Description
These Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are a grown-up twist on a childhood classic. Imagine the familiar snap, crackle, and pop of Rice Krispie cereal, but elevated with a luscious layer of homemade salted caramel and a decadent chocolate drizzle. The perfect balance of sweet and salty makes these treats irresistible, a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). They’re easy to make, impressive to serve, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or simply a sweet treat for yourself. Forget the store-bought version – this is where the magic happens.
Why you will love this recipe
This isn’t your average Rice Krispie Treat. It’s a nostalgic dessert reimagined for the modern palate. You’ll love:
- The Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The salty caramel perfectly complements the sweet, gooey marshmallow and chocolate drizzle, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
- The Satisfying Texture: The crunchy Rice Krispies, chewy caramel, and smooth chocolate create a delightful textural experience.
- The Easy-to-Follow Instructions: This recipe is straightforward and simple, even for beginner bakers. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques are required.
- The Versatility: Customize these treats with different cereals, chocolates, or add-ins to create your own unique version.
- The “Wow” Factor: These treats look and taste impressive, making them perfect for entertaining or gifting.
- Nostalgic twist: With elevated, simple ingredients that brings back childhood memories.
Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows (about 40 large or 10 cups mini)
- 5 cups Rice Krispie cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 ounces caramels or caramel bites, unwrapped (about 40 caramels)
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (again, for the caramel)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 ounces milk chocolate chips
- Sea salt (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish:
Begin by generously buttering a 9×13-inch baking dish. This crucial step ensures that your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats release easily from the pan, preventing them from sticking and tearing when you try to remove them. Use softened butter for best results and spread it evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the dish. You can also line the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, to make it even easier to lift the treats out later. This method is particularly helpful if you’re planning to cut the treats into very neat squares.
Step 2: Make the Rice Krispie Base:
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch carefully to prevent the butter from burning; you want it to melt evenly and smoothly. Once the butter has melted completely, add the 10 ounces of marshmallows to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and stir the marshmallows continuously with a heat-resistant spatula. Continue stirring until the marshmallows are completely melted and form a smooth, glossy mixture. It’s important to stir constantly to prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the bottom of the pan and scorching.
Step 3: Incorporate Vanilla and Cereal:
Remove the marshmallow mixture from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a subtle, warm flavor that complements the sweetness of the marshmallows and caramel. In a very large bowl, pour in the 5 cups of Rice Krispie cereal. Immediately pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently but thoroughly mix the cereal and marshmallow together. Ensure that every piece of cereal is coated evenly with the gooey marshmallow mixture. Work quickly, as the marshmallow mixture will start to cool and stiffen as it comes into contact with the cereal.
Step 4: Press into the Baking Dish:
Pour the coated Rice Krispie mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Using a spatula, the back of a spoon, or even your clean hands (lightly buttered or sprayed with non-stick cooking spray), gently press the mixture evenly into the dish. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can make the treats dense and tough. You want a light and even layer that allows the Rice Krispies to retain their crispness. Set the dish aside and allow the base to cool slightly while you prepare the caramel layer.
Step 5: Make the Salted Caramel Layer:
In a separate, medium-sized saucepan, combine the unwrapped 10 ounces of caramels, 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk, and the remaining 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring that the caramels melt evenly into the sweetened condensed milk and butter. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and free of any lumps. This process may take several minutes, so be patient and keep stirring to prevent burning. Once the caramel is completely melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 6: Assemble the Treat:
Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the slightly cooled Rice Krispie base in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the caramel to the edges of the pan, ensuring complete coverage. Immediately sprinkle a generous amount of sea salt over the top of the caramel layer. The sea salt provides a crucial contrast to the sweetness of the caramel, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the treat. The amount of sea salt you use is a matter of personal preference, but aim for a visible sprinkling across the entire surface. Allow the caramel layer to cool and set for about 15 minutes before proceeding to the chocolate drizzle.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Drizzle:
In a small saucepan, heat the 1/2 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Watch closely to prevent it from boiling over. Once the cream is simmering, remove it from the heat. Place the 6 ounces of milk chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two to allow the heat of the cream to melt the chocolate. Gently stir the cream and chocolate together until they are completely melted and smooth. The mixture should form a thick, glossy ganache. If the chocolate isn’t melting completely, you can microwave the bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until it is smooth. Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before drizzling.
