Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake

Print PDF eBook

Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake is a mouthful to say, but is a dreamy, creamy, no-bake, salty-sweet icebox cake! A perfect dessert for summer, the holidays or any time of year, really!

Experience the salty-sweet symphony of this no-bake Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake. Dive into layers of creamy cheese, crispy Ritz crackers, and a homemade rich caramel sauce, perfect for sultry summer days!

What is an Ice Box Cake?

Ice Box cakes have been around for literally 100 years! They are no-bake desserts that are made by layering ingredients like wafer cookies, sweet cream, and sometimes fruit. They require no baking or cook time, and are placed in the fridge (originally known as the ice box) to set up. This type of dessert is totally customizable with endless possibilities as long as you keep to a cookie (or this case, Ritz Crackers) and cream layers.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 30mins

Total Time:12hrs 30mins

Servings: 9

INGREDIENTS:

▢Cream cheese two 16 oz blocks, at ambient temperature

▢Granulated sugar 1 cup

▢Heavy cream 3/4 cup

▢A pinch of salt

▢Vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon

▢Ritz Crackers 48 pieces

▢Salted caramel sauce 2/3 cup + additional for garnishing

▢Whipped cream

For the Caramel Sauce:

▢Granulated sugar 1 cup

▢Water 1/4 cup

▢Sea salt 1 teaspoon

▢Heavy cream 3/4 cup

▢Butter 3 tbsp

▢Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare an 8×8 glass baking dish by lining it thoroughly with plastic wrap.
Ensure the wrap is adequately extended over the sides for ease of removal later. Set this dish aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sugar.
Stir them together until the mixture achieves a smooth texture.
Subsequently, introduce the heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract.
Continue to whip the mixture until it becomes thick and exhibits a fluffy consistency.
This process should ideally take about 3 minutes.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

Utilize a small saucepan and place it over medium heat.
Combine sugar and water in the saucepan, allowing the sugar to melt thoroughly.
Ensurecontinuous cooking while gently swirling the sugar mix until it adopts an amber hue.
Carefully whisk in the sea salt followed by the heavy cream.
Do note that the mixture is likely to bubble intensively for a brief period.
Maintain continuous whisking until the sauce becomes smooth.
Conclude this step by adding the butter and vanilla extract and stirring until they’re completely incorporated.

Assembly:

Commence the assembly by systematically placing 16 Ritz Crackers at the base of the prepared dish, ensuring they are arranged in three straight lines.
Apply 1/3 of the earlier prepared cream cheese mixture over the crackers.
Proceed to drizzle 1/3 cup of the caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer.
This process should be replicated for two more layers.
Begin with 16 crackers, followed by 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture, and then 1/3 cup of the caramel sauce.
After completing the third layer, spread the remaining cream cheese mixture atop.
Once assembled, cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours or opt for an overnight setting.
Upon serving, slice the dessert into desired portions, garnish with whipped cream, and drizzle additional caramel sauce over each serving.

Storing Directions

Store any leftovers covered with plastic wrap and in the refrigerator. This cake is best if eaten within 2-3 days. Icebox cakes make for a wonderful make ahead dessert! I would make it up to 1 day in advance before you want to serve it.

NUTRITIONAL INFO: