SALTED CARAMEL RICE KRISPIE TREATS

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats combine rich, gooey caramel & a hint of sea salt with the classic marshmallow rice krispie treats for a decadent take on a classic recipe!

With a few pantry staples, anyone can these easy rice krispie treats that satisfies both young and adult palates alike. The perfect balance of sweetness and a touch of salt makes every bite of these caramel rice crispy treats irresistible.

Be sure to check out our updated collection of the BEST EVER RICE CRISPY TREAT RECIPES here!

Tasty Treats Everyone Loves- Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

These Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic version. Combining the familiar crunch of Rice Krispies with rich caramel creates a unique flavor experience. Rice Krispie Treats can be cut into squares for easy serving, they are perfect for parties, school events, or as a simple dessert option.

These treats appeal to a wide range of tastes, making them a popular choice. The combination of chewy and crunchy textures, along with the sweet and salty flavor, satisfies any craving!

Tips & Tricks on how to keep Rice Krispie Treats soft

Here are several ways to keep rice krispie treats soft. They’re simple, but effective!

• Do not use stale marshmallows. Seriously. Rice Krispie Treats are not the treat to use up those old, hard marshmallows! Recently purchased marshmallows work best.
• Do not overcook. You want to heat the marshmallows until they’re soft and beginning to lose shape. I find it’s easiest to not overcook marshmallows if I heat them in the microwave. Mine take just over 1 minute to be ready- that’s it!
• Don’t forget the butter. The marshmallow-butter combination helps keep the treats soft and chewy, so don’t leave it out or reduce the measurement.
• Don’t chill in the refrigerator. Even if you want them to set quickly, I find this just dries the marshmallow treats out more quickly.
• Store at room temperature. Make sure to keep the treats in an airtight container on the counter top for best results.

Caramel Rice Krispie Treat Ingredients

Butter: You will need 3 TBSP of butter for rich tasting treats with a nice shine too.

Marshmallows: The sticky base of this treat is 4 ½ cups of mini marshmallows.

Krispie cereal: Use 6 cups of Rice Krispie cereal for the structural base of these tasty treats.

Caramel: You need one 11-oz package of Kraft Caramel Bits for the incredible topping.

Milk: Help thin out the caramel bits by adding 2 TBSP of milk.

Salt: Sprinkle the caramel topping with about 2 tsp of coarse sea salt, if desired.

How to make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Prep

Get started by spraying a 9×13 glass pan with non-stick spray, as well as a rubber scraper. Set them both aside.

Marshmallow mixture

Next in a large bowl combine the marshmallows and butter. Microwave them for about 1 minute 15 seconds, until the marshmallows are puffing up.

Immediately stir in the Rice Krispie cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Once well mixed, transfer the mixture to the 9×13 pan and gently press it until the treats are as even as possible.

Caramel topping

Once they treats are cooling in the pan, pour the caramel bits into a microwave-safe dish and add the milk. Microwave for about 1 minute 20 seconds. The bits won’t necessarily look melted, but once you begin stirring them, they’ll run smooth. If they don’t, put back in the microwave for another 10 seconds.

Proceed to pour the caramel over the Rice Krispie Treats and use your rubber scraper to smooth the caramel over the top until even.

Then sprinkle on the coarse sea salt and let them cool completely.

Serve

Once cool, take all the treats out and put the entire block on a cutting board. Slice them all at once, then return them back to the pan. Serve & enjoy!

Creative variations of the classic Rice Krispie treats

There are numerous ways to transform the classic Rice Krispie treat into something unique. By adding various ingredients or flavors, these treats can appeal to a wider range of tastes.

Flavor Enhancements:

• Chocolate: Incorporate chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
• Peanut Butter: Mix in creamy peanut butter for added richness.
• Nutella: Swirl Nutella throughout for a hazelnut twist.

Textural Additions:

• Nuts: Chopped almonds or walnuts add crunch.
• Dried Fruits: Raisins or cranberries provide chewiness.
• Cereal Mix-ins: Combine Rice Krispies with other cereals like Cocoa Puffs or Cheerios.

Seasonal Inspirations:

• Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and spices in fall.
• Peppermint: Crush candy canes for a refreshing holiday touch.
• S’mores: Incorporate mini marshmallows, chocolate, and graham cracker crumbs.

Serving and Storage Suggestions for Rice Krispie Treats

Proper serving and storage of Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats ensures their taste and texture remain enjoyable. Following these guidelines will help maintain freshness and deliciousness.

Shelf Life: Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats typically last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Keeping them in an airtight container is crucial for maximizing their shelf life.

Best Serving Practices: For optimal enjoyment, these treats should be cut into uniform squares. A sharp knife helps achieve clean edges, enhancing the visual appeal. Using parchment paper beneath the treats makes for easier serving and cleanup.

Storage Guidelines: To maintain freshness, store Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container. This prevents them from becoming stale or overly hard. Placing parchment paper between layers can protect them and avoid sticking.

For optimal texture, avoid refrigerating the treats, as this may alter their consistency. Instead, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Why do my Rice Krispie treats turn out hard?

Hard Rice Krispie treats often result from overcooking the marshmallows or using too much cereal. To prevent this, it’s important to melt the marshmallows gently and avoid cooking them beyond a soft and gooey consistency.

Using fresh marshmallows can also improve texture. Mixing ingredients while they are still warm helps retain moisture, making the treats chewy rather than hard.

Can I use sweetened condensed milk in my Rice Krispie treats?

Sweetened condensed milk can enhance the richness of Rice Krispie treats. It can be mixed with melted marshmallows to create a creamier texture.

To incorporate it, gently heat the sweetened condensed milk with the marshmallows. This ensures everything blends smoothly before adding the Rice Krispies, leading to a deliciously creamy treat.

Check out these other favorite rice krispie recipes: 

• Churro Rice Krispie Treats
• Rice Krispie Ice Cream Cones
• 29+ Amazing Rice Krispie Treat Recipes
• Donut Rice Krispie Treats
• Reese’s Krispie No-Bake Cookies
• Funfetti Rice Krispie Treats
• Loaded Rice Krispie Treats
• Easter Peeps Krispie Treats
• Oreo Krispie Treats
• S’mores Krispie Treats
• Donut Rice Krispie Treats
• Butter Scotch Krispie Treats
• Easter Rice Krispie Treats
• Red White & Blue Rice Krispie Treats

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are soft, chewy marshmallow squares topped with smooth, rich caramel. These treats elevate the traditional recipe to something incredibly delicious and decadent!