A Sweet and Salty Sensation
It’s no surprise that these treats were a hit at your son’s birthday bash! The combination of crunchy Ritz crackers, gooey caramel, and nutty peanuts is a match made in heaven. These treats are easy to make and are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet snack.
The Perfect Caramel Sauce
The caramel sauce is the star of the show in these treats. Made with just a few ingredients – butter, brown sugar, and milk – it’s surprisingly easy to make. The key is to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches the perfect golden brown color.
The Crunch of Ritz Crackers
Ritz crackers are the perfect base for these treats. Their crunchy texture provides a nice contrast to the gooey caramel and peanuts. Simply arrange the crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet, pour the caramel sauce over the top, and sprinkle with peanuts.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- Optional: sea salt or flaky salt for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce reaches 235°F on a candy thermometer.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the Ritz crackers and sprinkle with peanuts.
- Allow the treats to cool and set completely before breaking them into pieces.
- Sprinkle with sea salt or flaky salt, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- To make the treats more festive, you can sprinkle them with colored sprinkles or chopped nuts.
- You can also try using different types of crackers, such as saltines or club crackers, for a unique texture.
- For a chocolatey twist, you can drizzle the treats with melted chocolate after they’ve cooled.