Ritz Goodies
Sweet, crunchy Ritz crackers topped with a rich date and pecan spread, coated with a vanilla glaze, perfect for snacking or holiday treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat Eagle Brand milk and chopped dates until the dates are melted, stirring constantly.
- Add pecans to the mixture.
- Spread the date and pecan mixture onto the Ritz crackers.
- Bake the crackers with the spread for 5 to 8 minutes at 325°F, watching closely to prevent scorching.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Melt half a stick of oleo (butter).
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla to the melted oleo, stirring until smooth.
- Add a dash of milk if necessary to achieve spreading consistency.
- Spread the glaze over the cooled crackers.
- Allow to dry before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of powdered sugar for the glaze. If you’re short on time, you can skip baking the crackers and just serve the date mixture over them directly. To enhance the texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the date mixture. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Best Ever Fudge Brownies for a sweet treat platter.
Serving Suggestions
These Ritz Goodies are perfect for parties or as a sweet snack. Serve them alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or nuts for a balanced treat. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert table, especially when combined with other treats like Buckeyes Recipe. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To refresh the texture before serving, consider warming them slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds, just to soften the glaze.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ritz Goodies contains roughly 545 calories, with 8g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (15% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of crackers such as saltines or graham crackers. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary, so choose a cracker that complements the sweetness of the date mixture.
What can I substitute for oleo?
You can replace oleo with unsalted butter or a plant-based margarine. Both options will provide a similar taste and texture, but keep in mind that using butter will add a richer flavor to the glaze.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Ritz Goodies gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers that mimic the texture of Ritz, such as rice crackers or almond flour-based crackers. Just ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).