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.

Hands pulling a caramel rice krispie treat apart.

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.

Melting butter, caramels, and marshmallows for caramel rice krispie treats

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.

Adding salt and rice krispies to make caramel rice krispie treats.

3: Stir in the salt.

4: Then add in the cereal.

Mixing ingredients together and adding to a baking dish.

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.

Top view of caramel rice krispie treats cut into squares

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.

Caramel Rice Krispie Treats cut into squares and pulled apaprt.

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.

Pulling out a caramel rice krispie showing the gooey marshmallow.

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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