A quick snack that is sweet, salty and easy to make.
INTRODUCTION
This recipe makes a simple treat with two pantry stars: Ritz crackers and Reese’s peanut butter cups. It is a small sandwich of crisp cracker and a soft peanut butter cup in the middle. The snack is fast to make and uses very few items. Kids and adults both like the mix of crunchy and soft textures. If you enjoy easy party snacks, you might also like the rich bites in baked brie crostini with pumpkin butter, which are also quick to make and share.
This article will walk you through why this snack works, how to make it step by step, how to serve it, how to store it, and ideas to change it up. The words are simple and the steps are clear. You will feel ready to make this after one read.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for many small reasons. First, it uses only two main ingredients. That keeps the work low and the cost small. Second, it combines sweet and salty in one bite. The salt from the Ritz cracker makes the peanut butter and chocolate taste even better. Third, it is fast. The whole job takes less than 20 minutes most of the time.
You do not need to melt chocolate or mix batter. The steps are clean and easy to repeat. This snack is also easy to scale. Make a few for a snack or make a tray for a party. If you like small treats that are quick and fun, you might also enjoy the cozy mix in creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash and spinach, even though it is a savory dish, it shows how small changes make big flavor.
HOW TO MAKE Ritz Crackers with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
This method is simple and clear. Read through the steps so you know what to do before you start. Work on a clean counter and have your tools ready. The key is to only warm the peanut butter cup a little so it becomes tacky but not melted. That sticky top helps the second cracker stick without making a mess.
Use room temperature crackers and chilled peanut butter cups if you can. The chilled cups are less likely to melt fast. Put each cracker and cup on the baking sheet the same way so you can work quickly. For another simple sweet treat idea that uses peanut butter and chocolate, try learning from peanut butter brownie swirl cookies, which show how peanut butter pairs well with a crisp or soft base.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven or toaster oven
- Small tray or plate for cooling
- Spatula or tongs (optional)
- Refrigerator space for chilling
You do not need fancy tools. A basic oven and a lined pan will do the job. Use parchment to keep the crackers clean and to make cleanup simple. A small tray or plate will make moving the final stacks to the fridge easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
16 ritz crackers, 8 unwrapped reese peanut butter cups (thin cups)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place a single ritz cracker on baking sheet.
- Top with one Reeses thin peanut butter cup.
- Bake in oven for 90 seconds until top of Reese cup looks wet – NOT MELTED. Remove from oven.
- Gently place another ritz cracker on top of the peanut butter cup.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 15 mins.
Keep an eye on the oven during the 90 seconds. Ovens vary. The peanut butter cup should become glossy on top and slightly soft, not runny. If you let it go too long it will melt and make a mess. After you press the top cracker on, the peanut butter cup will firm up again in the cold. This step gives you a small sandwich with clean edges.
HOW TO SERVE Ritz Crackers with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
These snacks are best served cold or just removed from the fridge. Serve them on a small plate or a party tray. They pair well with a cold glass of milk, iced coffee, or a small cup of tea. For kids, place them at kid height and let them pick one at a time. For a party, line them up on a tray with small doilies or parchment squares.
If you want to add a little style, dust a little cocoa powder on the plate or add a small pile of mixed nuts on the side. For a handful of other peanut butter chocolate ideas that travel well, consider serving alongside peanut butter chocolate fat bombs for guests who want low-carb options.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Ritz Crackers with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Store these sandwiches in a sealed container in the fridge. They will keep for up to one week if they stay chilled. The cracker may soften a bit over time because of the moisture in the peanut butter cup, but they will still taste good.
To freeze, place the finished sandwiches on a tray and freeze until firm. Then move them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Do not thaw at room temperature for too long, or the peanut butter cup may get soft and the crackers may crumble.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve two or three per person as a small dessert.
- Add a napkin or small plate for each guest to catch crumbs.
- Pair with fruit like apple slices or banana for a mix of fresh and sweet.
- Place a few on a cake stand for a small party display.
- Offer toothpicks nearby if you make larger stacks so guests can pick them up without touching too many pieces.
These snacks are also great to pack in a lunch box. Wrap each one in a small sheet of wax paper to keep them neat.
VARIATIONS
- Swap crackers: Try salty crackers or graham crackers for a different taste.
- Add chocolate drizzle: Melt a little chocolate and drizzle a thin line over the tops after chilling.
- Add sea salt: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on the peanut butter before the top cracker for a salty crunch.
- Use different cups: Try different brands of peanut butter cups or flavored cups for variety.
- Make mini stacks: Cut crackers to make smaller bites for children.
If you like the idea of stuffing or freezing chocolate peanut butter treats in new ways, you can see a full method for a bigger frozen slab treat at peanut butter stuffed brownies — the game changing frozen slab method for ideas you can adapt to larger trays.
FAQs
Q: How long do these keep at room temperature?
A: They can sit out for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature. If your room is warm, put them back in the fridge sooner to avoid melting.
Q: Can I use regular Reese’s cups instead of thin cups?
A: Yes, you can. Regular cups will make a thicker sandwich. You may need to bake a few seconds longer so the top gets tacky.
Q: Can I make these without an oven?
A: Yes. Place the cracker and unwrapped peanut butter cup on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 7 to 10 seconds until the top looks wet. Watch closely so it does not melt.
Q: What if my top cracker slips off after chilling?
A: Press the top gently onto the peanut butter cup when warm so it bonds. If it slips later, the peanut butter center may be too firm; let it warm a bit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Q: Can I use a different cracker brand?
A: Yes, any thin salty cracker works. Just pick one that will hold the peanut butter cup without breaking.
Q: Are these safe for kids with nut allergies?
A: No. These use peanut butter cups and are not safe for people with peanut or tree nut allergies. Use a safe allergy-friendly fill if you need a nut-free option.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Ritz Crackers with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Make the sandwiches up to one day ahead and keep them chilled in a sealed container. If you make them earlier the crackers may soften a bit, but they will still taste good. For a party, you can bake the peanut butter cups on the crackers and chill them the night before, then place them on the serving tray right before guests arrive.
If you want to freeze them for a larger make-ahead plan, flash-freeze on a tray first so they do not stick together, then pack in a sealed bag. Move them from the freezer to the fridge a few hours before you need to serve them.