Salty, sweet, rich, and lightthis retro Appaliachian treat deserves nationwide attention.

It has some rich ingredients, but the meringue and whipped cream keep it feeling light.

My grandfather was originally from the mountains in Virginia, and some cousins still live in the area.

Slice of ritz torte lifted from a baking pan

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Theres even a section of the Appalachian Trail named after my family in Shenandoah National Park.

While staying true to the dessert, I couldn’t resist making a couple refinements.

I’ve swapped out the Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream (because nothing beats fresh whipped cream).

Slice of ritz torte on a plate, and in the background, a baking pan with more and a plate with another slice

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Toasted nuts have substantiallymore flavorand crunch than raw nuts, and I believe no recipe should skip this step.

Bake the base until the meringue turns matte and you might see the faintest hint of browning on top.

Once cooled, top it with whipped cream, filling the pan right to the top.

Ritz torte in a baking pan (showing cross-section cut), and in the background, a stack of plates and a slice of torte on a plate

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

It’s best straight from the fridge.

Ritz Torte

Chill time ranges from 1 to 2 hours.

Place the crackers in a large zip-top bag and seal the bag.

Baking sheet sprayed with cooking oil

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Use a rolling pin to crush the crackers until the largest pieces are about the size of a dime.

Spread the cracker crumbs and chopped pecans into an even layer on a baking sheet.

Set the pan on a wire rack to cool while preparing the meringue.

Rolling pin ritz crackers in a ziploc bag

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

With the mixer running, gradually add the granulated sugar in a steady stream.

Continue whipping the egg whites until thick, shiny, and bright white, about 4 minutes.

You should be able to form a figure-eight in the bowl without it breaking.

Crushed ritz crackers in a large ziploc bag for ritz torte recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Simple Tip!

If the meringue clings to the whisk then you’ve gone too far.

Don’t worry, just stop whipping at this point and continue with the recipe.

Toasted crushed crackers and pecan pieces on a baking sheet for ritz torte recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.

Once the base has cooled to room temperature, make the whipped cream.

Use a vegetable peeler to make chocolate shavings and collect them in a small bowl.

Sugar added to stand mixer with egg whites

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Spread the whipped cream in a thick, even layer over the torte.

you’re free to decorate the top with swoops and swirls in the whipped cream if you like.

Sprinkle the top with the chocolate shavings.

Soft meringue in a stand mixer bowl (with a figure eight leftover from the consistency test) for ritz torte recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Cut into squares and serve.

For clean slices, chill the torte in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Store leftover Ritz torte covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Crushed crackers and chopped pecans folded into the meringue using a spatula for ritz torte recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

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Ritz torte batter in the baking pan

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Ritz torte cooling (in pan) on a wire cooling rack

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Stand mixer whisk attachment with stiff peaked whipping cream for ritz torte recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Milk chocolate shaved using a vegetable peeler for ritz torte recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Whipped cream spread evenly onto the ritz torte

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Ritz torte topped with chocolate shavings

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Ritz torte in a baking pan (showing cross-section cut)

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm