If you are searching for a delightful twist on a classic childhood favorite, this Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies perfectly coated in gooey marshmallow, but then elevated with a luscious layer of buttery caramel and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to balance the sweetness. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for more. This recipe brings a warm, homemade touch to a simple snack, transforming it into an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats Recipe comes from a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy textures.
- Mini marshmallows: These melt smoothly and bind the cereal together with a fluffy texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt evenly.
- Rice Krispies cereal: The crisp, light crunch forms the backbone of this treat.
- Kraft caramels (unwrapped): Provide the creamy, buttery caramel flavor that makes the recipe unforgettable.
- Milk: Helps melt the caramels to a perfect glaze that coats the treats beautifully.
- Coarse sea salt: The finishing touch that heightens the sweet caramel with a subtle crunch and salty contrast.
How to Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by lightly spraying a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This makes sure your treats will release easily after setting. Having your dish ready from the beginning helps you work smoothly through the next steps.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
Put the butter and mini marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl, then heat on high for 1 minute and 15 seconds until the marshmallows puff up and become melty. Stir this mixture well until it turns into a smooth, creamy binder that will hold the cereal pieces together perfectly.
Step 3: Mix with Rice Krispies
In a large bowl, combine the Rice Krispies cereal with the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently but thoroughly mix so every crispy piece is coated. Then, transfer the mixture into your prepared dish, pressing down evenly to form a dense, level layer that will set nicely.
Step 4: Create the Salted Caramel Sauce
Place the unwrapped caramels and milk in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute and 20 seconds, then stir vigorously to achieve a perfectly smooth sauce. If needed, warm it in 10-second bursts while stirring until the caramel becomes silky and ready to pour.
Step 5: Assemble and Set
Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the Rice Krispies base. Immediately sprinkle coarse sea salt on top to create that irresistible salted caramel contrast. Let the layered treat sit for about 15 minutes so the caramel firms up. Once set, cut the whole batch into 16 bars and get ready to indulge!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of extra sea salt or a drizzle of white chocolate over the caramel adds visual appeal and extra flavor contrast. You can also sprinkle crushed toasted nuts for a little crunch and nutty aroma that complements the salted caramel layers beautifully.
Side Dishes
These treats are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of rich, hot coffee can turn them into a decadent dessert experience. Fresh berries on the side lend a pop of freshness to balance the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try decorating individual bars with edible gold flakes or placing them in colorful cupcake liners. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter for easy sharing. Wrapping each treat in parchment and tying with twine makes a cute gift or party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats Recipe bars have fully cooled and set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their chewy texture. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying over a few snack sessions.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats for longer storage. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving—just as tasty as fresh.
Reheating
While these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer them a bit gooey, pop a bar into the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the caramel layer, bringing out its creamy indulgence without melting the marshmallow base too much.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! Just know that you may need to chop the larger marshmallows into smaller pieces to ensure they melt evenly and blend well with the cereal for a consistent texture.
What if I don’t have coarse sea salt? Can I use table salt?
Coarse sea salt provides a nice crunchy texture and bursts of salty flavor. If using table salt, sprinkle lightly and carefully because it’s much finer and can overpower the caramel if added in the same quantity.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use dairy-free caramels and marshmallows. Just double-check that all ingredients meet your dietary preferences as brands can vary.
How can I make these treats less sticky for easier handling?
Lightly greasing your hands before pressing the mixture into the baking dish helps prevent sticking. Also, letting the treats set fully before cutting makes clean, neat slices without crumbling.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Definitely! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips folded into the Rice Krispies mixture add delightful texture and flavor bursts that complement the salted caramel perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyfully indulgent about making and sharing this Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats Recipe. Whether for a casual snack, festive gathering, or a special dessert, these bars bring together nostalgic flavors with a grown-up twist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you taste that perfect balance of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy, you’ll have a new favorite treat to make again and again.
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Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats combine the classic crispy marshmallow cereal bars with a luscious homemade salted caramel topping. Easy to prepare using the microwave, this sweet and salty dessert is perfect for a quick treat or party snack, offering a delightful balance of gooey caramel, chewy marshmallows, and crunchy cereal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Caramel Topping
- 11 ounce package Kraft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the dish: Spray a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
- Melt marshmallows: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and mini marshmallows. Microwave on high for 1 minute and 15 seconds until the marshmallows are melted and puffed up. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Mix the cereal: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Krispies cereal with the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated. Then transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing down evenly to form a compact layer.
- Make the caramel sauce: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped Kraft caramels and milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute and 20 seconds, then stir well until smooth. If the caramel is not fully melted or smooth, continue heating in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth.
- Add the caramel and salt: Pour the melted caramel sauce evenly over the Rice Krispies layer in the baking dish. Immediately sprinkle coarse sea salt over the caramel topping to enhance flavor. Set the dish aside for 15 minutes to allow the caramel to set.
- Serve: Once set, cut into 16 bars and serve. Enjoy this sweet and salty treat fresh for the best texture.
Notes
- Use mini marshmallows for easier melting and better coating of the cereal.
- Press the Rice Krispies mixture firmly into the pan to help the treats hold their shape.
- If caramel hardens too much, gently reheat it in the microwave to restore smoothness before pouring.
- Store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the amount of sea salt used based on your preference for sweetness versus saltiness.
