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.
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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 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!
- 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.
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.
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.
Step 3: Add the marshmallows. Quickly stir in the mini marshmallows while the caramel is still piping hot. Ensure they melt completely.
Step 4: Stir in Rice Krispies. Then, gently fold in the Rice Krispie cereal until it is well coated in the caramel marshmallow mixture.
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!
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.
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.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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.
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.
More Delicious Rice Krispies Recipes
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
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
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.
Yvonne says
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!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for your kind words! So happy your family likes them. We think they’re definitely delicious! All the best. Karin
Mona says
Love the flavor. What an incredible for the better change. I may never make these without the caramel again 😊
Karin and Ken says
I love them too! Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed them! It always makes my day! All the best. Karin
Kyle says
WOW THESE ARE AMAZING. THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!!
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome. So happy you enjoyed them! All the best. Karin