Walnuts On The Ritz
A crunchy walnut and cracker snack with sweet egg whites and vanilla, topped with Cool Whip, perfect for parties or a light dessert treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat egg whites until stiff.
- Gradually add sugar, vanilla, and baking powder, and continue to beat.
- Roll Ritz crackers with a rolling pin, but not until powdered.
- Fold in the crushed crackers and walnuts into the egg white mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 minutes.
- Spread a small carton of Cool Whip on top while hot.
- Once cooled, spread with a large carton of Cool Whip.
- Refrigerate overnight, covered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute half with a sugar alternative, but be cautious as it may affect the texture. For an extra flavor twist, consider adding a splash of almond extract alongside the vanilla. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert can be served as a sweet treat after dinner or at gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of Rosenberry Eggnog for a festive touch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a fruit platter to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dessert is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. Just remove from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly for better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnuts On The Ritz contains roughly 356 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value).
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 other types of nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can easily substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them roughly to maintain a similar texture. Keep in mind that different nuts will impart their unique flavor, so choose one that complements the sweetness of the dish.
What if I don’t have Cool Whip?
If you don’t have Cool Whip, you can make your own whipped topping by whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. This homemade version will add a fresher taste and can be customized to your sweetness preference.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients. However, if you are looking for a vegan version, consider using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) in place of egg whites to achieve a similar texture.
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).