If you love the combination of sweet and salty, this Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake is the perfect treat! It’s an easy, no-bake dessert that comes together with just a few ingredients, and the best part? The fridge does most of the work for you! With layers of buttery Ritz crackers, creamy filling, and rich salted caramel, this dessert is the ultimate balance of crunchy, creamy, salty, and sweet.
Ingredients Required
Main Ingredients:
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for extra salty-sweet flavor)
Optional Add-ons:
- ½ cup crushed pecans or walnuts for crunch
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder for a caramel macchiato twist
- Dark chocolate shavings for garnish
- Toasted coconut flakes for extra texture
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Whipped Filling
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This creates a light, fluffy texture that balances the richness of the caramel.
Healthier Option: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a mix of whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Step 2: Layering the Icebox Cake
- Start with a layer of Ritz crackers on the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the crackers, followed by a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
- Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the final layer for an extra flavor kick.
Step 3: Chilling for the Perfect Texture
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. The longer it chills, the more the crackers soften into a cake-like texture while still keeping a slight crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with extra caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of crushed Ritz crackers.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent touch.
- Try layering it in individual dessert cups for an elegant presentation.
Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Icebox Cake
- Use full-fat whipping cream for the richest texture.
- Homemade caramel sauce will give the best flavor—try making it with brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
- Don’t over-layer—too many layers can make the cake too soft. Stick to 3-4 layers for the best balance.
Healthier Variations of the Recipe
- Use low-sugar caramel sauce or make your own with coconut sugar.
- Swap Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers if needed.
- Instead of heavy cream, use whipped Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich alternative.
Storing and Making Ahead
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for a firmer, ice-cream-like texture—just let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use different crackers or cookies?
Yes! Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or digestive biscuits work well if you want a different texture.
2. What’s the best way to make homemade caramel?
A simple homemade caramel sauce can be made by melting ½ cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and ½ cup heavy cream over low heat, stirring until thickened. Add sea salt for extra flavor!
3. Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Absolutely! Drizzle melted chocolate between layers or sprinkle chocolate chips on top for a chocolate-caramel twist.
4. How do I prevent the layers from getting too soft?
If you like a bit of crunch, chill for only 2-3 hours instead of overnight. This keeps the crackers crispier.
5. How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free crackers or gluten-free graham crackers as a substitute for Ritz.