Step 4: Sprinkle Peanuts
Immediately sprinkle the salted roasted peanuts over the caramel layer while it’s still warm. Press them lightly into the caramel to ensure they stick. This step gives the treats that perfect crunchy texture and salty-sweet balance.
Step 5: Bake for Extra Crunch
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. This short baking time helps the caramel bubble slightly and adhere to the crackers without burning. Keep an eye on it — caramel can go from golden to burnt very quickly!
Step 6: Cool Completely
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature. You can place them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed up the setting process. Once cooled, break the sheet into individual squares or rectangles.
Step 7: Optional Finishing Touches
For an extra layer of indulgence, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled treats or sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top. This adds a touch of elegance and enhances the sweet-salty flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Even caramel coating: Work quickly when spreading the caramel; it hardens fast.
- Crunchy texture: Don’t overcrowd the peanuts. Each cracker should get a few pieces for the perfect bite.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Why These Treats Are Special:
The combination of buttery caramel, salty peanuts, and crisp Ritz crackers creates a mouthwatering balance of flavors and textures. They are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for gift-giving, potlucks, or even just a sweet snack after school or work.
If you want, I can also create a super easy cheat sheet version of this recipe that shows all the steps in a single visual diagram, which makes it perfect for quick reference in the kitchen.
Do you want me to do that?
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