Let’s be real: some desserts are good, and then some are absolutely addictive. These Ritz Cracker Caramel Peanut Stacks fall into that second category — one bite in, and you’ll know why they vanish almost immediately wherever they go. Imagine the buttery crunch of a Ritz cracker, oozing with gooey caramel, blanketed in silky milk chocolate, and crowned with a salty crunch of roasted peanuts. It’s not just dessert — it’s a flavor explosion.

And the best part? No oven needed. Whether you’re prepping for a last-minute get-together, looking for an easy snack to impress guests, or just craving something sweet and salty, these little stacks deliver BIG results with minimal effort.

The Sweet-Salty-Crunchy-Gooey Combo You Didn’t Know You Needed

This dessert hits every note your taste buds could crave:

Sweet from the caramel and chocolate
Salty from the Ritz crackers and peanuts
Crunchy from the crackers and chopped nuts
Gooey from the warm caramel layer

It’s this magical contrast of flavors and textures that makes each bite feel like pure bliss. It’s like someone combined your favorite candy bar with the comfort of homemade goodies — and made it better.

When Should You Serve These? (Hint: Anytime)

Holiday parties? Oh yes. They look festive, taste gourmet, and require barely any prep.
Potlucks or bake sales? These will be gone in minutes.

Netflix snacks? Dangerous — you might eat the whole plate.
Gift bags or treat boxes? Perfect bite-sized indulgence.

Trust us, people will ask for the recipe. You might want to double the batch!

No-Bake Means No-Stress

Forget the oven. Forget baking sheets, temperature checks, or worrying about burning the bottoms. These no-bake stacks come together using the microwave and just a bit of time.

Even if you’ve never made dessert in your life, you can nail this recipe. It’s foolproof and actually really fun to make — especially if you want to involve younger siblings, kids, or friends in the kitchen.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into the magic (and you probably already have most of it!):

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30–32 crackers)
25–30 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1½ cups milk chocolate chips
½ cup salted peanuts, finely chopped

Optional but awesome: sea salt flakes for garnish

All About the Caramel Layer

The caramel is where the gooey magic happens. You’ll want to use soft caramels — the kind that melt smoothly when warmed. Popular brands like Kraft or Werther’s Soft Caramels work beautifully.

Tips:

Always add a bit of cream or milk to help loosen the caramel as it melts.
Microwave in short bursts (20–30 seconds) and stir frequently to avoid burning.
You want it pourable but thick — like warm honey.

Why Milk Chocolate Chips Are the Winner

Milk chocolate adds just the right balance of sweetness and creaminess here. It’s also easier to melt than dark chocolate, and it pairs well with the caramel without overpowering it.

Melting Tips:

Use a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth.
Want it extra glossy? Add a tiny bit of coconut oil or butter when melting.

Pro Tip: Don’t overheat — chocolate burns fast. Less is more.

Peanuts: The Crunchy Crown

Salted, chopped peanuts take these from “nice” to insanely good. They cut the sweetness of the chocolate, add texture, and give each bite that irresistible nutty crunch.

Can’t do peanuts?

Try chopped almonds, pecans, or cashews.
Want a nut-free version? Crushed pretzels or toffee bits are amazing too.

Tools You’ll Need (Bare Minimum!)

Microwave
Microwave-safe bowls
Spoon or small spatula
Parchment paper or wax paper
Tray or large plate for stacking
Knife for chopping peanuts

Cleanup tip: Use parchment paper for easy transfer and minimal mess.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Caramel Layer

Place the unwrapped caramels and cream/milk into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between, until the caramel is fully melted, smooth, and pourable.

2️⃣ Build the Cracker Stacks

Lay half of your Ritz crackers (about 15–16) onto a parchment-lined tray. Add 1 teaspoon of warm caramel to the top of each one. Place another cracker on top and gently press down, letting the caramel spread a bit.

3️⃣ Melt the Chocolate

Add your chocolate chips to a clean microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth. If it seems thick, stir in a few drops of milk or ½ teaspoon coconut oil.

4️⃣ Top With Chocolate

Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each cracker sandwich. Let it drip slightly down the sides for that perfect look (like in the photo you saw!).

5️⃣ Add the Peanuts

While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of each stack. Press them in gently so they stick well.

6️⃣ Let Them Set

Leave at room temp for 30 minutes, or
Speed it up in the fridge for 15–20 minutes

Once the chocolate is firm to the touch — they’re ready to serve!

How to Store These Beauties (If You Somehow Have Leftovers)

Let’s be honest — these Ritz Caramel Peanut Stacks don’t usually last long enough to worry about storage. But if you manage to save a few (props to your willpower), here’s how to keep them fresh and fabulous:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in a cool, dry place — not near a window or heat source, or the chocolate may melt or bloom.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This is great if your kitchen runs warm or if you like a firmer texture.
Freezer: Want to make a big batch ahead of time? Pop them in the freezer! Lay the stacks in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temp before serving.

Pro tip: Place parchment between layers to keep them from sticking together.

