If you’re searching for a show-stopping treat that combines classic nostalgia with a touch of sophisticated flavor, this Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is exactly what you need. These irresistibly chewy, buttery-sweet bars bring together the crispy crunch of Rice Krispies with a luscious homemade salted caramel that adds depth and a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re making an easy dessert to share at your next gathering or just craving a sweet snack, this recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites, offering warm, gooey satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role in bringing the perfect texture and flavor to your salted caramel Rice Krispie treats. From the crispy cereal to the rich caramel components, every item contributes to the magic of this dessert.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies: The iconic crispy rice cereal provides the crunchy, airy base essential for these treats.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth caramel sauce.
- ½ cup dark brown sugar: Gives the caramel its deep, molasses-like flavor and natural sweetness.
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess that transforms the sugar and butter into luscious caramel.
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization, ensuring a silky caramel texture.
- 1 tsp kosher salt or flaked sea salt, plus more for sprinkling: Balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel’s flavor.
- 10 oz mini marshmallows plus 1 cup extra: Melted marshmallows bind everything together with their classic, chewy sweetness.
How to Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Rice Krispies and Marshmallows
Start by tossing the 6 cups of Rice Krispies with 1 cup of the mini marshmallows in a large, heat-proof bowl. This mix will get coated in that amazing salted caramel sauce later, so set it aside while you prepare the luscious caramel. This step ensures the smaller marshmallows help with the final gooey texture inside the treat.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan generously with non-stick cooking spray. This little preparation helps your treats release perfectly after they’ve set — no stuck edges or crumbled pieces, just neat squares ready for sharing.
Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Keep stirring so it doesn’t burn. Once melted, lower the heat to medium and add the dark brown sugar, heavy cream, and corn syrup. Stir frequently while cooking for about 7 minutes until the mixture turns thick, syrupy, and caramel-colored. This slow, steady cooking develops the rich caramel flavor that’s the star of the dish.
Step 4: Add Salt and Melt Marshmallows
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the kosher salt or flaked sea salt. This salt mix gives the perfect sweet-savory punch that distinguishes this recipe. Then add the 10 ounces of mini marshmallows and stir vigorously until they melt completely into the caramel. You want a glossy, smooth sauce that will envelop the Rice Krispies beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Press Into the Pan
Quickly pour the caramel-marshmallow sauce over your Rice Krispies and marshmallow mixture and stir fast to coat every bit of cereal. Transfer everything into your prepared pan and press it down evenly with a spatula or your hands for compact, sliceable treats. Finish by sprinkling a bit more flaky sea salt on top for that extra gourmet flair.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top is simple but transformative, accentuating the salted caramel flavor beautifully. For an extra special touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or scatter crushed nuts for texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These treats shine on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich hot coffee or tea can elevate the dessert experience to a whole new level. The cold creaminess balances the chewy, caramel-coated cereal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties or gifts. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper and tying with a ribbon makes a charming homemade gift that friends and family won’t be able to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats will stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft and chewy, not hardening or drying out.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze the treats by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last up to 2 months frozen without losing their wonderful texture.
Reheating
To enjoy after freezing, simply let your treats thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive that gooey softness and freshly-made taste.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Rice Krispies with another cereal?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies offer that iconic crisp, you can experiment with other puffed rice cereals or even corn flakes for a different texture. Just keep in mind the flavors might vary slightly.
Is it necessary to use corn syrup in the caramel?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, making your caramel silky smooth. If you don’t have it, honey or golden syrup can work, but the texture may differ slightly.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies or a similar gluten-free puffed rice cereal, and double-check your marshmallows and other ingredients for gluten-friendly labeling.
Why do I need to add salt to the caramel?
The salt enhances the complex flavors of the caramel by balancing its sweetness, creating that crave-worthy sweet-salty flavor combo that makes this recipe stand out.
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can chop regular marshmallows into smaller pieces before melting, but mini marshmallows dissolve more evenly and quickly, making the process simpler and the texture smoother.
Final Thoughts
Making these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats is truly a joyful experience from start to finish. Each step builds layers of flavor and texture that come together in a treat that’s both comfortingly familiar and delightfully upscale. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll love sharing these gooey, salted caramel delights with friends and family, and you might just find they become your all-time favorite dessert too.
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Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic crispy marshmallow base with a rich, buttery salted caramel twist. Made with a luscious homemade caramel sauce infused with kosher salt and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, these treats are delightfully gooey, sweet, and satisfying. Perfect for a quick, easy dessert or a nostalgic snack with a sophisticated flavor upgrade.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup
- 1 tsp kosher salt or flaked sea salt, plus more for sprinkling on top
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare the dry mixture: In a large, heat-proof bowl, toss together 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal with 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the caramel.
- Prepare the pan: Spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure your treats don’t stick and make it easy to remove them later.
- Make the salted caramel sauce: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted, lower the heat to medium and add ½ cup dark brown sugar, ¼ cup heavy whipping cream, and 1 tablespoon light corn syrup. Cook the mixture for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently until the caramel thickens to a syrupy consistency and is smooth.
- Add salt and marshmallows: Stir in 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the caramel, then remove the pot from heat. Add 10 ounces of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and combined into the caramel sauce.
- Combine and coat: Quickly pour the hot caramel marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies and marshmallows mixture. Stir promptly and thoroughly to evenly coat all the cereal pieces before the caramel begins to set.
- Shape and chill: Press the coated mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared 8×8 inch pan. Sprinkle additional flaked sea salt over the top for garnish and extra flavor. Allow the treats to cool completely; placing them in the freezer speeds up the process. Once cooled and set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Using dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor to the caramel.
- Be careful not to scorch the caramel; stirring frequently helps prevent burning.
- For quicker cooling, place the pan in the freezer but do not freeze solid.
- Sprinkling additional sea salt on top enhances the salted caramel flavor and adds a nice textural contrast.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crispiness.
- You can substitute kosher salt with flaky sea salt for garnish if preferred.
