If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats with a grown-up twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. These aren’t your average marshmallow and cereal squares; the luscious caramel folded into every bite brings a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with a subtle sprinkle of sea salt. It’s that beautiful balance of sweet and salty that makes this treat irresistibly addictive, easy to whip up, and perfect for sharing or sneaking a few pieces when no one’s watching.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe means using a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in building texture, flavor, and that signature gooey goodness.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The crispy backbone that delivers that classic crunchy texture.
- 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows: Melted perfectly for that chewy, sweet binder.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the smooth marshmallow mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling: Enhances the caramel flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce: The star ingredient that infuses a deep, buttery caramel note throughout.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
How to Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it ensures your treats come out easily without sticking, giving you neat squares every time.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter first, then add the mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until everything melts smoothly into a luscious, sticky base. This gooey mixture is what brings everything together, so patience here is key to avoid burning.
Step 3: Add Caramel and Flavors
Next, stir in the caramel sauce along with the sea salt and vanilla extract. Mixing well now means every bite will carry that irresistible salted caramel essence. The salt works magic by enhancing the sweetness and cutting through the richness.
Step 4: Fold in the Rice Krispies
Remove your pan from heat and quickly fold in Rice Krispies cereal. Work gently but efficiently to evenly coat each crispy piece with that sticky, caramel-marshmallow blend, ensuring the perfect chewy and crunchy mix.
Step 5: Press and Cool
Transfer your mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press it down gently using a greased spatula or a piece of wax paper for a smooth, compact surface. While still warm, sprinkle a little extra sea salt over the top to seal in the flavor. Let it cool completely before slicing into squares so they hold their shape but stay perfectly chewy.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe, consider drizzling extra caramel sauce or sprinkling crushed sea salt flakes on top just before serving. You might also add a delicate dusting of cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts for textural contrast.
Side Dishes
These treats stand out on their own but go wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert duo. Pair them with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears to balance indulgence with fresh sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, cut the treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters and wrap them in cellophane tied with a pretty ribbon. You could also layer smaller squares with whipped cream and berries in clear jars for a trendy, portable dessert option that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their chewy texture for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen treats maintain quality for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you like them a little softer, warm them for about 10 seconds in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat, or you’ll lose that distinctive chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I make homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds a personal touch and deeper flavor. Just make sure it’s well cooled before folding into the marshmallow mixture to avoid melting the cereal prematurely.
What if I don’t have sea salt?
You can use regular kosher or table salt, but sea salt flakes add a nice crunchy texture and subtle complexity that really enhances the salted caramel experience.
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Rice Krispies are classic for their light crispiness, but you can experiment with similar cereals like Corn Flakes or Cheerios for a unique texture. Just note that the final chewiness and crunch might vary.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Rice Krispies may contain malt flavoring derived from barley, so they may not be strictly gluten-free. Look for certified gluten-free crispy rice cereals if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
How can I keep the treats chewy and not too hard?
Don’t overpack the mixture when pressing it into the pan. Gently pressing maintains the right balance of density and chewiness, giving you that perfect texture every time.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is an absolute game-changer if you’re looking to upgrade a simple childhood favorite into something spectacular. With that perfect pairing of buttery caramel and a hint of sea salt, these treats offer a comforting yet sophisticated snack that’s super easy to make. Don’t wait to try making these delightful squares—they are guaranteed to become your new favorite sweet fix!
Print
Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic crispy marshmallow delight with a rich, buttery caramel twist enhanced by a touch of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. This easy no-bake dessert is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the caramel sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and vanilla extract, mixing well to create a rich, flavorful marshmallow-caramel mixture.
- Combine with cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring gently but thoroughly so the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Transfer and press: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a greased spatula or wax paper, press down gently to spread it evenly without compressing too tightly.
- Finish and cool: While still warm, sprinkle additional sea salt over the top for an added salty kick. Allow the treats to cool completely before slicing into 16 squares.
Notes
- For an extra-indulgent treat, drizzle with additional caramel sauce or dip the bottoms of treats in melted chocolate.
- To keep the texture chewy and delightful, avoid overpacking or compressing the mixture too firmly in the pan.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slicing.