Ritz Cracker Caramel Peanut Stacks (No-Bake Style)

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Author: Lora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Category: No-Bake Dessert / Holiday Candy Treats

Print Recipe

Description

🥜🍫 Sweet, salty, buttery, and completely irresistible! ✨ These no-bake Ritz cracker caramel peanut stacks are layered with gooey caramel, topped with silky milk chocolate, and finished with crunchy peanuts. A crowd-pleasing treat that disappears in minutes at any holiday or party table! 😍🎉

Ingredients

Scale

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30–32 crackers)
25–30 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1½ cups milk chocolate chips
½ cup salted peanuts, finely chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the caramel 🧈
Place the caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth and pourable.
⏱️ 3–4 minutes

Build the cracker stacks 🥨
Arrange half of the Ritz crackers on a parchment-lined tray. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of warm caramel onto each cracker, then top with another cracker and gently press.
⏱️ 5 minutes
Melt the chocolate 🍫
Melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until silky and glossy.
⏱️ 2 minutes
Add the chocolate topping ✨
Spoon melted chocolate over each cracker stack, letting it drip slightly down the sides for a rich finish.
⏱️ 3 minutes

Sprinkle the peanuts 🥜
Immediately sprinkle chopped peanuts over the warm chocolate, pressing lightly so they adhere.
⏱️ 2 minutes
Set the stacks ❄️
Let the stacks set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes until firm.
⏱️ 20–30 minutes

Notes

A perfect sweet-and-salty snack that’s always a hit at parties 🎉

No oven required, making it ideal for quick, last-minute treats ⏱️
Great for holidays, cookie trays, and edible gifts 🎁

Can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for several days ❄️
Easy to customize with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or different nuts 🍫🥜

Nutrition

Serving Size: 15–16 stacks
Calories: ~220 kcal per stack

Variations & Twists You’ll Love

The base recipe is incredible, but if you’re feeling creative, here are some easy variations that still keep that sweet-salty-gooey crunch alive:

✨ Add Sea Salt Flakes

Just a sprinkle over the chocolate before adding peanuts takes things next-level.

Adds contrast and brings out the caramel flavor.

🍫 Use Dark or White Chocolate

Want something richer? Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate (70% cacao or more).
For a sweeter version, use white chocolate and pair with toasted almonds.

🥜 Peanut Butter Caramel Dream

Add a thin layer of peanut butter to the bottom cracker before the caramel.

Think peanut butter cup meets Twix bar!

🌶️ Spicy Chocolate Kick

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the melted chocolate for a grown-up twist.
It’s surprisingly delicious with the caramel and nuts.

🍬 Sprinkle Fest

Add festive sprinkles on top for birthdays or holidays.
Mini M&Ms or crushed peppermint work great too!

You may also like :

Ritz Cracker Christmas Treats

Caramel Peanut Ritz Cracker Bars Recipe: Sweet, Salty, and Seriously Addictive

Fun for Kids (Or Kidults!)

This recipe is absolutely made for fun family time in the kitchen. No knives, no oven, and tons of creative freedom.

Here’s how to make it a party:

Set up a DIY station: one bowl for caramel, one for chocolate, and a few topping options.
Let everyone decorate their own stacks!
Turn it into a holiday tradition or weekend treat-making activity.

It’s kind of like a mini dessert assembly line — and yes, licking the spoon is 100% encouraged.

Troubleshooting: Quick Fixes for Common Issues

No recipe is without hiccups, especially when chocolate and caramel are involved. But don’t worry — here’s how to troubleshoot your way to perfection.

❌ Caramel Too Thick?

Add another splash of milk or cream and microwave again in short bursts. Stir until smooth and pourable.

❌ Chocolate Too Thick or Lumpy?

It’s overheated. Stir in ½ tsp of oil (like vegetable or coconut) to smooth it out.
Always melt in short bursts and stir in between.

❌ Caramel Slides Off the Crackers?

Let the caramel cool for 1–2 minutes before assembling. If it’s too hot, it won’t stick.

Gently press the top cracker to spread it evenly.

❌ Toppings Not Sticking?

Add toppings while the chocolate is still warm — timing is key!
Press them lightly to make sure they adhere.

Wrap-Up: These Are Better Than Cookies (Seriously)

We said it, and we mean it: these Ritz Cracker Caramel Peanut Stacks are the kind of treat that outshines cookies, candy, and even brownies — all without turning on your oven. They’re rich but not too heavy, sweet but perfectly balanced by salty goodness, and easy enough for even your little cousin to make.

The combo of crispy crackers, buttery caramel, creamy milk chocolate, and crunchy peanuts creates a texture party in your mouth. And the best part? You can whip up a batch in under an hour, with zero baking stress and maximum flavor win.

So whether it’s the holidays, a school party, or a Netflix binge session, keep this recipe close — because you’ll be making it again and again (and again).

Similar recipes :

Pumpkin Crisp – A Cozy, Crunchy, and Creamy Fall Favorite
Creamy Cranberry Pecan Christmas Tree Appetizers 🎄

🍪 FAQs

1. Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you’ve got the time and love making caramel from scratch, go for it. Just make sure it’s thick enough to sit between the crackers without running everywhere.

2. What’s the best way to chop peanuts quickly?

You can use a food processor for fast, even chopping. Just pulse a few times — don’t over-process, or you’ll end up with peanut dust. A good ol’ knife and cutting board also work fine.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free buttery crackers as a substitute for Ritz. There are some great options available in most grocery stores now.

4. Do these need to be refrigerated?

Not strictly, but if your kitchen is warm or you’re storing them for more than a day or two, the fridge helps them stay firm and fresh. Just let them come to room temp before serving for the best texture.

5. How do I make these look like the picture?

Drizzle the chocolate so it slightly spills over the sides, and sprinkle chopped peanuts generously on top. Let them set naturally or chill briefly to keep that glossy chocolate finish. Perfection!

Hi, I’m Lora!

I'm so glad you've found your way here. My kitchen is my happy place, and if you're just starting your own cooking journey, I want you to know you're in the right place.

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