Step 8: Drizzle and Finish:
Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate ganache generously over the caramel layer in a decorative pattern. You can create swirls, zigzags, or any design you like. For a more rustic look, simply drizzle the chocolate randomly across the surface. Immediately sprinkle a little more sea salt over the top of the chocolate drizzle for the final touch. This adds a beautiful visual element and reinforces the sweet and salty flavor combination.
Step 9: Cool and Cut:
Allow the Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats to cool completely at room temperature, or you can chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour to speed up the setting process. Once the treats are firm, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. The size of the squares is up to you, but a good starting point is about 2-inch squares. If you lined the baking dish with parchment paper, you can lift the entire slab of treats out of the dish and place it on a cutting board for easier slicing. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert at parties, potlucks, or picnics.
- Package individually as edible gifts for friends and family.
- Enjoy as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Cut into smaller squares and serve as part of a dessert platter.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips:
- Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture. Stale marshmallows tend to make the treats tough.
- Don’t overcook the caramel, as it can become hard and brittle.
- If you don’t have a saucepan, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
- To prevent the Rice Krispie mixture from sticking to your hands, lightly butter or spray them with non-stick cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the baking dish.
- For a more intense caramel flavor, use a salted caramel sauce or add a pinch of salt to the caramel mixture.
- Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness and texture. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can make the caramel layer hard.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimated per serving, varies based on portion size)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 3-4g
- Sodium: 200-250mg
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and the easy-to-follow recipe makes them accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a fun baking project, a crowd-pleasing treat for a party, or simply a sweet and salty indulgence to satisfy your cravings, these treats are guaranteed to deliver. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of these delicious and addictive Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats. You won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
A: Absolutely! While Rice Krispies are the classic choice, you can definitely experiment with other cereals to create different textures and flavors. Cornflakes will add a slightly denser, more substantial bite, while Chex cereal (like Rice Chex or Corn Chex) will provide a more subtle, nutty flavor. You could even try using a chocolate-flavored Rice Krispies cereal for an extra chocolatey kick! Just keep in mind that different cereals may absorb the marshmallow mixture differently, so you might need to adjust the amount of cereal slightly to achieve the desired consistency.
Q2: I don’t have caramel bites. Can I use regular caramel squares instead?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use regular caramel squares instead of caramel bites. Simply unwrap the caramel squares and chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the saucepan with the sweetened condensed milk and butter. This will help them melt more evenly and smoothly. You may also need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure that all the caramel is fully melted and incorporated into the mixture. Alternatively, you could try making your own caramel sauce from scratch for an even more intense and homemade flavor.
Q3: Can I make these treats ahead of time? How should I store them?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats ahead of time! They actually hold up quite well and can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. To store them properly, cut the treats into squares and place them in an airtight container. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can make the caramel layer hard and the Rice Krispies lose their crispness. If you live in a warm or humid climate, you can store them in the refrigerator, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to allow the caramel to soften slightly.
Q4: What if I don’t have heavy cream for the chocolate drizzle? Can I substitute it with something else?
A: If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even milk, although the chocolate drizzle may not be as rich or thick. You can also try using coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, which will add a subtle coconut flavor to the treats. Another option is to melt the chocolate chips with a tablespoon or two of butter or shortening, which will help create a smooth and drizzly consistency. Just be sure to stir the mixture frequently to prevent the chocolate from burning.
Q5: Can I add any other mix-ins to these treats?
A: Absolutely! These Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize them with your favorite mix-ins. Chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, would add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor. Mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even crushed pretzels would also be great additions. You could even try adding a layer of peanut butter between the Rice Krispie base and the caramel layer for a peanut butter and caramel twist. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect mix-in!
