Name: Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 10.8-oz bag soft caramels (unwrapped); 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk; 1 10-oz bag mini marshmallows; 2 tsp flaky sea salt; 10 cups Rice Krispies cereal

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There’s something undeniably nostalgic about making Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats. As a child, I remember watching my mom whip up a batch in the kitchen, the sweet and buttery aroma wafting through the air, instantly drawing me in. I’d sit at the counter, eagerly waiting for those gooey, crispy squares to cool so I could sneak a taste. Now, as an adult, I love recreating those sweet memories in my own kitchen, sharing them with family and friends. There’s just something special about the combination of crunchy rice cereal, rich caramel, and a touch of flaky sea salt that makes these treats irresistible.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
15 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
170 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Dutch Oven, 9×13-inch Cake Pan, 9×13-inch Baking Dish

What You’ll Enjoy About This Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

1. Nostalgia in Every Bite

When I take a bite of Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats, it transports me back to my childhood. The crispy texture combined with the sticky sweetness provides a unique sensory experience that’s hard to replicate.

2. Versatility of Ingredients

The beauty of these treats lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delightful dessert that pleases everyone. From the crunchy Rice Krispies to the soft, melty caramels, each component blends perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or just need a sweet treat, Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are always a hit. They make for a great dessert to bring to gatherings and even serve as a sweet snack for movie nights.

4. Easy to Make

You don’t have to be a master chef to whip up these treats. With just a few simple steps, you can have a batch ready to go. It’s a fun activity to do with kids, and trust me, they’ll love getting involved!

5. Customizable Options

While the classic recipe is a winner, feel free to play around with it! Add in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to elevate the flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless!

6. A Touch of Elegance

The addition of flaky sea salt offers a sophisticated twist that makes these treats feel a bit gourmet. It balances out the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile, making them truly special.

What to Buy for Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

When it comes to making Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats, the ingredients are straightforward yet essential. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect blend of sweet and salty. The key players in this recipe include unsalted butter, which adds richness; soft caramels, for that gooey texture; and flaky sea salt, which brings out the sweetness beautifully. These ingredients are not only easy to find but also combine to create a treat that is both nostalgic and delightful.

½ cup unsalted butter – The foundation of our gooey mixture, adding richness and flavor.
1 (10.8-oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped – The star ingredient that provides a sweet, chewy texture.
1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk – Helps to bind everything together and adds creaminess.
1 (10-oz) bag mini marshmallows – These add extra sweetness and help achieve that iconic marshmallow flavor.
2 tsp flaky sea salt – This elevates the flavor profile by balancing the sweetness with a savory touch.
10 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The crispy texture that forms the base of these delightful treats.

Instructions for Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Making Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats is a delightful process that combines simplicity with satisfaction. You’ll love how quickly these come together, and the end result is sure to wow your family and friends. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

First, grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray or softened butter. Then, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches of overhang. This will make it easier to lift the treats out later.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, the warm, buttery scent will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone around.
Next, add the soft caramels to the melted butter. Stir frequently until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. You might want to keep an eye on the heat to ensure nothing burns.
Once the caramels are melted, it’s time to add the sweetened condensed milk and flaky sea salt. Stir until everything is well combined and you have a luscious, golden mixture.
Now, add the mini marshmallows to the pot. Stir them in slowly, allowing them to melt into the caramel mixture. This should create a rich, creamy consistency.
Remove the pot from the heat and carefully fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Mix well until all the cereal is coated in the caramel and marshmallow mixture. The color will be a beautiful golden hue.
Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared pan. Using the parchment paper, press the mixture down gently. Be careful not to overpack it, as you want the treats to remain light and crispy.
If desired, sprinkle a little more flaky sea salt on top to enhance the salty-sweet flavor profile.
Finally, refrigerate the treats for about 1 to 2 hours until they are cool and set. Once they’re firm, lift them out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
Serve these delightful treats at room temperature and watch them disappear!

Things Worth Knowing

Using high-quality caramels will enhance the flavor significantly. Brands like Werther’s are a good choice for their rich caramel taste.
Don’t rush the melting process. Take your time to melt the ingredients on medium heat to avoid burning.
It’s important to let your treats cool completely before cutting them to prevent them from becoming too sticky.
If you’re looking for an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate on top after the treats have cooled.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips!

Storage: Store any leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to five days.
Freezing: You can freeze these treats! Just place them in a single layer in a freezer bag for up to three months.
Pairing: These treats go incredibly well with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
Experiment: Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for a twist on the classic recipe.
Serving: For a fun presentation, serve these treats as part of a dessert platter alongside fruits or other sweets.

What to Serve Alongside Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

When it comes to serving Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats, the options are endless. Here are some ideas:

Alongside Ice Cream: Pair these treats with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
For Parties: These are perfect for birthday parties, picnics, or any gathering where sweet treats are needed.
With Coffee: Enjoy these treats with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The combination of sweet and bitter is delightful.
As a Snack: Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, they’re great to pack for school lunches or to enjoy while watching a movie.
Seasonal Variations: Consider adding festive toppings or colors for holidays like Christmas or Halloween to make them more festive.
Storage Tips: Remember to use an airtight container to maintain their texture and flavor.

FAQ

Absolutely! While I love using Werther’s Soft Caramels or Kraft Soft Caramel candies, you can experiment with any soft caramel that melts well. The key is to ensure that whatever you choose melts smoothly into your mixture without leaving any gritty texture. This will keep your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats deliciously gooey!

To store your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about five days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Just make sure to place them in a single layer in a freezer bag to avoid them sticking together. They can be kept frozen for up to three months!

You can definitely make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats ahead of time! In fact, they are perfect for prepping a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve. This way, they’ll be ready to share whenever you have guests or special occasions without the last-minute rush!

If you’re a chocolate lover, I say go for it! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the top of your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats once they’ve cooled and set. You could also fold in some chocolate chips into the mixture right before adding the Rice Krispies cereal. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and crispy cereal is simply divine!

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are truly a magical combination of flavors and textures that brings joy to any gathering. With their crispy texture and gooey caramel sweetness, they are a nostalgic treat loved by many. Don’t hesitate to try making them yourself; you might just create new memories along the way!

So why not gather your ingredients and whip up a batch tonight? It’s a sweet little adventure that you won’t regret.