Description
A delightful twist on the classic millionaire’s shortbread, these bars feature a sweet and crispy Rice Krispies marshmallow base, topped with a luscious homemade caramel layer, and finished with a smooth milk chocolate ganache. Easy to make with readily available ingredients, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
Ingredients
- Base:
- 65g unsalted butter
- 230g mini marshmallows
- 110g Rice Krispies cereal
- Caramel:
- 90g unsalted butter
- 100g light brown sugar
- 1 tin (397g) condensed milk
- 1 tbsp golden syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt (or more, to taste for a saltier caramel)
- Topping:
- 250g milk chocolate
- 15g unsalted butter
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Base. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients. Immediately pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies in a large bowl. Gently fold until the Rice Krispies are evenly coated.
Step 3: Press into Pan. Line an 8×8″ or 9×9″ baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Press the Rice Krispie mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Caramel. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, condensed milk, golden syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Step 5: Cook the Caramel. Continue cooking the caramel, stirring continuously, for 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens and turns a rich golden brown color. To test for doneness, drop a teaspoon of the caramel into a glass of cold water. If it forms a soft ball that you can easily mold with your fingers, it’s ready.
Step 6: Pour Caramel over Base. Immediately pour the hot caramel evenly over the Rice Krispie base. Spread it out to the edges.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Step 8: Spread Chocolate Topping. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
Step 9: Chill and Cut. Let the bars set at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to speed up the process (note: refrigerating might make the base slightly harder). Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares using a sharp knife.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These Rice Krispy Millionaires Bars offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crispy, chewy base, the rich, buttery caramel, and the smooth, creamy chocolate topping create an irresistible treat. This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate the classic Rice Krispie treat to a more decadent dessert.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Cut into small squares for easy serving.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Tips
- When melting marshmallows or chocolate in the microwave, use short intervals (30 seconds) and stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir the caramel constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
- For a saltier caramel, increase the amount of salt to taste.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Refrigerating for too long can soften the Rice Krispie base.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2-3 hours (including setting time)
Nutrition Information (per serving – approximate)
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These Rice Krispy Millionaires Bars are a fantastic dessert that combines the comforting nostalgia of Rice Krispie treats with the sophisticated flavors of millionaire’s shortbread. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, making these bars a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for milk chocolate, you can easily substitute it with dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference.
Q2: How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
A: The key to preventing the caramel from burning is to stir it constantly while it’s cooking over medium heat. This ensures that the heat is distributed evenly and prevents the caramel from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Q3: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Q4: What can I use instead of golden syrup in the caramel?
A: If you don’t have golden syrup, you can substitute it with corn syrup or honey. However, the flavor may be slightly different.
Q5: Can I add nuts to the bars?
A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts to the Rice Krispie base or sprinkle them on top of the chocolate topping. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a great addition.
