Indulge in this Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake, a scrumptious no-bake treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors with a delightful combination of creamy and crunchy textures. Layers of Ritz crackers, velvety cream cheese filling, and homemade salted caramel sauce come together to create an indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion. Topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel, this icebox cake is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Icebox Cake:
- 2 (16 oz) blocks cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 48 Ritz crackers
- 2/3 cup salted caramel sauce (plus additional for garnishing)
- Whipped cream, for topping
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1/4 cup of water. Gently stir the mixture and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and allow it to boil without stirring until it reaches a rich amber hue, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s the right color, remove the pan from the heat and cautiously pour in 3/4 cup of heavy cream, stirring carefully as it will bubble vigorously. Add 3 tablespoons of butter, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until the sauce is silky smooth. Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature before using it.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar together until smooth and creamy. Incorporate the 3/4 cup of heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the mixture. Whip everything together until the blend becomes airy and fluffy.
- Assemble the Icebox Cake: Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese filling on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of Ritz crackers atop the filling, ensuring the bottom of the dish is fully covered. Spread about 1/3 of the remaining cream cheese mixture over the crackers, followed by a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Repeat the layers—Ritz crackers, cream cheese filling, and caramel—until you have three layers, finishing with a layer of cream cheese filling on top.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the icebox cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set.
- Decorate and Serve: Before serving, top with whipped cream and a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Add a few additional Ritz cracker crumbs for garnish, if desired.
Conclusion:
This Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake is a heavenly treat that perfectly balances creamy, sweet, and salty flavors. With layers that melt in your mouth and the delightful crunch of Ritz crackers, it’s an impressive yet simple dessert that’s sure to please any crowd. Enjoy the richness and ease of this no-bake delight at your next gathering!