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If you’re a fan of the sweet and salty combo then today’s recipe is for you! Our Ritz Torte takes the classic buttery cracker and turns it into a treat that no one saw coming. One bite is all it takes to understand why this vintage dessert has stood the test of time. This old-fashioned Ritz torte turns a handful of simple ingredients into something surprisingly delicious. The combination creates a dessert that’s light, rich, and completely unique all at the same time!
The texture here is really unlike anything else. The crushed Ritz crackers and chopped pecans are folded into a glossy meringue, then baked until lightly golden around the edges. The result is a delicate base that’s crisp, chewy, nutty, and just sweet enough to balance the salty crackers.
Once cooled, the torte gets a generous layer of homemade whipped cream. The cool, creamy topping complements the crisp meringue base beautifully, and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top adds an extra-special finishing touch. After a little time in the refrigerator, the flavors meld together into something truly irresistible.
The Ritz Torte is easy to make, relies on pantry staples, and always sparks conversation thanks to its unexpected ingredient list. If you’re a fan of sweet-and-salty desserts, this retro favorite deserves a spot in your recipe box!
Ritz Torte
meringue base
- 1 large sleeve Ritz crackers
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 3 egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
whipped topping
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- optional: chocolate shavings, for garnish
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish, then set aside.
- Place all ritz crackers in a large ziplock bag and crush into small pieces.
- Pour the cracker crumbs onto a large baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, stir crackers, then bake for 5 additional minutes. Set crackers aside to cool.
- Add egg whites to a large bowl or stand mixer, and beat for 1 minute or until light and frothy. While the mixer is running, slowly add the sugar and continue mixing until thick and shiny in texture (about 3-5 more minutes).
- Gently fold the pecans, cracker crumbs, baking powder, vanilla, and salt into the egg white mixture until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly to the edges.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Allow base to cool for 1-2 hours before continuing with topping.
- Topping: Add chilled whipped cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to a large bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread topping over the base in an even layer.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.
Recipe adapted from Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team[/caption] Simplyrecipes.com