Hey there, dessert enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a blissful treat that combines sweet and salty flavors into one delightful experience, you’ve come to the right place. These Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic treat you grew up with, turning comfort food into an elegant dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re snuggling up on the couch with a movie or hosting a gathering, these treats are sure to steal the show. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why This Recipe Is Worth Making
This recipe is special for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it merges the nostalgic taste of Rice Krispie treats with the luxurious flavor of salted caramel. The chewy texture of the marshmallows perfectly complements the gooey, rich caramel while the sprinkle of sea salt elevates the entire dessert into something that feels so gourmet you’d think it came from a fancy bakery. Not only do these treats satisfy your sweet tooth, but they also give you that bit of salty crunch that makes each bite incredibly satisfying.
Moreover, making these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats takes only a few simple ingredients, something that makes baking accessible to everyone, from budding home cooks to seasoned bakers looking for a fun twist on a familiar recipe. Plus, they are quick to prepare, making it ideal for when you need a last-minute dessert or a sweet surprise for the ones you love.
Step-by-Step: Making Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Now, let’s get down to the fun part: making these scrumptious treats! Here’s how to prepare Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats step by step:
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 5 cups Rice Krispie cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 ounces caramels or caramel bites, unwrapped
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 5 tablespoons butter (again, for the caramel)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 ounces milk chocolate chips
- Sea salt (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare Your Dish: Start by buttering a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure that your treats won’t stick. This little step helps you easily lift them out once they’re perfectly set.
- Make the Marshmallow Mixture: In a large saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it starts to melt, throw in the marshmallows, stirring continuously until they’re completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma will be divine!
- Prepare the Caramel Mixture: In another saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, 5 tablespoons of butter, and the unwrapped caramels. Melt over medium heat, stirring constantly to ensure everything dissolves completely. Once melted and smooth, it’s time to pour this heavenly caramel mixture directly over the Rice Krispie base, spreading it evenly.
- Finish with Sea Salt: Don’t forget the best part! Sprinkle a generous amount of sea salt over the caramel layer for that heavenly sweet and salty combination. Allow this layer to cool for about 15 minutes.
- Make the Chocolate Drizzle: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to bubble. Remove from heat and pour it over the milk chocolate chips in a separate bowl. Stir gently until you have a smooth and thick sauce. If you need to, you can add a touch more cream to achieve your desired drizzling consistency.
- Drizzle & Garnish: After letting the chocolate mixture cool slightly, go ahead and drizzle it generously over the caramel layer. Top it off with a bit more sea salt for that perfect balance.
Best Ways to Serve Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Serving these treats can be as creative as you want them to be! Cut them into squares or rectangles and arrange them on a beautiful platter to share at your next get-together. You could also wrap them individually in parchment paper and tie them with twine for a cute, rustic look. They make fantastic party favors!
For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling some extra chocolate sauce on top. Pairing them with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas also adds a lovely contrast and freshness to the rich flavors.
Keeping Your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Fresh
To keep these treats fresh after making them, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can easily keep them for up to a week (if they last that long!). Just remember that the gooey caramel might get a bit sticky, so try to separate layers with parchment paper to maintain their texture.
If you need to store them longer, you can place them in the refrigerator, although this might alter the softer texture slightly. Simply let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh marshmallows and quality caramel for the best results. Fresh ingredients provide that great flavor and the right texture.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling Time: Allow the caramel to cool adequately before drizzling the chocolate. If it’s too warm, the chocolate might melt into the caramel, making it a bit messy.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! You could add crushed pretzels for an extra salty crunch, or even sprinkle on some nuts for a delightful texture contrast.
- Make Ahead: These treats are great for making ahead of time. Just keep them stored properly, and they’ll still taste amazing when it’s time to serve.
Delicious Variations of Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
If you’re feeling adventurous, try customizing this recipe! Here are a few ideas:
- Nutty Delight: Add in your favorite nuts for extra crunch. Cashews, peanuts, or even walnuts would work well to balance the sweetness.
- Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate chocolate Rice Krispie cereal for a double chocolate explosion, or add mini chocolate chips to the marshmallow mixture for an extra treat.
- Flavored Caramel: Try using different flavored caramels, such as sea salt caramel or even a chocolate caramel, for fun flavor twists!
FAQs
1. Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free Rice Krispie cereal, as some brands may contain gluten.
2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramels?
While store-bought caramel sauce can be used, it won’t provide the same level of richness and texture as melted caramels would for this recipe.
3. How can I make these treat bars a bit healthier?
Consider using brown rice cereal instead of traditional Rice Krispies and reducing the amount of butter for a slightly healthier option.
Now that you’re armed with all this knowledge, your baking adventure awaits! Give these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats a try and elevate your dessert game to the next level. Happy baking!
Print
Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on the classic Rice Krispie treats with the luxurious flavor of salted caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 5 cups Rice Krispie cereal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 ounces caramels or caramel bites, unwrapped
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 5 tablespoons butter (for the caramel)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 ounces milk chocolate chips
- Sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Melt 5 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add marshmallows, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- In another saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, 5 tablespoons of butter, and unwrapped caramels. Melt over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the Rice Krispie base, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel layer and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes.
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it bubbles. Pour over milk chocolate chips in a bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and top with more sea salt.
Notes
Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Use fresh ingredients for best results. Consider various toppings for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg