Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are soft, chewy marshmallow squares topped with smooth, rich caramel for an incredible take on rice krispie treats.
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Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are the best variation on a traditional rice krispie treat. They have all the soft & chewy marshmallow flavors plus the added bonus of a layer of soft caramel on top. They are insanely delicious!
How do you keep Rice Krispie Treats soft?
- 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 in an airtight container on the counter top.
Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
- 3 TBSP butter
- 4 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
- 1 package Kraft Caramel Bits
- 2 TBSP milk
- about 2 tsp coarse sea salt, optional
- Spray a 9×13 glass pan with non-stick spray. Also spray a rubber scraper.
- In a large bowl measure out marshmallows and butter. Microwave for about 1 minute 15 seconds, until marshmallows are puffing up.
- Stir the Rice Krispie cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Once well mixed, transfer to the 9×13 pan and gently press in until the treats are as even as possible.
- Once they’re cooling in the pan, pour the caramel bits into a microwave-safe dish and add the milk. Microwave for about 1 minute 20 seconds. 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.
- Pour caramel over the Rice Krispie Treats and use your rubber scraper to smooth the caramel over the top until even.
- Sprinkle on coarse sea salt and let cool completely.
- Once cool, I like to take all the treats out and put the entire block on a cutting board. I slice them all at once, then return them back to the pan.
If you like these Caramel Rice Krispie Treats, then check out these other favorite recipes:
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CARAMEL RICE KRISPIE TREATS
Ingredients
- 3 TBSP butter
- 4 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
- 1 package Kraft Caramel Bits
- 2 TBSP milk
- about 2 tsp coarse seal salt optional
Instructions
- Spray a 9x13 glass pan with non-stick spray. Also spray a rubber scraper.
- In a large bowl measure out marshmallows and butter. Microwave for about 1 minute 15 seconds, until marshmallows are puffing up.
- Stir the Rice Krispie cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Once well mixed, transfer to the 9x13 pan and gently press in until the treats are as even as possible.
- Once they're cooling in the pan, pour the caramel bits into a microwave-safe dish and add the milk. Microwave for about 1 minute 20 seconds. 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.
- Pour caramel over the Rice Krispie Treats and use your rubber scraper to smooth the caramel over the top until even.
- Sprinkle on coarse sea salt and let cool completely.
- Once cool, I like to take all the treats out and put the entire block on a cutting board. I slice them all at once, then return them back to the pan.
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momma-lana says
Looks yummy! I had never seen those caramel bits and thought it was a bowl of chickpeas!
Sandy L says
I'm thinking about adding some Toll House milk chocolate morsels after spreading the caramel, then sprinkling them with the sea salt. I love salted chocolate caramels!!!<br />
OLDLADYWITH FLARE says
GREAT IDEA.
Tina says
Super easy and we loved them, brought back childhood a bit. 😃
Nellie says
So glad you enjoyed them Tina!
YellerKitty says
I'm thinking about tossing a few of the unmelted caramel morsels in with the cereal and marshmallows before mixing, then spreading the rest on top … might even get a second package to be sure to have plenty. I do love caramel!<br />;)
tammy says
About how many are in the Kraft bag. I have a large bag of a different brand of caramels, and would like to know approximately how many to use. Thank you.
MsJen says
Not to be a party pooper, but… I have now made this recipie twice and have the following suggestions… Do NOT heat the caramel bits beyond just warm and spreadable, if you heat to pourable let it cool off or it will soak into the treats. I also skipped adding the milk to the bits and just used an offset spatula. I also recommend smearing on COOLED treats and suggest waiting to sprinkle the
Christine says
thanks for this, I noticed as well it sank into the treats. Still tasted yummy but would have liked that ticker caramel layer on top.
Greg Leimeister says
Couldn’t you use Caramel Topping instead. It would be so much easier.
Jessica says
You could, however store-bought caramel topping won’t ever harden like solid caramels will. So the end result will be much more gooey. Just FYI! 😉
Carole Darroch says
Do not have the caramel bits here in Ontario ( Canada) yet, What can I use as an alternative ? Thanks in advance.
Jessica says
Do you have the square caramels? You can use those!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
It looks decadent!
Melissa says
How good would they be covered in chocolate or would be better wthe just choc. Drizzle
Jessica says
I think a drizzle of chocolate is always a good idea! 😉
Debra DeLucia says
Could you use the caramel from the Chocolate Caramel Bars recipe? I’m not a big fan of the pre-made caramels.
KK says
Not enough caramel topping! It’s pourable with milk which I guess it shouldn’t be. I haven’t tasted them yet but I’m sure they will taste good without caramel all over it. The caramel should have a thick layer and mine doesn’t! Just disappointed.
Jessica says
The caramel topping should cover the krispie treats, but it’s not a THICK layer. If you want a super thick layer, I suggest doubling it.
Allison says
Always a go to!