Get ready to meet your new snacking obsession: Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz. Imagine crisp, buttery crackers sandwiching a creamy, sweet peanut butter filling, all cloaked in a luscious layer of rich chocolate. This easy, no-bake treat is a simple way to transform a handful of pantry staples into something magical—perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you need a sweet-salty fix. If you love chocolate, peanut butter, and just a touch of whimsy, this recipe is for you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a few classic ingredients come together to create this decadent treat. Each one pulls its weight in terms of texture, taste, and that irresistible sweet-meets-salty flavor combo that makes Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz such a hit.
- Ritz crackers: These offer a buttery crunch and just the right amount of salt, making every bite satisfying.
- Creamy peanut butter: Smooth, classic, and rich, this is the base of your filling and adds an irresistible flavor.
- Powdered sugar: A little goes a long way—this sweetens the peanut butter and gives it a soft, almost fudgy texture.
- Semi sweet chocolate chips: Melted into a glossy coating, these bring a decadent chocolate finish that perfectly complements the salty filling.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
Spoon the creamy peanut butter into a medium bowl, then sift in the powdered sugar. Stir together until smooth and thickened; the mixture should be easy to spread but not runny. This little tweak transforms the peanut butter into a candy-like filling that won’t ooze out of your crackers.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out half of the Ritz crackers flat-side up on a baking sheet. Spread a generous spoonful of the peanut butter filling onto each, then top with the remaining crackers to make adorable mini sandwiches. Give each one a gentle press so they hold together nicely.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the semi sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each burst. You want the chocolate silky and completely smooth, but be careful not to overheat—chocolate can go from perfect to scorched quickly!
Step 4: Dip and Set
Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully lower each peanut butter sandwich into the melted chocolate. Let the excess drip off, then place on a parchment-lined tray. The chocolate shell should set up with a beautiful, glossy finish—if your kitchen is warm, pop the tray into the fridge to help the chocolate harden faster.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Once all your sandwiches are dipped, chill them until the chocolate is firm to the touch. Then, grab a friend or two and dig in—Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz are best savored fresh, with plenty of napkins!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz
Garnishes
Dress up your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a dusting of crushed peanuts for extra flair. These little touches not only look gorgeous but take the flavor to the next level.
Side Dishes
These treats shine on a dessert platter paired with fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, or even crunchy pretzels. If you’re setting out a party spread, mix them in alongside brownies or blondies—they play well with both fruit and chocolatey friends.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in a glass jar for a grab-and-go snack, arrange them in mini cupcake liners for a polished gift box, or pile them high on a rustic wooden board for casual gatherings. Don’t forget to package a few in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon—they’re irresistible teacher gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Keep the layers separated with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz, too—just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up, then transfer to a resealable bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their fresh flavor and texture for up to a month; just let them thaw at room temp before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these treats, but if you love a gooey chocolate shell, let them sit in a warm room for a few minutes to soften slightly. Avoid microwaving—they’re at their best without any extra heat.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter adds a fun crunch and extra texture to your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz, though the filling might be a bit thicker to spread.
What kind of chocolate works best for dipping?
Semi sweet chocolate chips strike the perfect balance, but you can use milk or dark chocolate if you prefer. High-quality baking chocolate will give you the smoothest, glossiest finish.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing or clumping?
Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry, and melt the chocolate slowly. If you’d like, add a tiny splash of coconut oil to the chocolate chips before melting to keep things silky smooth.
Do these need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily! You can store Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz at room temperature as long as your kitchen isn’t too warm. If it’s hot, the fridge helps keep the chocolate shell firm and snappy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely—just swap in your favorite gluten-free round crackers for Ritz, and enjoy a gluten-free version of this addictively delicious treat.
Final Thoughts
With their perfect blend of salty, sweet, and crunchy, Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz are so much more than the sum of their parts. Whether you’re making them with kids, sharing at a party, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try. Grab your crackers, melt that chocolate, and whip up a batch—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Recipe
Indulge in the perfect sweet and salty treat with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz crackers. Creamy peanut butter sandwiched between two Ritz crackers, dipped in rich chocolate – a delightful snack for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz sandwiches
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Assembling, Melting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ritz Crackers:
- 60 Ritz crackers
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating:
- 2½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a bowl, mix creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Assembly: Spread a teaspoon of peanut butter filling onto a Ritz cracker and top with another cracker to form a sandwich. Repeat for remaining crackers.
- Chocolate Coating: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave.
- Dip: Dip each peanut butter Ritz sandwich into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Set: Place the chocolate-coated sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow them to set in the refrigerator.
- Serve: Once the chocolate has hardened, serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can sprinkle crushed nuts or sea salt on top of the chocolate coating for added flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz sandwich
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
