Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake – Experience the combination of crispy Ritz crackers and creamy sweetness, with our Salted Caramel Icebox Cake made with Ritz Crackers. This delectable no-bake dessert perfectly balances the sweet flavors featuring layers of buttery crackers, creamy cream cheese and a homemade salted caramel sauce. It’s a choice for those who appreciate the simplicity yet sophistication of flavors effortlessly bringing together ingredients to create a tantalizing treat.
The first time I prepared this cake was for a family gathering. Wanting to whip up something impressive I decided to experiment with the timeless concept of icebox cakes. The outcome exceeded all expectations! My husband being quite the dessert connoisseur was absolutely captivated by it while my little one couldn’t resist going for more. Since then it has become our go-to recipe for family get-togethers as it is cherished for its simplicity and taste.
What makes this Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake truly special?
What sets our Salted Caramel Icebox Cake made with Ritz Crackers apart is its balance between simplicity and gourmet flavors. It’s a no-bake wonder that works wonders on days when you want to keep your kitchen cool and stress-free. The cake excels in texture by combining the buttery crunch of Ritz crackers with a velvety cream cheese filling that creates a contrast, in every bite. The salted caramel sauce made from scratch is what really makes this cake special. It’s both delicious and simple to prepare. It adds a depth of flavor that takes this dessert to a whole new level of indulgence.
What You Need To Make This Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake Recipe?
Cream Cheese: The heart of our cake! Use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure your filling is as smooth as silk. It’s like the cozy blanket that wraps all the other ingredients in a creamy hug.
Granulated Sugar: Just the right touch of sweetness to make the flavors pop. It’s like the sprinkle of laughter in a conversation – necessary and delightful.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives our cake its dreamy, cloud-like texture. Whip it up until it’s fluffy and light, like a soft pillow you can’t wait to sink into.
A Dash of Salt: It’s not just a pinch; it’s the secret whisper that balances and enhances the sweetness, much like a best friend who always knows what to say.
Vanilla Extract: The unsung hero. A little goes a long way, and it adds that warm, comforting aroma, like a fond memory from your childhood kitchen.
Ritz Crackers: The unexpected twist! Their buttery crispness is the perfect dance partner for the creamy filling, adding a playful crunch to every bite.
Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce: Oh, the star of the show! This sauce isn’t just a topping; it’s a journey through a caramel wonderland. Rich, indulgent, with a hint of sea salt – it’s like the warm hug of an old friend.
Whipped Cream: The cherry on top! Well, not literally, but it’s the fluffy, cloud-like dollop that makes each serving a little piece of heaven.
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Steps To Make Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake:
Step 1: Start by lining your baking dish measuring 8×8 inches with plastic wrap to ensure removal later on.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl combine the cream cheese and sugar until you achieve a smooth texture. Next add in the heavy cream, a pinch of salt and some vanilla. Whip everything together until it becomes wonderfully thick and fluffy. This process usually takes around 3 minutes.
Step 3: To create your salted caramel sauce begin by dissolving sugar, in water over medium heat in a saucepan. Keep an eye as it gradually transforms into an amber color. Swiftly whisk in sea salt and heavy cream – get ready for a bubbling reaction! Ensure that the mixture is smooth before stirring in butter and vanilla to further enhance its flavors.
Step 4: Now comes the fun part of assembling everything! Arrange 16 Ritz crackers at the bottom of your dish as the base layer. Spread one-third of your mixture over them. Then generously drizzle some caramel sauce on top. Repeat these layers more ending with another layer of cheese mixture.
Step 5: Exercise some patience now – let your creation sit in the refrigerator for 12 hours or overnight to allow all the flavors to meld together perfectly. When ready to serve add a dollop of whipped cream and an enticing swirl of caramel sauce, as touches.
Tip:
Make sure to chill your mixing bowl and beaters before you start whipping the cream. This little trick can really make a difference! It helps the heavy cream whip up quicker. Gives it volume, which results in a light and fluffy filling. The extra fluffiness goes perfectly with the crispy Ritz crackers creating a balance of textures in your icebox cake. It’s, like adding a touch of softness, to your dessert making every bite a combination of creamy and crunchy textures. Enjoy the effect it has on your cake!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! It’s even better if you allow it to set overnight which makes it a perfect dessert to make ahead of time.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Certainly! While using store-bought caramel sauce is an option making your own sauce adds a touch. However if you’re pressed for time using a store-bought sauce will work well.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
It remains fresh for, up to 3 days although it’s usually devoured before then!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese two blocks, at room temperature
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 3/4 c heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 48 Ritz Crackers
- 2/3 c salted caramel sauce plus more for garnish
- Whipped cream for garnish
For the caramel sauce:
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 1/4 c water
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 3/4 c heavy cream
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Take an 8x8 inch glass baking dish and line it with plastic wrap.
Create the Filling:
- In a bowl combine cream cheese and sugar until they form a mixture. Add cream, salt and vanilla extract. Whip everything together until it becomes thick and fluffy.
Make the Caramel Sauce:
- Using a saucepan melt sugar along, with water over medium heat. Let it gradually turn into an amber color. Whisk in sea salt and heavy cream (be prepared for bubbling). Then incorporate butter and vanilla while stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place 16 Ritz crackers at the bottom of the dish as a base.
- Spread one-third of the cream cheese mixture over them.
- Drizzle around 1/3 cup of caramel sauce, on top.
- Repeat this process two times making sure to end with a layer of cream cheese.
- Cover the dish securely with a lid or wrap and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight to allow all flavors to meld together perfectly.
- When ready to serve cut into desired pieces. Top each serving with whipped cream and an additional drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
