Gooey Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories of childhood snacks collide with salted caramel magic in these irresistible rice krispie treats.

Gooey marshmallows melt into golden caramel, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp rice cereal adds a satisfying crunch to each delectable bite.

Sea salt whispers a sophisticated note, balancing the dessert’s rich sweetness with a surprising twist.

Homemade comfort meets gourmet elegance in this simple yet extraordinary treat.

Kitchen novices and seasoned bakers alike will fall in love with this nostalgic dessert reimagined.

Prepare to be transported by a single, blissful mouthful that promises pure deliciousness.

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats You’ll Crave

• Indulge in Sweet Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a decadent treat that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers wanting a quick dessert.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting salt levels or adding extra caramel drizzle, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser for gatherings, potlucks, or casual family snacking.
• No-Fuss Preparation: With just a few simple steps and common kitchen tools, you can create a gourmet-style dessert that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.
• Irresistible Flavor Fusion: The combination of sweet caramel, crunchy cereal, and a hint of salt creates a complex taste profile that elevates the classic Rice Krispie treat to a sophisticated dessert experience.

Ingredients Needed For Salted Caramel Rice Krispies

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that helps bind the treats and adds a smooth flavor.
• Marshmallows: The primary binding agent that creates a soft, chewy texture for the treats.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: The crunchy base that provides structure and a classic crispy element to the dessert.

• Caramel Sauce, Kosher Salt: A sweet and salty combination that enhances the overall flavor profile of the treats.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray, Rubber Spatula: Essential tools for easy preparation and preventing the mixture from sticking during the cooking process.

Steps To Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Canvas

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.

Lightly coat the paper with cooking spray to ensure smooth release later.

Step 2: Create Caramel Butter Blend

• Butter
• Caramel sauce

Stir gently until butter melts completely and mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 3: Whip Up Marshmallow Magic

• Marshmallows
• Kosher salt

Continuously stir until marshmallows transform into a velvety, golden mixture.

Remove from heat the moment everything blends together.

Step 4: Prepare Your Mixing Tool

Quickly spray a rubber spatula with non-stick spray to prevent sticky situations.

Step 5: Fold In Crunchy Goodness

Gently fold Rice Krispies cereal into the caramel marshmallow mixture.

Ensure every single crisp gets coated in the delicious mixture.

Step 6: Shape Your Treat

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan.

Use the spatula to press and spread evenly, creating a smooth, compact layer.

Step 7: Let The Bars Set

Allow bars to cool at room temperature for 45-60 minutes until firm and perfectly set.

Step 8: Add Final Flourish

Drizzle remaining caramel sauce in elegant zigzag patterns across the surface.

Sprinkle a light dusting of kosher salt to enhance the sweet-salty flavor profile.

Step 9: Slice And Serve

Cut into squares, revealing the gooey, crunchy layers.

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure delight.

Tips For Perfect Salted Caramel Krispies Bars

• Spray your spatula and hands with non-stick cooking spray to easily handle the marshmallow mixture without sticking.
• Adjust the caramel sauce amount based on your sweetness preference, adding more or less to suit your taste.
• Press the mixture gently but firmly into the baking dish to create compact, clean-cut bars that hold together well.
• Sprinkle a light layer of flaky sea salt on top to create a delightful contrast between sweet caramel and salty notes.
• Keep treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fun Twists On Salted Caramel Krispie Treats

• Chocolate Caramel Crunch: Replace Rice Krispies with chocolate-flavored crisp rice cereal, adding melted dark chocolate drizzle on top for extra richness.
• Nutty Caramel Delight: Mix in chopped almonds or pecans before pressing into the pan, creating a crunchy texture and nutty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Caramel Treats: Use certified gluten-free crisp rice cereal and ensure caramel sauce is gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Caramel Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based marshmallows, and replace dairy caramel with vegan caramel sauce made from coconut milk and sugar.

Serving Ideas For Salted Caramel Krispie Bars

• Sweet Dessert Pairing: Serve these gooey treats alongside vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Party Platter Style: Arrange the cut bars on a decorative platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Gifting Treat: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for a homemade gift that looks professionally crafted.
• Coffee Companion: Pair with a hot cappuccino or espresso, allowing the rich caramel flavor to complement the coffee's robust notes.

Storing Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Properly

• Wrap the Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them away from other strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Place individual treats or the entire batch in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their texture and prevent the caramel from becoming too runny.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade caramel sauce works perfectly and can add a richer flavor to the rice krispie treats.

• How do I prevent the treats from becoming too hard or sticky?

Avoid overcooking the marshmallow mixture and don’t press the cereal too firmly when transferring to the baking dish to keep the treats soft and chewy.

• Is kosher salt necessary for this recipe?

Kosher salt enhances the caramel flavor, but you can use regular salt if that’s what you have on hand. Just use a smaller amount since kosher salt has larger crystals.

• Can I make these treats ahead of time?

Absolutely! These salted caramel rice krispie treats can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Salted caramel rice krispie treats elevate classic childhood snacks with a sophisticated twist of sweet and salty goodness. Rich caramel and marshmallow bind crispy rice cereal into irresistible squares that will make dessert lovers swoon and crave more.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 10 cups rice krispies cereal
• 1 bag (10 ounces / 280 grams) mini marshmallows
• 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 grams) unsalted butter

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Garnish:

• Extra kosher salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by generously coating with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. In a large pot over medium-low heat, gently melt butter and caramel sauce, stirring continuously until fully combined and smooth.
3. Introduce kosher salt and marshmallows to the melted butter-caramel mixture, stirring consistently until marshmallows completely dissolve and create a uniform texture.
4. Lightly coat a rubber spatula with non-stick spray to prevent mixture from clinging during mixing.
5. Gradually incorporate Rice Krispies cereal into the warm caramel-marshmallow blend, folding carefully to ensure every piece receives an even coating.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, using the spatula to spread and compress into a uniform layer, creating an even surface.
7. Allow treats to rest and solidify at room temperature for approximately 45 minutes, ensuring they maintain structural integrity.
8. Once cooled, delicately drizzle remaining caramel sauce across the surface, then sprinkle a light dusting of kosher salt for enhanced flavor complexity before slicing into individual servings.

Notes

• Use parchment paper in the baking dish for effortless removal and easier cutting of treats.
• Adjust caramel and salt quantities to match personal taste preferences, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Let marshmallow mixture cool slightly before adding cereal to prevent soggy, dense squares and maintain crispy texture.
• Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg