Soft, gooey, and so, so good – these Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are a step up from using just marshmallows. A deeper flavor, softer, with the perfect marshmallow pull, this recipe will be a crowd pleaser!
Want more cereal treats? Try these Indoor S’mores, this Cinnamon Caramel Snack Mix or these Fruity Pebble Rice Crispy Treats.
I don’t know about you, but I always need a super simple dessert idea to fall back on. Something that you know that everyone will love.
And sometimes, those recipes are so easy that you feel silly sharing them, but really, you want to, because let’s face it – everyone loves those crazy easy recipes. Especially when they are no bake. With only 10 minutes of hands on time.
Raise your hand if you like caramel. Now raise your hand if you like Rice Krispie treats. If you raised your hand for both, you are definitely going to love these easy bars. A step up from your typical Rice Krispie treats, these Caramel Rice Krispie Treats combine two of my favorite flavors together (I’ve done it in popcorn, too!). Pour those flavors over cereal, and you have one delicious no bake treat. I never have good self control around the traditional treats, but if you add in caramel, I’m a goner!!
Ingredients
- Caramels: I prefer the texture of the caramel squares over the little caramel pieces. I have only ever made these with the Kraft caramel, but I think the soft Werther caramels would work, as well.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter. If you use salted butter, just cut back on the amount of salt you use just a little.
- Marshmallows: You’ll need a full 16 oz. bag of marshmallows. These are super gooey! You could also use the large marshmallows – they just don’t melt as quickly.
- Salt: My favorite salt to use is sea salt. It has a smoother flavor than table salt.
- Cereal: You can use the brand name Rice Krispies cereal, or any puffed rice cereal.
How to Make Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
1: Slightly melt the butter, then add the caramels. Cook this all together, stirring very often, until the caramels are almost completely melted.
2: Add the marshmallows and stir until the marshmallows are melted.
3: Stir in the salt.
4: Then add in the cereal.
5: Stir everything together until the cereal is evenly coated.
6: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been buttered or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. You’ll want to press it lightly into a single layer, but don’t compact it all together.
Variations
My original recipe here used half crisp rice cereal and half cornflakes. You get an interesting texture that way!
When you add the cereal, you can add in some extra marshmallows for even more marshmallow flavor.
Sprinkle the top with a bit of finishing salt to make them salted caramel rice krispie treats.
Tips and Tricks
You don’t want your butter or caramel to burn, so make sure you you stirring the mixture as the caramel melts.
I prefer to make these on the stove top, but you could make them in the microwave, as well. Just make sure you are still stirring fairly often.
These bars only take a few minutes to make, but you will want to let them sit for at least 30 minutes to set up before slicing. Otherwise, they might not hold their shape.
Store the treats covered at room temperature. I like to wrap the leftovers each individually in plastic wrap.
More No Bake Treats
No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
Haystack Cookies
No Bake Cookies
No Bake Cheesecake
No Bake Nutella Cheesecake
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Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 1 (11 oz) bag wrapped caramel squares unwrapped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 16 oz. mini marshmallows
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 7 cups Rice Krispies or puffed rice cereal
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or rub with butter. Set aside.
- In a large pot (I like to use a Dutch oven), slightly melt the butter, then add the caramels. Cook, stirring constantly, until the caramels are mostly melted.
- Add the marshmallows to the pot and continue to stir until the marshmallows are melted. Stir in the salt.
- Remove from the heat and stir the Rice Krispies into the mixture. Stir lightly, making sure the cereal is evenly coated with the caramel marshmallow mixture.
- Immediately pour into the prepared baking dish. Lightly press the cereal into a single layer – you don’t want to compact the cereal, but you want it all evenly pressed in.
- Let the bars sit until they are set up, at least 30 minutes, then slice into squares.
Joanne says
I make these for sewing retreats. Always get lots of compliments.
Vasanti Panchal says
I love all recipes , Thanks for all delicious recipes 😊