Ritz Crispy Treats Recipe

Name: Ritz Crispy Treats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 80 round buttery crackers, such as Ritz crackers; 1/4 cup butter; 1 (10 ounce) bag mini marshmallows; 1 teaspoon flaky salt; Chocolate and/or multi-colored sprinkles or other sprinkles as desired

Cook Time: 5 minutes

This sweet and crunchy treat is simple to prepare and will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. With a blend of buttery crackers, gooey marshmallows, and colorful sprinkles, it's perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

80 round buttery crackers, such as Ritz crackers
1/4 cup butter
1 (10 ounce) bag mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon flaky salt
2 tablespoons chocolate sprinkles, multi-colored sprinkles, or other sprinkles as desired

Directions

Start by finely crushing the crackers into small pieces and transfer them to a medium-sized bowl.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and cook, stirring constantly until completely melted.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the crushed crackers. Be sure to mix thoroughly to coat all of the crackers in the marshmallow mixture.
Working quickly, pour the marshmallow-cracker mixture into a greased 11x7-inch (3 quart) baking dish.
Using the back of a spoon or your hands, which you can lightly coat with cooking spray, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the baking dish. Alternatively, you can use a small sheet of wax paper to press it down.
While the mixture is still soft, immediately top with flaky salt and your choice of sprinkles. Feel free to get creative with the colors and types of sprinkles.
Allow the dish to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate it for an additional 15 minutes before cutting into 12 to 16 squares.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 192
Total Fat: 9g (11% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 3g (15% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 8mg (3% Daily Value)
Sodium: 316mg (14% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 28g (10% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 0g (2% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 13g
Protein: 2g (3% Daily Value)
Calcium: 26mg (2% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (5% Daily Value)
Potassium: 26mg (1% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. For those following a medically restrictive diet, please consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.

The History of Ritz Crispy Treats

Ritz Crispy Treats are a modern twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat, which was originally developed in the 1930s in the United States. While the traditional treat relies on puffed rice and marshmallows, Ritz Crispy Treats replace the cereal with buttery crackers, adding a distinctive salty-sweet flavor. This inventive adaptation emerged in American home kitchens as a playful way to enhance texture and richness while maintaining the simplicity and quick preparation that made Rice Krispies treats so beloved.

Regional Characteristics

Though popular nationwide, Ritz Crispy Treats are particularly associated with American home baking traditions in the South and Midwest. In these regions, desserts that combine sweet and savory elementslike pecan pies, salted caramel, or peanut butter treatsare widely appreciated, making the buttery and slightly salty Ritz cracker a perfect complement to gooey marshmallows. Regional variations may include topping the treats with chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even crushed nuts, reflecting local flavor preferences.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Unlike standard Rice Krispies treats, which are crisp and uniform in texture, Ritz Crispy Treats offer a layered complexity. The buttery crackers create a slightly firmer base and a rich, savory note that contrasts with the sweet, stretchy marshmallow coating. Other variations, such as graham cracker bars or cookie bars, might share the concept of combining a crunchy base with marshmallow or chocolate, but the use of pre-salted Ritz crackers gives this treat its signature balance of sweet and savory that is instantly recognizable.

Typical Serving Occasions

Ritz Crispy Treats are versatile and can be served at a variety of gatherings. They are commonly enjoyed as a snack at childrens birthday parties, as a homemade dessert at family dinners, or even as a festive treat during holidays. Their quick preparation and visually appealing topping options, like colorful sprinkles or flaky salt, make them popular in potlucks, bake sales, and casual celebrations. Some bakers even wrap individual squares in parchment paper for gifting.

Interesting Facts

The combination of Ritz crackers and marshmallows transforms the traditional chewy texture into a treat that is slightly crispy on the outside while soft inside.
The addition of flaky salt enhances the sweetness and helps create a complex flavor profile, appealing to both kids and adults.
Despite their modern twist, the recipe has roots in classic American ingenuityturning pantry staples into quick, indulgent desserts.
Many home bakers experiment with mix-ins such as chocolate chunks, caramel pieces, or colored sprinkles, making each batch visually unique and customizable for holidays or themed parties.

FAQ about Ritz Crispy Treats Recipe

Store Ritz Crispy Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

Yes, you can freeze Ritz Crispy Treats. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.

While Ritz crackers are ideal for their buttery flavor, you can experiment with other buttery crackers, such as Keebler Club crackers or even graham crackers, for a different taste and texture.

For a marshmallow-free version, you could try using melted white chocolate or candy melts as a binder. However, this will change the texture and flavor of the final product.

To prevent the marshmallow mixture from burning, always melt it over medium-low heat and stir constantly. If necessary, you can reduce the heat further to avoid scorching.

Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts, or even chocolate chips, dried fruit, or other sprinkles for added texture and flavor.

You can lightly coat your hands with cooking spray or use a small sheet of wax paper to press the mixture evenly into the dish. This will prevent it from sticking and ensure it sets evenly.

The recipe suggests cutting into 12 to 16 squares, but portion sizes may vary depending on how you cut them. If you cut them into smaller pieces, the overall size of each treat will appear smaller compared to the photo.

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce or skip the flaky salt on top to avoid the treats being too salty.

For a richer flavor, you can add a layer of melted chocolate on top, or even drizzle caramel over the finished treats. A pinch of sea salt or a handful of toffee bits can also make them even more indulgent.

Comments

SillyPot8147

04/24/2025 08:13:28 PM

My family loves Ritz treats. I don’t add extra salt to the top since Ritz have a little salt already on them, I add a chopped Symphony toffee bar in and let the warmth of the marshmallows melt it a bit. I always double the batch and it's gone in 2-3 days.

Mark Parker

02/08/2024 06:00:27 PM

Dude, this recipe is insane.

Sydney Taylor

01/28/2024 07:13:38 AM

They taste good but the recipe did not make as much as it said it would. 12-16 squares of this would be much smaller portion sizes than shown in the picture.