Ingredients
Makes ~36 treats
1 (14 oz / 397 g) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated!)
⅓ cup (76 g) unsalted butter, cubed
⅓ cup (70 g) packed dark brown sugar (light works, but dark adds molasses depth)
3 Tbsp whole milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup (140 g) dry-roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (salted or unsalted—see note)
1½ to 2 sleeves (45–60) Ritz crackers (regular, not reduced-fat—fat = flavor & structure)
Optional finish: Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Base
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Arrange Ritz crackers in a single layer—no overlapping. Set aside.
2. Build the Caramel
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula, 7–8 minutes—until mixture simmers and thickens slightly (it will bubble vigorously at edges). Do not walk away—burns easily.
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in milk (mixture may seize—keep stirring; it will smooth).
Stir in vanilla and peanuts. Cook 2 more minutes—until glossy, thickened, and coats the back of a spoon. It should mound slightly when dripped.
Remove from heat immediately.
3. Assemble with Care
Working quickly (caramel thickens as it cools), use a #60 cookie scoop (1 Tbsp) or spoon to portion caramel onto each cracker—centered, with a thin layer of cracker visible at edges.
Optional: Sprinkle each with a few grains of flaky sea salt.
4. Cool & Set
Let cool at room temperature 1–2 hours—until caramel is firm to the touch but still slightly yielding. Do not refrigerate (causes condensation and softens crackers).
Tips for Perfect Gravy
(Note: These are intentionally un-sauced—but for a chocolate-drizzled version, melt ¼ cup dark chocolate + ½ tsp coconut oil; zigzag over set treats.)
Serving Suggestions
Arrange on a vintage platter with coffee beans for a café-chic vibe
Package in cellophane bags tied with twine for homemade gifts
Serve with vanilla bean ice cream as a “deconstructed” sundae
Pair with bourbon—the caramel echoes the oak notes beautifully
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Keep in an airtight container at cool room temp up to 5 days (not fridge—humidity softens crackers).
Layer between parchment to prevent sticking.
Freeze not recommended—crackers lose crispness upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other crackers?
Ritz are ideal—their butter content and scalloped edge hold caramel perfectly. Saltines work in a pinch, but lack richness.
No condensed milk?
Not recommended—this is the foundation of the caramel’s texture. Substitutes (like homemade condensed milk) alter consistency.
How to prevent graininess?
Stir constantly and avoid high heat. If caramel seizes when adding milk, keep whisking over low heat—it will recover.
Allergy Information
Contains: Dairy, wheat, peanuts, soy (in Ritz—check label).
Nut-free: Omit peanuts; add toasted sunflower seeds.
Gluten-free: Use GF butter crackers (like Back to Nature) and verify condensed milk is GF.
Nutrition Facts
(Per treat, 1 cracker + topping)
Calories: 120 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g (sat 3g) | Carbs: 15g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 11g | Sodium: 140mg
Final Thought
There’s genius in simplicity—especially when it tastes like nostalgia and innovation at once. These treats don’t shout. They whisper: of childhood snack time, of holiday cookie exchanges, of the quiet pleasure in a perfectly balanced bite. As you lift one to your lips and feel that first crisp snap, followed by the deep, nutty embrace of caramel, you’ll understand: some of the greatest comforts aren’t made in ovens or with fancy tools.
They’re stirred in a saucepan, spooned onto a humble cracker, and shared—one golden bite at a time.
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