treat later on. Just make sure to cover it well to keep that creamy texture intact!
Now, here’s the best part: you don’t need to reheat this cake! It’s actually best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. So, when you’re ready for another slice, just grab a fork and dig in! Trust me, that chilled caramel goodness is a perfect pick-me-up anytime you need a sweet escape.
Print
Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake: 4 Sweet Layers
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy no-bake dessert featuring Ritz crackers and salted caramel.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra Ritz crackers for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers and half of the caramel sauce.
- In another bowl, whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into the cracker mixture until combined.
- Layer the mixture in a dish, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle remaining caramel sauce on top.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Top with extra Ritz crackers before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade caramel sauce.
- Allow the cake to chill overnight for better texture.
- Garnish with sea salt for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: ritz cracker salted caramel icebox cake recipe
