If you love those warm, cinnamon-dusted churros from the fairgrounds but want a treat that’s ridiculously quick and easy at home, then the RITZ CHURRO BITE is about to become your new obsession! Imagine crunchy, buttery Ritz peanut butter sandwich crackers transformed in the oven into golden clusters packed with sweet cinnamon-sugar crunch. Every bite tastes like a cross between a candied churro and a peanut butter cookie, and the best part is, you don’t need a fryer or any fancy equipment. They’re addictive straight from the oven, irresistible at parties, and honestly, you’ll wish you made a double batch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the RITZ CHURRO BITE comes from a simple lineup of pantry staples—but each ingredient punches well above its weight to create layers of sweetness, saltiness, and that signature churro flavor. Let’s break down why these ingredients matter so much:
- Peanut Butter Ritz Bits (8.8 oz box): These little sandwiches bring that signature salty crunch and a perfect hit of peanut butter with every bite.
- Salted Sweet Cream Butter (½ cup): Rich butter helps caramelize the crackers and sticks all the cinnamon-sugar goodness in place.
- Light Brown Sugar (⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and helps form that beautiful candied coating.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (¾ teaspoon): Just a little vanilla makes everything taste bakery-level by balancing the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon for caramel, ¾ teaspoon for coating): Cinnamon is non-negotiable for churro flavor—it’s warm, cozy, and instantly transports you to churro heaven.
- Granulated Sugar (3 tablespoons): Finishes the bites with a sparkling, classic churro sugar crunch.
How to Make RITZ CHURRO BITE
Step 1: Prep Your Sheet and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and line a baking sheet with two layers of heavy-duty foil. This double layer makes cleanup a total breeze, and it keeps your bites from sticking as the caramel bubbles up. Quick tip: don’t skip the foil—it’s a timesaver!
Step 2: Arrange the Ritz Bits
Spread the peanut butter Ritz bits in a single layer across your prepared baking sheet. Don’t pack them too close; a loose, even layer helps every cracker catch the candied coating. Set the tray aside while you make your buttery syrup.
Step 3: Make the Buttery Caramel
In a sturdy, medium saucepan, combine the salted butter, packed light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Place over medium-high and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring often to dissolve all the sugar. Let it simmer and bubble for about 1 to 1½ minutes—just long enough for everything to meld but not scorch.
Step 4: Coat the Crackers
Take the pan off the heat, and carefully drizzle the hot butter mixture evenly over the Ritz bits on your tray. Use tongs or a silicone spatula to toss and coat the crackers, making sure every one gets a glossy layer. This is where the magic (and the mess) happens, so don’t worry if it looks a little rustic!
Step 5: Bake for that Signature Crunch
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This step toasts the crackers and caramelizes the sauce into an irresistible shell. Keep an eye on them—they should smell nutty and fabulous, but you don’t want them to turn too dark.
Step 6: Make the Churro Sugar Dust
While your crackers bake, stir together the granulated sugar and remaining ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This is classic churro topping, and making it fresh means every bite will be ultra-fragrant.
Step 7: Sprinkle and Cool
When your crackers come out hot from the oven, generously sprinkle them all over with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. It will stick right to the gooey caramel. Now, let everything cool completely—the RITZ CHURRO BITE needs this rest so they crisp up and become easy to break apart. Once cooled, break into clusters and devour!
How to Serve RITZ CHURRO BITE
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, dust a little extra cinnamon-sugar on top, or drizzle lightly with melted chocolate for a decadent twist. A sprinkle of powdered sugar makes your RITZ CHURRO BITE look absolutely bakery-worthy!
Side Dishes
Pair your RITZ CHURRO BITE with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced coffee, or even vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s leagues above the ordinary. They’re fantastic alongside other sweet nibbles at a party cheese board or snack platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the cluster bites into little paper snack cones for a fun fair-inspired feel. Pack them into mason jars with a ribbon for a super-cute edible gift, or scatter them across a big platter with dip bowls of rich chocolate sauce or peanut butter for dunking. Little hands (and big ones) will dive right in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover RITZ CHURRO BITE in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fabulously crispy and delicious for up to a week, which makes them wonderful for make-ahead gifting or easy snacking all week long.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, these bites freeze surprisingly well! Just pop cooled, separated pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container (with parchment between layers) and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before snacking.
Reheating
To refresh and crisp up leftover RITZ CHURRO BITE, simply spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the caramel crunch and brings back that straight-from-the-oven aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular Ritz crackers instead of Ritz Bits?
Absolutely! If you don’t have peanut butter Ritz Bits, regular Ritz crackers work beautifully. The bites will be flatter, but you’ll still get all that buttery, sweet churro flavor. For a peanutty note, try adding a drizzle of peanut butter after baking.
Is there a way to make these nut-free?
Yes! Swap peanut butter Ritz Bits for plain Ritz crackers or another nut-free cracker sandwich. Just double-check any other allergen warnings on your package to keep it safe for everyone.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Margarine works in a pinch! Just use the same amount as you would butter (½ cup, about one stick). The flavor’s slightly different, but you’ll still get that yummy candied crunch.
Why do I need to let them cool before breaking apart?
Letting your RITZ CHURRO BITE cool is key: as they rest, the caramel coating firms up, making each bite crispy instead of gooey. This also makes it easier to break them into perfect bite-sized clusters.
Can I double or triple the recipe for a party?
Of course! Simply use larger baking sheets or bake in batches, making sure to spread out the crackers so every one gets evenly coated and crisp. This is a total crowd-pleaser, so scaling up is always a good idea!
Final Thoughts
These RITZ CHURRO BITE treats are a total joy—quick, easy, and totally crave-worthy whether you’re making them for a movie night or a last-minute dessert craving. Give them a try and watch everyone’s eyes light up—you might just find yourself making them again and again!
PrintRITZ CHURRO BITE Recipe
Ritz Churro Bites are a delightful treat baked in the oven until candied and coated with cinnamon sugar, reminiscent of your favorite fried dough dessert. These easy-to-make bites are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ritz Churro Bites:
- 8.8 ounces box peanut butter Ritz bits cracker sandwiches
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup salted sweet cream butter
- ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with 2 layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Prepare the Ritz bits: Spread the Ritz bits crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Make the butter mixture: In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Boil for 1-1½ minutes, stirring frequently.
- Coat the crackers: Pour the butter mixture over the crackers, toss to coat, and bake for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Finish the bites: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the baked crackers and let cool. Break into churro bites and serve.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- Tips: You can use store-bought cinnamon sugar, substitute margarine for butter, and no need to refrigerate the bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 824 kcal
- Sugar: 43g
- Sodium: 984mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 90g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 81mg
