Here is an easy snack you can make in a few minutes.
INTRODUCTION
This recipe for Ritz Crackers with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups is fast and fun. It uses two things you likely have at home: salty crackers and sweet peanut butter cups. You make small sandwich bites that taste great. The snack works for kids and adults. It is a good pick for a quick party treat or a late night cookie swap. If you like quick sweet bites, you may also enjoy a simple peanut butter treat like this peanut butter truffle recipe for another easy idea.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is simple and fast. The steps are short, and the result is a neat mix of salt, crunch, and sweet. You do not need any special skills. You only need a few items and a short oven time. The snack looks nice and is easy to hold. You can make a small batch or a large tray in minutes. You can also change it with small swaps and keep the same easy method. If you need a dessert to share, you may pair these bites with a cake or other sweets, like a yellow cake with chocolate buttercream frosting for a fuller table.
HOW TO MAKE Ritz Crackers with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
This recipe makes a small tray of cracker sandwiches. You warm the cups just enough to make the top slightly wet. Then you press a cracker on top and chill the bite so it holds form. The oven step is short, so watch the cups closely. The snack will be ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish. You can make the crackers ahead or make them the same day you will eat them.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Baking sheet or cookie tray
- Parchment paper or a silicone mat
- Oven mitts or heat-proof gloves
- Flat spatula or small tongs (optional, to move crackers)
- Small plate or tray for chilling
- Refrigerator space to chill the bites
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 the baking sheet.
- Top with one Reese’s 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.
HOW TO SERVE Ritz Crackers with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Serve these snack bites on a small plate at room temperature or slightly cool. If you chill them again, let them sit for a few minutes so the top is not too firm. They go well with coffee, milk, or a warm tea. Place them on a simple platter for a party or on a napkin for lunch boxes. For a kids’ snack, put them in a small cup or paper liner so the treat is easy to pick up. If you want a mix of flavors, add a few salted nuts beside them on the tray to highlight the salt and sweet contrast.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Ritz Crackers with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Store the bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 5 to 7 days. The crackers will stay a bit crunchy if you keep the bites cold. Avoid leaving them at room temperature for long because the peanut butter cup can soften. You can also freeze them. Place the bites on a tray to freeze for one hour, then move them to a sealed bag or box. They will keep in the freezer for one month. Thaw in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the cracker does not get soggy.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Pair with cold milk or hot coffee for a simple snack idea.
- Arrange on a dessert tray with small cakes and cookies for a party. For a warm main and a cozy table mix, try serving the plates near a hearty main dish like an autumn butternut squash and Italian sausage casserole at a family meal.
- Add a light dust of cocoa or powdered sugar if you want a fancier look.
- Place in paper liners for a grab-and-go snack for kids or guests.
VARIATIONS
- Add a drizzle: Warm a small amount of chocolate or peanut butter and drizzle on top after the bites chill.
- Swap crackers: Use a salted butter cookie or a graham cracker for a different crunch.
- Add a slice of banana: Place a thin banana slice on the peanut cup before you add the top cracker for a fresh bite.
- Use different cups: Try chocolate cups with caramel or almond filling for a new taste. For another sweet tart idea that uses white chocolate, you can look at a blueberry tart with white chocolate ganache to inspire more dessert swaps.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a microwave instead of an oven?
A: Yes, but be careful. Place one cracker and one cup on a plate. Heat for 5 to 8 seconds and watch closely. The cup must look wet on top but not pour or melt. Microwaves vary, so use short bursts.
Q: Can I use full size Reese’s cups?
A: You can. The full cups will be thicker. You may need to watch the time and press the top cracker with more care. Some may like the larger bite.
Q: What if my crackers get soft?
A: If they get soft, chill them on a tray in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This firms the cup and keeps the cracker crisp. Toast the crackers lightly before assembly if you need extra crunch.
Q: Can I make these nut-free?
A: Use a nut-free chocolate cup or a small layer of seed butter in place of the peanut butter cup. Check labels to be sure the product is nut-free.
Q: How long do they last at room temperature?
A: They will be fine for a few hours at room temperature. If it is warm, keep them cool so the cups do not get too soft.
Q: Can I add sprinkles on top?
A: Yes. Add sprinkles right after you place the top cracker and before they chill. The slight wetness holds the decoration.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Ritz Crackers with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
You can make these bites a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge in a covered container. If you make them more than a day ahead, the crackers may soften over time. For best results, make them the same day or freeze them for longer hold. If you plan to serve them at a party, set a small tray in the fridge and move the items to a serving platter right before guests arrive. This keeps them crisp and neat.
Final note: This recipe is quick, kid-friendly, and a good mix of salty and sweet. It asks for simple parts and a short oven step. You can change it with small swaps, and it stores well in the fridge or freezer for easy snacks later.
Ritz Crackers with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place a single Ritz cracker on the baking sheet.
- Top with one Reese's thin peanut butter cup.
- Bake in oven for 90 seconds until the top of the Reese cup looks wet but not melted.
- Remove from oven.
- Gently place another Ritz cracker on top of the peanut butter cup.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.