Meet your new dessert obsession: Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake. This no-bake masterpiece layers salty crackers, silky cream cheese filling, and a toasty, homemade caramel into a dreamy confection that’s sweet, salty, and impossible to resist. Every bite is a happy surprise, with crunchy bits nestled in luscious cream—all crowned with fluffy clouds of whipped cream and drizzled with golden caramel. Whether it’s for a holiday, birthday, or just a regular Friday, this showstopper is bound to steal the spotlight.

Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake lies in how simple pantry staples can transform into a dessert that feels utterly extravagant. Each ingredient brings its own charm—crackers for crunch, cream cheese for tang, caramel for deep sweetness—and together, they create a cake with irresistible layers and textures.

Granulated Sugar: Essential for making the homemade caramel sauce and for sweetening the creamy filling.
Water: Helps the sugar dissolve smoothly to start your caramel sauce off on the right foot.
Sea Salt: Adds a deep savory note to the caramel, accentuating its buttery flavor.
Heavy Cream: Key to giving both the caramel sauce and filling their lush, rich textures.
Butter: Makes the caramel thick, glossy, and velvety—don’t skip it!
Vanilla Extract: Gives the cake a fragrant sweetness that rounds out the other flavors.
Cream Cheese: The heart of the filling; it’s tangy, creamy, and perfectly balanced against the caramel.
Ritz Crackers: These crisp, buttery crackers soak up the cream just enough for a cake-like bite, while adding a savory edge.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzled throughout the cake and on top, it ties everything together—use homemade for the best flavor.
Whipped Cream: The perfect, cloud-like finishing touch when serving your cake.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

Begin your Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake by making the caramel sauce from scratch—it’s easier than you think and packs so much more flavor than store-bought! In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water and stir until everything is fully dissolved. Then, let it simmer quietly, without stirring, until it turns a deep amber color. As soon as you hit that gorgeous color, carefully whisk in sea salt and heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up, so be alert! Keep whisking to a smooth, glossy caramel, then finish with butter and vanilla. Set aside to cool—it will thicken up as it cools, making it even more decadent when layering.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

For that irresistibly creamy layer, beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Drizzle in the heavy cream and a splash of vanilla extract, then continue beating until it’s fluffy and luxurious. The goal is to make it light enough to contrast beautifully with the salty crunch of the Ritz crackers.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Now for the fun part! Line your 8×8-inch baking dish with plastic wrap for easy removal later. Arrange a layer of 16 Ritz crackers along the bottom, slightly overlapping if needed. Spread one-third of your cream cheese mixture gently on top, making sure to reach the edges, then drizzle generously with a third of your silky caramel sauce. Repeat this layering process twice more—Ritz crackers, cream cheese filling, and caramel—ending with that dreamy fluffy cream cheese layer on top. Each tier will soak up flavor and become even more delicious as the cake chills.

Step 4: Chill the Cake

Cover your layered masterpiece with plastic wrap and tuck it into the fridge for at least 12 hours or, even better, overnight. This wait is crucial, so the Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake can set up just right—the crackers will soften yet hold their structure, melding everything into that perfect, scoopable texture.

Step 5: Serve

When you’re ready for dessert, simply lift the cake out using the plastic wrap overhang and cut it into neat squares. Top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra swirl of caramel sauce for a spectacular (and irresistibly inviting) finish.

How to Serve Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake

Garnishes

Turn every slice into a celebration! Pile on a swirl of whipped cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce. For a pop of texture and color, you could add a sprinkle of crushed Ritz crackers, a pinch more flaky sea salt, or even a few toasted pecans. Each garnish adds a little something special, making this dessert look as wonderful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Because Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake is so rich, lighter accompaniments work best. Try serving with a plate of fresh berries, a scoop of tangy sorbet, or even a small glass of cold milk or hot coffee to balance the sweetness. These simple pairings round out your dessert table and please every palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, cut the cake into mini squares and serve in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats. If you want a dramatic effect, use clear individual cups and layer the ingredients parfait-style for a showy presentation. Or, build the whole cake in a trifle bowl for gorgeous, visible layers that will make guests ooh and aah.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake should be tightly covered and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days; you might even find the flavors deepening with each passing night. If you notice any weeping or extra moisture from the filling, just dab gently with a paper towel before serving.

Freezing

If you need to freeze the cake, slice it into portions and wrap each in plastic wrap, then foil. Place the pieces in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can freeze the dessert for up to one month, but keep in mind that some texture changes may occur when thawed—the crackers may lose some crispness but the flavors will still shine through!

Reheating

Since Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake is best enjoyed cold, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving, especially if you’re pulling slices straight from the fridge or freezer. This way, the caramel and cream cheese layers settle into the perfect, creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, you can absolutely use a good-quality store-bought salted caramel sauce if you’re short on time. However, the homemade version in this recipe adds a depth of flavor that truly elevates the Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake, so try it if you can!

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the regular Ritz crackers with your favorite gluten-free buttery crackers. Check that all sauces and ingredients are also labeled gluten-free, and you’re good to go for a completely gluten-free treat.

Why does the cake need to chill overnight?

Chilling isn’t just about firming up the cake—it really gives the layers time to meld together. The crackers soak in just enough moisture to become cake-like, and the filling sets to a sliceable consistency, creating that irresistible texture unique to an icebox cake.

Can I add any other flavors to the filling?

Absolutely! A little instant espresso powder or a pinch of cinnamon stirred into the cream cheese filling can add a whole new flavor dimension. Just be careful not to overpower the caramel and cracker goodness—balance is key!

What type of cream cheese works best?

Full-fat, brick-style cream cheese will give you the richest, creamiest results. Avoid whipped cream cheese or anything sold in a tub, as these tend to be softer and might not hold the cake’s structure as well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-bake dessert that’s equal parts easy and impressive, Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake is a must-try. It’s the kind of treat that turns everyday ingredients into something truly magical. Gather your friends, share a few squares, and don’t forget that last caramel drizzle—your taste buds will thank you!