Kitchen Divas

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Us
    • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

    Published: Mar 14, 2025 · Modified: Jun 26, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 6 Comments

    Share
    Pin114
    Post
    Email
    Share
    114Shares
    114Shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you love caramel and marshmallows, these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are a must-try. They have balanced flavors and a variety of textures guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth! I like to make these for the family to enjoy during a lazy weekend or for a special occasion like a birthday party. It’s a simple Rice Krispies treat recipe, yet tastes like it’s gourmet with the flaky salt and rich caramel sauce. 

    Salted caramel rice krispie treats on a decorative white plate with more  of them and a dish of caramel partially in view in the background.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • How to Make Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
    • Recipe Tips
    • Storage Directions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Delicious Rice Krispies Recipes
    • Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

    Gooey marshmallow, brown sugar, and caramel are a heavenly combination. The sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly to create the ultimate dessert. It’s become one of my favorite simple sweet treats!

    If you like caramel treat recipes, you will love Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats, Caramel Apple Crisp and Homemade Caramel Popcorn.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • It’s easy to make: This is a simple sweet snack recipe that anyone can make - even if you don’t have a lot of experience in the kitchen.
    • It’s a no-bake recipe: If you enjoy recipes that don’t require turning on the oven, this is one you have to try.
    • There are endless variations: There are so many possibilities when it comes to toppings and mix-ins. Get creative and make this recipe your own!

    Ingredients

    None of the ingredients for these salted caramel treats are expensive or hard to find—you can grab everything in a quick trip to the grocery store!

    Ingredients for making salted caramel rice krispie treats arranged on a marble surface.
    • Butter: I use unsalted butter for this recipe because you will get a salty flavor from the sea salt and caramel sauce. You may can use it straight from the refrigerator because it will be melted on the stovetop.
    • Brown sugar: I like brown sugar for this because it makes a great base for a homemade caramel sauce. It adds subtle notes of molasses as well for depth of flavor.
    • Heavy cream: A little bit of heavy cream helps the caramel sauce to thicken as well as preserve its creamy consistency. This makes it much easier to fold in the Rice Krispies.
    • Flaky sea salt: Some of the salt is mixed into the treats and the rest is sprinkled on top as a garnish.
    • Marshmallows: I use mini marshmallows because they melt faster, but you can use regular-sized ones if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
    • Rice Krispies cereal: Just like with any Rice Krispie treats, feel free to use any brand of crispy rice cereal you can find. Make sure to use the original flavor to avoid overpowering or clashing with the other ingredients.

    See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

    Variations

    • Chocolate: Fold in milk or dark chocolate chips. Melt some and drizzle them over the top for even more richness.
    • Nuts: Make these treats with chopped hazelnuts or pecans to add a crunchy texture.
    • Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the caramel and marshmallow mixture for subtle warmth and spice.

    How to Make Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

    Here are the instructions on how to make these salted caramel Rice Krispie bars. To get started, line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

    Butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a pot before mixing together.

    Step 1: Combine the caramel ingredients. Add the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream to a large pot. Heat it over medium-low heat to melt the ingredients together. 

    Hot caramel in a pot after cooking.

    Step 2: Cook and add sea salt. Allow the mixture to cook for about 5-7 minutes or until it coats the back of a spoon. You can also use a candy thermometer and cook the caramel until it reaches 238°F. Then, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sea salt. If you want to drizzle some sauce on the finished treats, scoop some out and set it aside.

    Marshmallows mixed and melting into caramel in a pot with a wooden spoon in it.

    Step 3: Add the marshmallows. Quickly stir in the mini marshmallows while the caramel is still piping hot. Ensure they melt completely.

    Rice krispie cereal added to marshmallow and caramel mixture in a pot with a wooden spoon in it.

    Step 4: Stir in Rice Krispies. Then, gently fold in the Rice Krispie cereal until it is well coated in the caramel marshmallow mixture.

    A blue and white casserole dish with rice krispie treat mixture pressed into it.

    Step 5: Transfer to the pan. Pour it into your prepared pan and carefully spread it evenly. Press it down with a spatula but be cautious - it’s still very hot!

    Rice krispie treat mixture in a blue and white casserole dish with caramel drizzled on top.

    Step 6: Drizzle more sauce and cool. Drizzle the extra sauce you set aside on top of the Rice Krispie treats and sprinkle a pinch of more flaky sea salt. Let them cool for at least 30 minutes before serving!

    Recipe Tips

    • Freeze or refrigerate to cool quicker: I like to pop the Rice Krispie treats into the refrigerator or freezer to help them cool and set faster.
    • Ensure they are fully set before slicing: The treats must be set before you slice into them so you don’t have a gooey, sticky mess.
    • Don’t overcook the caramel: The caramel should be a golden brown color when it’s ready. If it’s dark brown, you likely overcooked it which can cause it to take on a bitter flavor.

    If you love recipes like this with salted caramel, you may also enjoy this Salted Caramel Milkshake, Golden Crisp Marshmallow Cereal Bars, Fiddle Faddle Recipe or try Samoa Rice Krispie Treats next!

    A stack of three rice krispie treats with caramel dripping down and a bite taken out of the one on  the top.

    Storage Directions

    • Storing: I store these Krispie treats in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place them in a freezer bag with parchment in between the layers and freeze them for 1-2 months.
    • Make Ahead: You can make these up to 24 hours in advance, and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.

