Name: Salted Chocolate & Ritz Nougat Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2.5 sleeves Ritz Crackers (crushed); 4 tablespoons butter (melted); 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 tablespoons evaporated milk; 2 cups marshmallow fluff; 4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 oz dark chocolate (melted for topping); coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

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There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of sweet and salty flavors, and these Salted Chocolate & Ritz Nougat Bars take that concept to a whole new level! Crunchy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, these bars are perfect for any occasion—be it a casual afternoon snack or a delightful dessert for your next gathering. The star ingredients are Ritz crackers, which provide a buttery, salty base, complemented by a rich nougat filling and topped with smooth dark chocolate and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. You won’t just be making a treat; you’ll be creating a moment of bliss with every bite!

Top Reasons to Make Salted Chocolate & Ritz Nougat Bars

Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for novice bakers or anyone short on time.
Decadent Flavor: The balance of sweet and salty makes these bars irresistible, appealing to a wide range of taste buds.
No Baking Required: These bars come together quickly without the need for an oven, making them ideal for warm days.
Impressive Presentation: They look great on the dessert table and are sure to impress friends and family.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients or toppings to suit your preferences!

What Goes In

2 ½ sleeves Ritz Crackers: These provide the perfect buttery crunch and a touch of saltiness.
4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the nougat filling and gives it that delightful chewy texture.
4 tablespoons evaporated milk: Contributes creaminess and moisture to the nougat.
2 cups marshmallow fluff: Provides the signature light and airy texture of the nougat.
4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter: Adds a layer of nutty flavor and creaminess.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
2 oz dark chocolate: For a luscious topping that contrasts beautifully with the nougat.
Coarse sea salt: A sprinkle on top to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.

Must-Have Equipment

Mixing Bowls: For combining the nougat ingredients.
9×13-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for setting your bars.
Spatula: For spreading the nougat mixture evenly in the pan.
Microwave-Safe Bowl: To melt the chocolate topping.
Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cutting the bars into neat pieces.

How to Prepare Salted Chocolate & Ritz Nougat Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This will also prevent the bars from sticking.

Step 2: Crush the Ritz Crackers

In a mixing bowl, take 2 ½ sleeves of Ritz crackers and crush them into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin, or using a food processor for ease.

Step 3: Make the Nougat Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 4 tablespoons of evaporated milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine with Marshmallow Fluff

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of marshmallow fluff, 4 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Add the Cracker Crumbs

Fold in the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs into the nougat mixture until fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and sticky.

Step 6: Spread in the Pan

Transfer the nougat mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, pressing down firmly to ensure it holds together. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Melt the Dark Chocolate

While the nougat is cooling, melt 2 oz of dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.

Step 8: Top with Chocolate

Once the nougat has set slightly, pour the melted dark chocolate over the top and spread it evenly with a spatula. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over the top.

Step 9: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set completely. Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and slice into squares or rectangles.

Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

Spring: Add a layer of fresh strawberries on top before pouring the chocolate for a fruity twist.
Summer: Serve these bars chilled, perfect for a picnic or outdoor gathering.
Fall: Incorporate crushed pumpkin spice cookies into the nougat for a seasonal flavor.
Winter: Drizzle with white chocolate and add crushed peppermint for a festive touch.

Notes on Ingredients

When making Salted Chocolate & Ritz Nougat Bars, consider these tips:

For a richer flavor, opt for high-quality dark chocolate, preferably with a cocoa percentage above 70%.
If you prefer a crunchy texture, add chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds to the nougat mixture.
Experiment with different cracker brands, but Ritz offers that perfect buttery flavor that complements the bars beautifully.
For a vegan alternative, consider using coconut oil in place of butter and non-dairy chocolate.

Prep Ahead & Store

These Salted Chocolate & Ritz Nougat Bars can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Absolutely! While Ritz crackers are ideal for their buttery flavor, you can substitute them with any similar type of cracker. Just ensure they are crunchy for the best texture.

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?

To prevent cracking, allow the nougat bars to cool completely before adding the melted chocolate. Additionally, use a gentle heat when melting the chocolate to ensure it stays smooth and pliable.

What can I do if my nougat is too sticky?

If your nougat mixture is overly sticky, you can add a little more crushed Ritz crackers to thicken it up. Alternatively, refrigerate the mixture for a short time to firm it up before spreading it in the pan.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free crackers that mimic the flavor and texture of Ritz, and you can enjoy these bars without gluten.

See You at the Table

Now that you have this delightful recipe for Salted Chocolate & Ritz Nougat Bars, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started! The process is simple, and the end result is nothing short of amazing. Whether you’re savoring a piece with your morning coffee or sharing them at a gathering, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the sweet and salty goodness, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!