Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *Ritz cracker salted caramel icebox cake recipe*! It’s honestly one of my favorite desserts to whip up when I want something that feels fancy but is super easy to make. The crunch of the Ritz crackers paired with that rich, gooey salted caramel is just divine! I remember the first time I made this cake for a family gathering—everyone was blown away, and I had to hide a slice for myself! It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like a culinary genius without the fuss. So if you’re looking for a showstopper that’s incredibly simple, this is it!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Essential Ingredients
- 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)
How to Prepare the Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake Recipe
This *Ritz cracker salted caramel icebox cake recipe* is a breeze to make, and I’m here to walk you through each step! Trust me; once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping this up for every occasion. Just remember, the key to a great icebox cake is in the chilling time, so don’t rush it! Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparing the Crust: Start by crushing your Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and giving them a good whack with a rolling pin—so satisfying! In a bowl, combine the crushed crackers with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Make sure it’s nice and even, as this will be the foundation of your cake!
- Making the Cream Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will give your cake that lovely light texture. In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Now, gently fold in the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Take your time with this step; you want to keep that airy fluffiness!
- Assembling the Cake: Spread half of the cream filling over the crust in the springform pan. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over that layer, and then repeat the process with the remaining crust and cream filling. Finally, drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait! This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and for the cake to set perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—just 30 minutes and you’re done!
- No baking required, making it a perfect summer dessert!
- Delicious flavor combination of crunchy Ritz crackers and rich salted caramel.
- Layers of creamy goodness that melt in your mouth.
- Can be made ahead of time, perfect for parties or gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts or chocolate shavings on top.
- Impressive enough to wow your guests while being super simple.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *Ritz cracker salted caramel icebox cake recipe* turns out amazing every time! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that’ll help you dodge common pitfalls. Here we go!
- Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure your heavy cream is well-chilled before whipping. It’ll whip up better and give you those lovely stiff peaks!
- Don’t Rush the Chilling Time: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but give it at least 4 hours in the fridge. Overnight is even better! This time allows all those flavors to mingle and the cake to set perfectly.
- Press Firmly: When you’re pressing the crust into the pan, really compact it down! A firm base will hold everything together and prevent it from crumbling when you slice it.
- Use Quality Caramel Sauce: If you can, go for homemade salted caramel sauce. It takes this dessert to the next level! If you’re short on time, a good store-bought version works, too—just make sure it’s rich and flavorful.
- Be Gentle with the Folding: When combining the whipped cream with the cream cheese mixture, fold gently. You want to keep that airy texture, which is key to a light and fluffy filling!
- Garnish Wisely: If you’re adding nuts or chocolate shavings, do it just before serving. This keeps them crunchy and fresh, rather than soggy from the fridge.
Follow these tips, and you’re well on your way to creating a stunning icebox cake that’ll impress everyone! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful *Ritz cracker salted caramel icebox cake recipe*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to a delicious dessert, but remember to savor every bite! It’s worth it!
FAQ Section
Can I use another type of cracker?
Absolutely! While the Ritz crackers give that perfect buttery crunch, you can switch things up with other crackers if you want. Try using buttery round crackers or even graham crackers for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary a bit, but it will still be delicious!
How long should I chill the cake?
You’ll want to chill this beauty for at least 4 hours, but if you can wait overnight, it’s even better! The chilling time is essential for allowing the flavors to meld together and for the cake to set properly. Trust me, the wait is worth it for that perfect slice!
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make this cake ahead of time! In fact, it’s one of those desserts that gets better as it sits. Just prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap. This way, it’s ready to impress your guests without any last-minute fuss!
Print
Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake Recipe Delight
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously simple dessert that combines the crunch of Ritz crackers with a rich salted caramel flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- In another bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add half of the caramel sauce and mix well.
- Spread half of the cream mixture over the crust.
- Repeat layers with the remaining crust and cream mixture.
- Drizzle the top with remaining caramel sauce.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade salted caramel sauce.
- Garnish with extra nuts or chocolate shavings if desired.
- This cake can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: ritz cracker salted caramel icebox cake recipe
