Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake

Introduction

In the realm of desserts, where sweetness often reigns supreme, there exists a hidden treasure that seamlessly marries the worlds of saccharine and savory. The Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake is a testament to this harmonious union, where layers of delicate Ritz crackers interlace with luscious waves of salted caramel, culminating in a symphony of flavors that dance upon your taste buds. This dessert defies convention, inviting you to explore the boundaries of your palate. Are you ready to embark on this unique culinary journey?

Ingredients

For this extraordinary confection, gather the following ingredients:

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Icebox Cake:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 box Ritz crackers
• Prepared salted caramel sauce

Step by Step Instructions

1. Creating the Salted Caramel Sauce:
   • Place the granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
   • Allow the sugar to melt without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even caramelization.
   • Once the sugar turns a deep amber hue, add the cubed butter. The mixture will bubble, so be cautious.
   • Stir the butter into the caramel until it’s fully incorporated.
   • Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble again, but keep stirring until smooth.
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sea salt.
   • Let the salted caramel sauce cool before transferring it to a jar. It will thicken as it cools.
2. Whipping the Cream:
   • In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
   • Gently fold in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar.
   • The whipped cream should be smooth and billowy, ready to provide the luscious layers for your icebox cake.
3. Assembling the Icebox Cake:
   • On a flat serving plate, place a layer of Ritz crackers side by side.
   • Spread a thin, even layer of whipped cream over the crackers.
   • Drizzle a generous amount of salted caramel sauce over the cream layer.
   • Repeat the process, layering crackers, cream, and caramel until you have the desired cake height. Make sure to finish with a layer of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel on top.
4. Chill and Set:
   • Carefully transfer the assembled cake to the refrigerator.
   • Allow the cake to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. During this time, the Ritz crackers will soften to a cake-like texture, absorbing the caramel and cream goodness.
5. Serve and Savor:
   • Once the cake has set, slice it to reveal the exquisite layers.
   • Drizzle extra salted caramel on individual slices for an added burst of flavor.

Conclusion

The Ritz Cracker Salted Caramel Icebox Cake beckons daring dessert enthusiasts and curious foodies alike. Its unconventional fusion of the sweet and the savory transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary masterpiece. This dessert is more than just a treat; it’s an experience, an exploration of tastes that challenge preconceived notions. So, gather your Ritz crackers and prepare to indulge in a symphony of flavors that defy expectations, leaving you craving both the familiar and the unexpected.