If you’ve been searching for that perfect combination of sweet, salty, and buttery crunch, look no further than this incredible Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe. It’s a classic treat that turns simple, everyday ingredients into a magical dessert that’s absolutely addictive. Picture a buttery caramel layer melting over crisp Ritz crackers, topped with rich, melted chocolate and a sprinkle of nuts if you like, creating the ultimate snack that’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying anytime you want a little sweet escape.

Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the flaky saltiness of the Ritz crackers to the velvety sweetness of the brown sugar and chocolate, this list is simplicity at its finest.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds rich, creamy flavor and is essential for the toffee’s luscious caramel base.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Provides deep, caramel notes that develop as it bubbles with the butter.
Ritz crackers (1 box): The salty, buttery crunch that forms the crispy foundation of this dessert.
Chocolate chips (2 cups, semi-sweet or milk): Melts to a silky layer of chocolate that harmonizes perfectly with the toffee.
Chopped nuts (1 cup, optional): Add extra texture and a toasty flavor to take the treat to the next level.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Crackers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures an easy release once your toffee is ready. Then, neatly arrange a single layer of Ritz crackers on the sheet without overlapping, creating a crisp and uniform base.

Step 2: Make the Butter and Brown Sugar Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Stir this mixture constantly until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, let it cook for about three minutes without stirring—this step is crucial for developing that deep, caramel flavor and the perfect toffee texture.

Step 3: Pour and Bake the Toffee Mixture

Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the arranged Ritz crackers, making sure every cracker is completely covered. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for five minutes until the toffee is bubbly and golden, signaling that everything has melded beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate and Nuts

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the bubbly toffee. Let them sit for about two minutes to soften, then gently spread the melted chocolate into a smooth, glossy layer. If you want that extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts on top right after spreading the chocolate.

Step 5: Cool and Break into Pieces

Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate has set and the whole slab is firm. Once cool, break it into bite-sized pieces and get ready to indulge in one of the most crave-worthy treats you’ll ever make.

How to Serve Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe

Garnishes

While the toffee is delicious on its own, you can elevate presentation with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder to add a little extra flair and flavor contrast. A handful of extra chopped nuts can also add a beautiful finish that’s as eye-catching as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

This Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The contrast of the toffee’s crunchy sweetness alongside creamy or warm beverages creates an irresistible snack or dessert pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, arrange the toffee pieces in a decorative tin or wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with a festive ribbon. Layer them between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container for gifting, or create a dessert board with assorted nuts, fruits, and chocolates to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Ritz Cracker Toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping it sealed ensures the toffee stays crispy and the chocolate doesn’t lose its shine or texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep the toffee longer, freezing is a great option. Place the pieces in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When properly wrapped, the toffee can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months without losing its irresistible crunch.

Reheating

To enjoy the toffee after freezing, simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent melting the chocolate unevenly; the slow thaw maintains the perfect texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker instead of Ritz?

While Ritz crackers deliver the perfect buttery and salty crunch, you can experiment with other light, buttery crackers if you’re out of Ritz. Just make sure they’re not too thick or overly flavored, as that could throw off the balance of the toffee.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness of the toffee, which is important because Ritz crackers already have salt. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but consider reducing any extra added salt in your recipe or skip the nuts if they’re salted.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even a combination. Just keep in mind the melting properties, as milk and semi-sweet chocolates melt more evenly for that smooth layer on top.

How do I make sure the toffee doesn’t burn when boiling the butter and sugar?

Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly until it boils, then allow it to boil gently for about three minutes without stirring. If the heat is too high or boiling goes on too long, the sugar can burn and turn bitter, so watch it carefully.

Can I add flavorings like vanilla or spices?

Definitely! Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract after removing the caramel mixture from heat can add warmth and depth. Some people also enjoy a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick, but these are optional twists to the classic Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, once you try this Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. It’s a delightful blend of buttery, sweet, salty, and chocolatey goodness that’s surprisingly simple to create but feels like a decadent treat. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or sneaking bites when no one’s looking, this toffee is bound to become a beloved favorite. Give it a go, share it with loved ones, and watch it disappear in record time!

Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe

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4.2 from 76 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x

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Description

This delightful Ritz Cracker Toffee combines the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers with a rich, caramelized brown sugar toffee layer, topped with melted chocolate and optional nuts for added texture. It’s a simple, indulgent treat perfect for sharing or gifting, made with minimal ingredients and quick baking.

Ingredients

Scale

Toffee Base

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 box Ritz crackers

Topping

2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Arrange Crackers: Lay out a single layer of Ritz crackers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap to ensure each cracker is evenly coated with toffee.
Make Toffee Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, then allow it to boil for about three minutes without stirring to develop the toffee’s rich flavor and proper consistency.
Pour Toffee Over Crackers: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the arranged Ritz crackers, ensuring every cracker is fully covered to create a uniform layer.
Bake to Set Toffee: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for five minutes until the toffee mixture is bubbly, which helps it set properly and develop a chewy texture.
Add Chocolate: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee and crackers. Let them sit for about two minutes to soften and start melting.
Spread Melted Chocolate: Using a spatula, spread the softened melted chocolate evenly over the entire surface, covering the toffee layer completely.
Add Nuts and Cool: If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts over the melted chocolate for added crunch and flavor. Allow the entire sheet to cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate hardens before breaking into pieces for serving.

Notes

You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips depending on your sweetness preference.
Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch; consider walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Make sure to pour the toffee hot over the crackers for even coating.
Let the final toffee cool completely for the best texture; refrigerating can speed up the setting process.
Store leftover toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American