If you’re looking for that perfect sweet and salty treat to wow your friends and family, this Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe is absolutely a must-try. The buttery, caramelized toffee melds perfectly with the iconic flaky crunch of Ritz crackers, topped off with a luscious layer of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of nuts for added texture. It’s a simple, comforting dessert that feels fancy but comes together quickly, making it a favorite in my kitchen that never fails to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the buttery richness, the sweet depth from brown sugar, the iconic buttery saltiness of Ritz crackers, and the indulgent chocolate topping all combine for an irresistible treat.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): This forms the luscious base of the toffee, offering richness without overpowering saltiness.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings that deep caramel flavor that toffee is known for while adding moisture.
- 1 box Ritz crackers: The star of the show, providing a light, flaky texture and a delicate saltiness that balances the sweet elements.
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk): Melted atop for a smooth, creamy contrast that complements the crunchy toffee layer.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma; walnuts or pecans are especially delicious here.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Then, lay out a single layer of Ritz crackers on the sheet. Make sure they do not overlap to allow even coverage of the toffee.
Step 2: Create the Buttery Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a boil, then allow it to bubble vigorously for about three minutes without stirring. This boiling step is essential to achieve that perfect toffee texture.
Step 3: Pour Over Crackers
Carefully pour the hot, bubbling caramel sauce evenly over the Ritz crackers, ensuring each cracker is fully coated. This step binds the crackers and infuses them with that sweet buttery goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for five minutes until the mixture is bubbly and set. Then, take it out and generously sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee layer. Let the chips soften for about two minutes before moving on.
Step 5: Spread Chocolate and Add Nuts
Spread the melted chocolate chips evenly across the surface with a spatula, creating a smooth chocolate topping. If you like a little extra crunch and nuttiness, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the chocolate while it’s still warm. Allow everything to cool completely so the toffee hardens before breaking it into pieces.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra flair can make this Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe even more special. Try topping the finished pieces with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to bring out the sweet and salty contrast or a light dusting of cocoa powder for a subtle, rich touch.
Side Dishes
This toffee is perfect on its own as a snack or dessert, but it also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of rich hot chocolate. The warmth and creaminess complement the crunchy texture beautifully and make an indulgent treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
To turn your Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe into a delightful party platter, arrange the broken pieces on a decorative tray lined with parchment paper and add fresh berries or mint leaves for color contrast. For gifting, pack the toffee in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons—everyone will love receiving this homemade treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ritz Cracker Toffee in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it a perfect treat that keeps on giving.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this toffee in advance or keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap pieces individually in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. It will store well for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed at room temperature for crunchiness, but if you prefer melted chocolate, briefly microwave individual pieces for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the toffee may soften too much and lose its snap.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cracker?
While Ritz crackers are ideal for their buttery flavor and texture, you can experiment with other lightly salted crackers. Keep in mind that thicker or harder crackers might change the toffee’s texture and baking time.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips are the most popular for this recipe, but dark chocolate or even white chocolate can be used depending on your taste preferences. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile to this classic treat.
Is it necessary to boil the butter and sugar mixture?
Yes, boiling for about three minutes without stirring is critical to develop the proper toffee consistency. It ensures the sugar caramelizes correctly and the texture becomes crisp once cooled.
Can I omit nuts if I have allergies?
Absolutely! The nuts are optional and can be left out for those with allergies or if you prefer a smoother chocolate finish. The toffee still packs a flavorful punch without them.
How can I make the toffee less sweet?
To balance sweetness, consider using semi-sweet or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top can help cut through the sugar for a more balanced flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe captures the perfect harmony of buttery caramel, flaky crackers, and melting chocolate in a truly irresistible bite. It’s straightforward enough for a quick treat but impressive enough to serve at any gathering. Give it a try—this little golden slice of heaven will quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert lineup!
Print
Ritz Cracker Toffee Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ritz Cracker Toffee is a deliciously easy-to-make dessert featuring a crispy layer of buttery brown sugar toffee atop a bed of buttery Ritz crackers, topped with melted chocolate and optional chopped nuts. Perfect for a sweet treat or holiday sharing, this recipe combines sweet, salty, and crunchy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Base and Toffee
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 box Ritz crackers (approximately 54 crackers)
Topping
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional; pecans or walnuts recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Crackers: Lay out a single layer of Ritz crackers on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping, covering the entire surface.
- Make Toffee Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Stir constantly until the mixture starts boiling, then allow it to boil for about three minutes without stirring to develop the toffee.
- Pour Toffee Over Crackers: Carefully pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the arranged Ritz crackers, ensuring all crackers are fully coated.
- Bake Toffee: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for five minutes until the toffee bubbles and sets slightly.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot toffee-covered crackers. Let sit for two minutes to allow the chocolate chips to soften and melt.
- Spread Chocolate and Add Nuts: Using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the entire surface. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the chocolate if desired.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the toffee to cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, then break into pieces and serve.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and ease cleanup.
- For a richer flavor, use semi-sweet chocolate chips; milk chocolate adds a sweeter twist.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts are great nut options; omit nuts for a nut-free treat.
- Make sure to let the toffee boil for a full three minutes to set properly.
- Store leftover toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For extra crunch, consider chilling the toffee in the refrigerator after it cools to help it set faster.
