Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake: A Sweet and Salty No-Bake Dessert

Picture this: a dessert so creamy, sweet, and indulgent that it melts in your mouth with every bite. The combination of buttery Ritz crackers, smooth cream cheese filling, and rich salted caramel sauce makes the Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake an unforgettable treat. The best part? You don’t even need to turn on your oven! This no-bake dessert is as simple as it is decadent, perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or when you just need a quick dessert fix.

Let’s jump into everything you need to know about making this irresistible icebox cake!

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Below is a handy table to organize all the ingredients for your Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake:

Component	Ingredients	Quantity
Icebox Cake	Cream cheese, softened	2 (16 oz) blocks
	Granulated sugar	1 cup
	Heavy cream	3/4 cup
	Pinch of salt	–
	Vanilla extract	1/2 teaspoon
	Ritz crackers	48 crackers
	Salted caramel sauce	2/3 cup (plus more for garnish)
	Whipped cream	For topping
Salted Caramel Sauce	Granulated sugar	1 cup
	Water	1/4 cup
	Sea salt	1 teaspoon
	Heavy cream	3/4 cup
	Butter	3 tablespoons
	Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert ticks all the boxes:

• No Oven Needed: Perfect for warm days or when you want an easy, fuss-free recipe.
• Sweet Meets Salty: The buttery, salty Ritz crackers balance beautifully with the sweet caramel and cream cheese filling.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging yourself, this cake is always a hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to blend.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

The salted caramel sauce is the highlight of this recipe. Here’s how you make it from scratch:

1. Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water in a medium saucepan. Stir gently.
2. Cook over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves. Then, increase the heat and let it boil without stirring until it turns a rich amber color (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Remove the saucepan from heat. Slowly add 3/4 cup of heavy cream, stirring carefully as it will bubble vigorously.
4. Add 3 tablespoons of butter, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
5. Let the caramel cool to room temperature before using it.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the 3/4 cup of heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture.
3. Whip everything together until it’s light, airy, and fluffy.

3. Assemble the Icebox Cake

1. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese filling on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a base.
2. Arrange a layer of Ritz crackers on top, ensuring the bottom of the dish is fully covered.
3. Spread 1/3 of the remaining cream cheese filling over the crackers, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
4. Repeat the layering process: Ritz crackers, cream cheese filling, and caramel. Complete three layers, finishing with a layer of cream cheese filling on top.

4. Chill the Cake

1. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for the flavors to meld and the layers to set.

5. Decorate and Serve

1. Just before serving, top the cake with whipped cream and a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
2. Garnish with crushed Ritz cracker crumbs for extra crunch and presentation.

Tips for Success

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Don’t Overcook the Caramel: Remove it from heat as soon as it reaches the right amber color to avoid a burnt taste.
• Chill Overnight: Patience is key! The longer you chill, the more the flavors develop and the layers set.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional estimate per serving (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	400
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	29g
Sugar	22g
Protein	5g

FAQs About Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought salted caramel sauce works if you’re short on time. However, homemade caramel adds an unbeatable depth of flavor.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake tastes even better when made a day in advance, as the flavors have time to meld.

3. What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?

Graham crackers or any other buttery, salty cracker can be a great substitute.

4. How long will this dessert last in the fridge?

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

5. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled cake for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

6. Can I add toppings?

Certainly! Crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of sea salt would make excellent additions.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Salty Treat Worth Trying

The Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake is a game-changer for dessert lovers. With its layers of buttery crackers, rich cream cheese filling, and luscious salted caramel, it’s a no-bake masterpiece that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re preparing it for a party or just treating yourself, this dessert guarantees rave reviews.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, whip up this easy dessert, and get ready to impress everyone who takes a bite. Trust me—you’ll be making this again and again!

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