Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake
A refined no-bake dessert featuring buttery Ritz crackers, a smooth cream cheese filling, and layers of salted caramel, chilled until tender and sliceable for an elegant sweet-and-salty finish.
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Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 48 Ritz crackers
- 2 packages 8 oz each cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce divided
- Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer set to medium speed, beat until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in texture.
- Add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Arrange an even layer of crackers across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread one-third of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crackers, then drizzle one-third of the salted caramel sauce over the top.
- Repeat the layering process with an additional layer of crackers, followed by one-third of the cream cheese mixture and one-third of the caramel sauce. Add a final layer of crackers and top with the remaining cream cheese mixture, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Cover the dish securely and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to fully set and soften.
- Once chilled, slice the dessert into squares. Garnish with whipped cream and additional caramel sauce, if desired, before serving.
Notes
To prepare this recipe gluten free, substitute the Ritz crackers with a certified gluten-free buttery cracker of similar size and thickness. Ensure the caramel sauce and vanilla extract are also labeled gluten free, as some brands may contain additives with gluten-derived ingredients.