Sweet & Salty Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake Recipe

Crafting a decadent ritz cracker salted caramel icebox cake can transport you to dessert paradise.

Sweet and salty flavors dance together in this simple yet impressive treat.

Layers of crispy crackers merge with rich, velvety caramel cream.

No baking required means minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.

Smooth, cool textures create a luxurious dessert that feels like a culinary secret.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for novice bakers.

This irresistible no-cook dessert will have everyone asking for seconds.

Discover Why Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake Is a Showstopper

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft a delightful dessert without complex cooking techniques, making it perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.
• No-Bake Dessert Delight: Skip the oven and create a creamy, indulgent treat that sets beautifully in the refrigerator with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Blend the salty crunch of Ritz crackers with rich caramel and smooth cream cheese for a sophisticated yet comforting dessert that will impress guests and family alike.
• Versatile Crowd-Friendly Treat: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a special weekend dessert that requires advance preparation and delivers maximum flavor with minimal last-minute work.

Gather Your Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake

Main Ingredients:

• Cream Cheese: A rich and tangy base that provides structure and creamy texture to the dessert.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and helps create a light, fluffy mixture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream base and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the depth and complexity of the cream mixture.

• Granulated Sugar: The primary ingredient that transforms into a golden caramel.
• Water: Helps dissolve and melt the sugar during caramelization.
• Sea Salt: Adds a sophisticated contrast to the sweet caramel.
• Butter: Provides richness and a smooth finish to the caramel sauce.

• Ritz Crackers: Serves as the crisp, layered foundation of the icebox cake, creating a delightful textural contrast.
• Whipped Cream: Optional garnish that adds an extra layer of lightness and visual appeal to the dessert.

Step-by-Step Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Baking Canvas

Line an 8×8 glass dish completely with plastic wrap, ensuring extra wrap hangs over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Whip the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

Add heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until it becomes thick and fluffy, which takes about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Create Luscious Caramel Sauce

• Sugar
• Water

Swirl the mixture continuously until it transforms into a rich amber color.

Step 4: Finish the Caramel Magic

Whisk in sea salt and heavy cream. The mixture will bubble dramatically.

• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Ensure complete incorporation.

Step 5: Build the First Layer

Arrange 16 Ritz Crackers in three neat rows across the dish bottom. Spread 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crackers.

Step 6: Drizzle Caramel Goodness

• 16 crackers
• 1/3 cream cheese mixture
• 1/3 cup caramel sauce

Top the final layer with remaining cream cheese mixture.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Cover the dish and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, slice into portions.

Garnish with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.

Insider Tips for Perfect Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake

• Chill the dish thoroughly for at least 12 hours to allow flavors to meld and textures to soften perfectly.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free mixing and easier blending with other ingredients.
• Watch caramel sauce carefully while cooking to prevent burning; amber color indicates ideal caramelization stage.
• Layer crackers precisely in straight lines for a professional, even presentation that ensures consistent texture in every bite.
• Opt for sea salt in caramel sauce to enhance depth of flavor and create a sophisticated sweet-salty balance.

Creative Twists to Try with Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake

• Gluten-Free Cracker Delight: Replace Ritz Crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free vanilla wafers for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans between layers to add extra texture and a rich, nutty flavor profile to the dessert.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Substitute half of the caramel sauce with melted dark chocolate and drizzle chocolate ganache between layers for an indulgent chocolate-caramel combination.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the cream cheese mixture and caramel sauce to reduce overall sugar content for those monitoring their sugar intake.

Best Pairings to Enjoy with Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake

• Rich espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances the dessert's creamy caramel notes.
• Serve with a chilled dessert wine like Moscato or a caramel-forward bourbon that mirrors the cake's rich, sweet undertones and adds depth to each bite.
• Pair with toasted almond brittle or salted pecan pieces as a crunchy garnish, which provides delightful textural contrast and amplifies the dessert's nutty caramel essence.

How to Keep Your Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake Fresh

• Cover the icebox cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor.
• Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to prevent texture changes.
• Technically, this dessert is best enjoyed cold. Avoid microwaving, as it will destroy the delicate layers. Let frozen or refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.

FAQs

• What makes the caramel sauce unique in this recipe?

The caramel sauce is made by melting sugar until it turns amber, then adding sea salt and heavy cream, creating a rich, complex flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.

• Can I substitute Ritz Crackers with another type of cracker?

Graham crackers work well as an alternative, providing a similar texture and complementary flavor to the creamy and caramel layers of the dessert.

• Is this recipe suitable for make-ahead occasions?

Absolutely! This icebox cake requires at least 12 hours of refrigeration, making it an ideal dessert for preparing in advance for parties or gatherings.

Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Ritz cracker salted caramel icebox cake blends sweet and salty layers for a delightful dessert experience. Creamy textures and rich flavors make this no-bake treat perfect for summer gatherings where you will delight guests with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 blocks (16 oz each) cream cheese (at ambient temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel sauce)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (for caramel sauce)
• 48 pieces Ritz crackers
• 2/3 cup salted caramel sauce (+ additional for garnishing)
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tbsps butter
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for caramel sauce)
• 1 pinch salt
• whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare an 8×8 glass baking dish by lining it completely with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap extends over the sides for easy removal later.
2. In a large bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture for approximately 3 minutes until thick and fluffy.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar and water. Gently swirl the mixture until it turns amber-colored.
4. Whisk sea salt and heavy cream into the caramel, which will bubble intensely. Continue whisking until smooth. Incorporate butter and vanilla extract, stirring until fully combined.
5. Create the first layer by arranging 16 Ritz Crackers in three straight lines at the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture over the crackers.
6. Drizzle 1/3 cup of caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer. Repeat the layering process two more times: crackers, cream cheese mixture, and caramel sauce.
7. For the final layer, spread the remaining cream cheese mixture on top. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight.
8. When serving, slice the dessert and garnish with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes

• Softening cream cheese at room temperature beforehand ensures smoother mixing and prevents lumpy texture.
• Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for faster and more consistent whipping of cream cheese mixture.
• Select high-quality sea salt for enhanced caramel flavor and balanced sweetness.
• Experiment with alternative crackers like graham crackers or chocolate wafers for diverse taste profiles.
• Avoid overheating caramel sauce to prevent burning; watch color carefully during sugar melting process.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternative crackers or cookies.
• Prepare caramel sauce in advance and store in refrigerator for up to one week for convenient assembly.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for convenient make-ahead dessert option.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 352 kcal
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg