If you’re craving a nostalgic treat with a grown-up twist, this Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine the classic crispy, gooey texture of Rice Krispie treats elevated by rich, buttery caramel and a hint of flaky sea salt that makes every bite an irresistible dance of sweet and salty. This recipe transforms a simple childhood favorite into an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for sharing at parties, gifting to friends, or satisfying your own sweet tooth in the coziest way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role—bringing flavor, texture, or that perfect touch of richness to your final batch.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Melts smoothly to create a luscious base for the caramel.
- Soft caramels, unwrapped (10.8-oz bag): Adds creamy, deep caramel flavor that’s irresistibly sweet.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14-oz can): Thickens the caramel mixture and adds extra sweetness.
- Mini marshmallows (10-oz bag): Gives classic gooeyness and helps the treats stick together perfectly.
- Flaky sea salt (2 tsp): The secret hero that balances the sweetness and adds great texture contrast.
- Rice Krispies cereal (10 cups): The crispy crunch that makes these treats delightfully addictive.
How to Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray or softened butter for easy removal later on. Then, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides so you can effortlessly lift out the treats once they’re set. This little step is a game-changer for clean cutting.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Caramels
Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s perfectly smooth and bubbly. Toss in the soft caramels and stir consistently until all the caramels have melted into a glossy, thick caramel sauce that smells like pure comfort.
Step 3: Stir in Sweetened Condensed Milk and Sea Salt
Next, pour in the sweetened condensed milk along with 2 teaspoons of flaky sea salt. Keep stirring until everything is thoroughly combined. The sea salt adds that perfect hint of savoriness that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 4: Add Mini Marshmallows
Drop in the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they melt completely and the mixture turns silky smooth. This blend of caramel and marshmallow creates the luscious glue for your treats.
Step 5: Incorporate Rice Krispies Cereal
Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Make sure every crispy morsel is coated in the rich caramel marshmallow mixture, creating that iconic chewy yet crunchy texture.
Step 6: Transfer and Press
Pour the sticky mixture into your prepared pan and press it down gently using the parchment paper to avoid burning your hands. Remember, don’t press too hard—you want to keep the treats light and airy. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more flaky sea salt on top to make those flavors pop.
Step 7: Chill and Cut
Refrigerate the treats for 1 to 2 hours until they’re cool and set just right. Once firm, lift them out using the parchment overhang and slice into 18 perfect squares. Now comes the best part—dive in and enjoy!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe by adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed pretzels on top. Both add contrasting textures and flavors that turn a simple treat into a showstopper. You can even melt some white chocolate for a pretty swirl effect that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These treats are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of rich coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries to balance the sweetness with refreshing brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters for birthdays or holidays. Stack them into towers on a dessert platter or wrap individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine as charming homemade gifts. No matter how you present them, they’re sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure they are well sealed to retain their chewy texture and prevent them from becoming stale.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these treats freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature—no microwave needed.
Reheating
Reheat frozen treats by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 10 to 15 seconds. This refreshes their softness and gooey charm without melting the caramel into a sticky mess.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies are classic for their crispness, you can swap in similar puffed rice cereals or even cornflakes for a different texture. Just keep in mind the flavor and crunch may vary slightly.
Do I have to use flaky sea salt?
Flaky sea salt adds a nice crunch and a burst of salty contrast, but if you don’t have it, regular fine sea salt works too—just be careful not to add too much as it dissolves differently.
Can I make these treats vegan?
This particular Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe uses dairy ingredients and marshmallows, which typically contain gelatin. For a vegan version, look for plant-based butter, vegan marshmallows, and caramel alternatives.
Is it better to press the mixture firmly or gently into the pan?
Press gently to keep the treats light and airy. Pressing too firmly can cause them to become dense and lose that signature crispy texture.
How can I make my treats less sticky?
Ensure you grease your pan well or line it with parchment paper with some overhang. Allow the treats to chill completely before cutting to prevent stickiness. Using a sharp knife dipped in warm water also helps smooth cutting.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Recipe, it’ll quickly become a treasured staple in your sweet treat repertoire. It’s a perfect blend of classic comfort and sophisticated flavor that’s sure to delight anyone lucky enough to take a bite. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistibly chewy, caramel-rich delights today!