    Serving Suggestions

    • You can’t go wrong with a Rice Krispie treat and a scoop of ice cream. monster cookie ice cream and caramel brownie ice cream are flavors that pair well with this recipe.
    • Prepare a super easy dinner like slow cooker chicken stroganoff or bacon meatloaf and enjoy these for dessert.
    • Butter toffee pretzels are great as a topping for these treats. Crush them and sprinkle on top before they cool.
    Salted caramel rice krispie treats on a white serving platter with a few mini marshmallows and a kitchen napkin on the table.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I store them at room temperature?

    Since this dessert contains heavy cream, I don’t recommend storing them at room temperature. The homemade caramel will prevent them from becoming too hard in the refrigerator.

    Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

    Sure! I prefer the homemade version, but you can omit the brown sugar and cream, and then reduce the butter to a couple of tablespoons if you choose to use store-bought caramel.

    Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?

    It’s possible but less precise. Look for the caramel to reach a soft-ball stage where it forms a soft ball when dropped into cold water.

    A rice krispie treat topped with caramel and flaky sea salt with more in the background and mini marshmallows all around.

    More Delicious Rice Krispies Recipes

    • Four rice krispie hay bales piled on cutting board.
      Rice Krispie Hay Bales
    • Three Easy Rice Krispie Baskets.
      Easy Rice Krispie Baskets and Pie Crust
    • A stack of Reeses peanut butter cup rice krispie treats on a small white stand.
      Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats
    • Grinch Rice Krispie Treats Pops.
      Grinch Rice Krispie Treats Pops

    If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!

    Salted caramel rice krispie treats stacked on top of each other on a white serving plate.

    Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

    Karin and Ken
    These salty and sweet Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are a true crowd-pleaser. They take a classic dessert recipe and add caramel and sea salt for a fun twist.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Cooling Time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 344 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup unsalted butter
    • 1 cup light brown sugar
    • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
    • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt plus more for topping
    • 16 ounces mini marshmallows
    • 10 cups Rice Krispies cereal
    • 3 tablespoons caramel sauce (Optional) for drizzling OR 3 Tablespoons reserved caramel from recipe
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare a 9x13-inch pan by buttering it thoroughly and lining it with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for easy removal. Lightly butter the parchment paper as well.
    • In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy whipping cream.
    • Over medium low heat, whisk constantly until butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble. Cook for 5-7 minutes until caramel coats the back of a spoon. Alternatively, attach a candy thermometer and cook the caramel mixture until it reaches 238°F (soft-ball stage), ensuring it doesn’t exceed this temperature to avoid hardening later.
    • Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the sea salt until well incorporated.
    • Immediately add the mini marshmallows to the caramel mixture and stir until completely melted and smooth.
    • Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated with the marshmallow-caramel mixture.
    • Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a buttered spatula or your hands (lightly greased with butter), press the mixture evenly into the pan without compacting it too tightly. Allow to cool for 30 minutes.
    • Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the Rice Krispie treats and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
    • Allow the treats to continue to cool at room temperature for at least 30 more minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles.

    Notes

    • Use a candy thermometer to ensure your caramel sauce reaches the correct temperature. Otherwise, it will harden.
    • Store the salted caramel Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container. They still stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • If you want the treats to cool faster, place them in the refrigerator or the freezer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 208mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 1631IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword caramel rice krispie treats, rice krispies recipes, salted caramel rice krispie treats
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share
    Pin114
    Post
    Email
    Share
    114Shares
    114Shares

    More Dessert Recipes

    • Banana pudding rice krispie treats held up by a hand over a plate of more.
      Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats
    • Dirt cake cookie with a worm in the center held up by a hand.
      Dirt Cake Cookies
    • A hand picking up some fiddle faddle from a bowl.
      Homemade Fiddle Faddle Recipe
    • Three chocolate covered rice krispie treats stacked on a white plate.
      Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats

    Comments

    1. Yvonne says

      March 16, 2025 at 1:44 am

      5 stars
      I was looking for a new way to make Rice Krispie squares and boy oh boy have you just given it to me and I’m so grateful for it. Such a nice change and the kids and hubby would be thanking you too if they knew what I was doing lol Thx Karin for another winner!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        March 16, 2025 at 6:59 pm

        Thank you for your kind words! So happy your family likes them. We think they’re definitely delicious! All the best. Karin

    2. Mona says

      March 16, 2025 at 1:39 am

      5 stars
      Love the flavor. What an incredible for the better change. I may never make these without the caramel again 😊

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        March 16, 2025 at 6:58 pm

        I love them too! Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed them! It always makes my day! All the best. Karin

    3. Kyle says

      March 16, 2025 at 1:37 am

      5 stars
      WOW THESE ARE AMAZING. THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!!

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        March 16, 2025 at 6:57 pm

        As always you’re most welcome. So happy you enjoyed them! All the best. Karin

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

    More about us

    Most Popular July 4th Recipes!

    • A slice of red, white, and blue cheesecake on a stack of white plates.
      Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake
    • 4th of July candy chocolate bark leaned up against other chocolate bark.
      4th of July Chocolate Bark
    • A bowl of cheesecake fruit salad with a wooden spoon.
      Cheesecake Fruit Salad
    • A slice of red white and blue cake being held up by a metal spatula.
      Red, White, and Blue Cake

    More Red, White and Blue Desserts ➡️

    Summer Favorites

    • A slice of strawberry charlotte cake on a plate topped with fresh strawberries.
      Strawberry Charlotte
    • A slice of Oreo delight on a white plate garnished with an Oreo cookie.
      No-Bake Oreo Delight
    • A slice of Funfetti ice cream cake on a blue plate.
      Funfetti Ice Cream Cake for Birthdays & More
    • A stack of three frozen s'mores bars on top of each other.
      Frozen S’mores

    More Sweet Treats ➡️

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails and what's new!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Us

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Kitchen Divas All Rights Reserved