Salted Caramel Pecan Ritz Cracker Crunch
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Chill Time: 30–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 10–12
Category: Dessert / Snack
Method: Oven-Baked
This Salted Caramel Pecan Ritz Cracker Crunch is an irresistibly sweet-and-salty treat made with buttery Ritz crackers, crunchy pecans, rich homemade caramel, and a finishing touch of flaky sea salt. It has the perfect combination of crisp, buttery, chewy, and crunchy textures, making it an easy dessert for holidays, parties, cookie trays, or whenever you need a quick homemade treat.
The caramel coats every cracker and pecan, then sets into a delicious crunchy layer as it cools. A light sprinkle of sea salt balances the sweetness and gives this simple dessert its addictive salted-caramel flavor.
Ingredients
For the Crunch:
– 4 cups Ritz crackers, lightly broken into large pieces
– 1½ cups pecan halves or roughly chopped pecans
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup light corn syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Topping:
– ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, optional
– ½ cup white chocolate chips, optional
– 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
– Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Spread the Ritz cracker pieces and pecans evenly over the baking sheet. Keep the crackers in fairly large pieces rather than crushing them completely.
2. Make the Salted Caramel
Add the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and corn syrup to a medium saucepan.
Place over medium heat and stir as the butter melts.
Once the mixture reaches a gentle boil, continue cooking for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. The caramel should become smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened.
Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt.
3. Coat the Crackers and Pecans
Slowly pour the hot caramel over the Ritz crackers and pecans.
Use a heat-resistant spatula to gently toss everything together, making sure the caramel coats as much of the mixture as possible.
Spread everything into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake
Bake for 7–10 minutes, watching carefully toward the end.
The caramel should be bubbling around the crackers and pecans and look glossy.
Do not overbake because the crunch will continue to firm up as it cools.
5. Add Chocolate
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow it to cool for 2–3 minutes.
If using chocolate chips, sprinkle them over the warm caramel layer.
Let them sit for a few minutes until softened, then gently spread the melted chocolate over the surface.
You can use semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination.
6. Finish with Pecans and Sea Salt
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the chocolate.
Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
A little goes a long way, so use just enough to create a delicious sweet-and-salty contrast.
7. Cool Completely
Allow the crunch to cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate for 30–45 minutes to speed up the process.
Once firm, break the large sheet into bite-sized pieces.
Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Crunch
– Keep the Ritz crackers in medium-to-large pieces for better texture.
– Use fresh pecans for the best buttery flavor.
– Stir the caramel frequently while it cooks.
– Watch the caramel carefully so it doesn’t burn.
– Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
– Allow the crunch to cool completely before breaking it apart.
– Add the final banana-style? No—this recipe uses pecans only; finish with chocolate and flaky sea salt as desired.
– Store the finished pieces in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
Variations
Chocolate Caramel Ritz Crunch:
Add a generous layer of melted semi-sweet or milk chocolate over the caramel.
White Chocolate Pecan Crunch:
Use melted white chocolate and finish with extra pecans and flaky sea salt.
Chocolate Peanut Crunch:
Replace half of the pecans with roasted peanuts.
Holiday Crunch:
Add festive sprinkles over the melted chocolate before it sets.
Extra Pecan Crunch:
Increase the pecans to 2 cups for an even nuttier dessert.
Storage
Store completely cooled Ritz cracker crunch in an airtight container at room temperature.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking the pieces.
For the best texture, enjoy within 5–7 days and keep the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid humid or warm areas because moisture can soften the crackers and caramel.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crunch on a dessert platter with cookies, brownies, or other holiday treats.
It also makes a wonderful homemade edible gift. Place pieces into small treat bags, tins, or decorative boxes and seal them tightly.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, based on 12 servings:
Calories: 390 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Sugar: 29 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 280 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without corn syrup?
Yes. You can make the caramel without corn syrup, although corn syrup helps keep the caramel smooth and reduces crystallization.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the fine salt in the caramel.
Why is my caramel soft?
Humidity, undercooking, or storing the crunch somewhere warm can make the caramel softer. Let the dessert cool completely before judging its final texture.
Can I use another type of cracker?
Yes. Similar buttery round crackers can be substituted, although Ritz crackers provide the classic buttery and salty flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It can be prepared several days ahead and stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, although the texture is generally best when kept sealed at room temperature in a cool, dry environment.
Final Result
Every bite of this Salted Caramel Pecan Ritz Cracker Crunch combines buttery crackers, rich caramel, crunchy pecans, optional chocolate, and flaky sea salt. It’s an easy make-ahead treat that’s perfect for holidays, parties, dessert tables, bake sales, and homemade gifts.
