Name: Salted Caramel Banana Ritz Icebox Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sleeve buttery round crackers; 3 ripe bananas, sliced; 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

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I make this Salted Caramel Banana Ritz Icebox Cake when I want a no-bake dessert that feels rich, nostalgic, and completely irresistible. Layers of buttery crackers, creamy filling, sweet bananas, and luscious salted caramel come together and soften beautifully in the refrigerator. It’s simple to assemble and always impressive when sliced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortless this dessert is to prepare. There’s no oven required, and I can assemble everything in advance and let the refrigerator do the work. The crackers soften into a cake-like texture, while the bananas and caramel create a decadent flavor combination.

I also appreciate the balance of sweet and salty. The salted caramel enhances the bananas, and the buttery crackers add a subtle contrast that makes every bite interesting and satisfying. Salted Caramel Banana Ritz Icebox Cake

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 sleeve buttery round crackers
3 ripe bananas, sliced
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

In a mixing bowl, I beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, then set it aside.
In a separate bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
I gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and light.
In a square or rectangular dish, I arrange a single layer of buttery crackers on the bottom.
I spread a layer of the cream mixture over the crackers, then add a layer of sliced bananas.
I drizzle salted caramel sauce over the bananas and sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt.
I repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cream and a drizzle of caramel on top.
I cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the layers to soften and set.
I slice and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8–10 servings

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours or overnight
Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add a layer of chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate between the layers for extra richness. If I want more texture, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans between layers.

I also enjoy using homemade caramel sauce when I have time. For a lighter option, I substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crackers continue to soften slightly over time, which I actually enjoy.

Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating is not necessary. I do not recommend freezing it, as the texture of the bananas can change after thawing. Salted Caramel Banana Ritz Icebox Cake

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

I prefer making it the night before serving so the layers have enough time to set and soften properly.

Will the bananas turn brown?

The bananas are mostly protected by the cream layers, but I use ripe yet firm bananas to help maintain their texture and color.

Can I use a different type of cracker?

I can substitute with graham crackers or vanilla wafers, though the flavor will vary slightly.

How do I make homemade salted caramel?

I cook sugar until melted and golden, stir in butter and cream carefully, and finish with a pinch of sea salt.

Can I make this in individual servings?

I sometimes layer the ingredients in small jars or cups for easy individual portions.

Conclusion

I find this Salted Caramel Banana Ritz Icebox Cake to be a wonderfully simple yet indulgent dessert. The creamy layers, sweet bananas, and rich caramel create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whenever I need an easy no-bake treat that always impresses, I turn to this recipe.