Creating a Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake is a delightful and simple process. This no-bake dessert combines the sweet and salty flavors of salted caramel with the crunchiness of Ritz crackers. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this tasty treat:
Ingredients:
1 box Ritz crackers
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Caramel drizzle, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce:
If you’re using store-bought caramel sauce, skip to the next step. If making your own, here’s a simple recipe:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir constantly until it turns into a smooth amber-colored liquid.
Carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring continuously. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up.
Once the cream is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (adjust to taste). Allow the caramel sauce to cool.
Whip the Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and gently fold it into the whipped cream until well combined.
Assemble the Icebox Cake:
Start by spreading a small amount of whipped cream in the bottom of a 9×9-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized container. This will help anchor the first layer of Ritz crackers.
Place a single layer of Ritz crackers on top of the whipped cream, breaking some crackers if needed to fit the space.
Layering:
Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the Ritz cracker layer.
Drizzle a generous amount of salted caramel sauce over the whipped cream.
Repeat the layers: Ritz crackers, whipped cream, and salted caramel sauce. You can create as many layers as you prefer, usually about 3-4 layers work well.
Final Touches:
Finish the top layer with a final drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle for an extra burst of flavor.
Chill and Serve:
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the icebox cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the crackers to soften.
Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, you can add more caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of sea salt on top for presentation.
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled.
Enjoy your delicious Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake! The combination of textures and flavors will surely be a hit with your family and guests.
