Caramel Pecan Ritz Cracker Pralines
These Caramel Pecan Ritz Cracker Pralines are an easy and delicious homemade candy made with buttery Ritz crackers, crunchy pecans, and a rich caramel-like brown sugar topping. They are sweet, crispy, slightly salty, and perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you want a quick homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, about 30–35 crackers
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Optional Topping
- ½ cup melted chocolate or chocolate chips
- Extra chopped pecans
- A small pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lightly spray the surface with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange the Ritz crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try to place them close together so the caramel mixture can cover most of the crackers.
2. Add the pecans
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the Ritz crackers.
If you prefer larger pieces of pecans for extra crunch, chop them into medium-sized pieces rather than finely chopping them.
3. Make the caramel mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine:
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Salt
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the butter has completely melted and the mixture begins to bubble.
Once it starts bubbling, continue cooking for about 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
The mixture should become smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened.
4. Add vanilla and baking soda
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Immediately stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda.
Be careful because the mixture may foam slightly when the baking soda is added.
Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Pour the caramel over the crackers
Slowly pour the hot caramel mixture over the Ritz crackers and pecans.
Use a spatula to gently spread the caramel so that as many crackers as possible are coated.
You don’t have to make every cracker completely covered—the caramel will spread more while baking.
6. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 8–10 minutes, or until the caramel mixture is bubbling and golden brown.
Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes because caramel can burn quickly.
7. Cool completely
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the pralines to cool completely.
Let them sit at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes, or place the tray in the refrigerator for faster cooling.
Once completely firm, break the candy into individual pieces.
8. Optional chocolate topping
For an extra-decadent version, melt chocolate chips in the microwave in short 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled pralines.
Immediately sprinkle with additional chopped pecans and, if desired, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.
Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Tips for the Best Ritz Pralines
Use fresh pecans: Fresh pecans give the pralines a much better flavor and crunch.
Don’t overcook the caramel: Cooking it too long can make the caramel hard or bitter.
Work quickly: Once the caramel is ready, pour it over the crackers immediately because it thickens as it cools.
Let them cool completely: The pralines become crisp and firm as they cool.
For a salty-sweet flavor: Add a small amount of flaky sea salt after baking.
How to Store
Store the cooled Ritz cracker pralines in an airtight container at room temperature.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the pieces from sticking together.
They should stay crisp for several days when stored in a cool, dry place.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! These pralines are excellent for making ahead.
Prepare them one or two days before serving and keep them in an airtight container. They are especially convenient for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, dessert tables, and homemade gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. If you use salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe.
Can I use another type of cracker?
Ritz crackers work especially well because their buttery and slightly salty flavor balances the sweetness of the caramel. However, similar buttery round crackers can also work.
Can I use dark brown sugar?
Absolutely. Dark brown sugar will give the caramel a deeper, richer molasses flavor.
Why did my caramel become too hard?
The caramel may have been cooked for too long or at too high a temperature. Next time, cook it only until it is smooth, bubbling, and slightly thickened.
Can I add chocolate?
Yes! Chocolate is one of the best additions to these pralines. You can drizzle melted milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or dark chocolate over the cooled candy.