Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Salted caramel rice krispie treats take the classic dessert and bring it to a whole new level. With buttery melted marshmallows, rich caramel mixture, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these bars balance sweet and salty in every bite. They come together quickly with crispy rice cereal and a few pantry staples, making them an easy dessert for any occasion.

As a productivity manager, I am all about quick and easy and this recipe is very quick to put together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple process: Melt marshmallows and caramel in a large pot over medium-low heat, then fold in cereal for the best rice krispie treats.
• Perfect balance: The hint of salt from sea salt flakes cuts through the sweetness, creating a rich flavor.
• Upgraded classic: Caramel rice krispie bars feel like a next level version of the original recipe.
• Great texture: Chewy marshmallow mixture meets crispy rice cereal with a drizzle of soft caramel on top.
• Crowd-pleaser: Easy to transport and cut into squares with a sharp knife for bake desserts, bake cookies trays, or any bake treat table.

Ingredients for caramel rice krispie treats

• Unsalted butter
• Mini marshmallows
• Rice Krispies cereal
• Caramel melts
• Flaky sea salt

Equipment and kitchen tools

• lined 9×13” baking dish

How to make  caramel rice krispie treats

1. Line a 9×13” baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
2. In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
3. Add ⅔ of the caramel melts and a pinch of flaky salt. Stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
4. Stir in the mini marshmallows and continue stirring until completely melted. Reserve a handful of marshmallows for garnish.
5. Remove from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Let it cool for 1-2 minutes, then spray your hands with nonstick spray and gently press the mixture into an even layer.
7. Let cool to room temperature.
8. Top with a few extra mini marshmallows. Melt the remaining caramel and drizzle over the bars. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
9. Let the caramel set, then lift from the pan and cut into bars.

Tips for the Best Results

• Spray or butter your tools: A silicone spatula or even your hands coated with nonstick spray makes it easier to press the cereal mixture into an even layer.
• Heat gently: Medium heat or medium-low heat keeps the marshmallow mixture smooth without scorching. A double boiler or microwave-safe bowl works for melting caramel if you prefer.
• Press lightly: Don’t pack the cereal treats too firmly into the prepared pan or they’ll lose their soft texture.
• Work quickly: Once you stir the Rice Krispie cereal into the caramel mixture, transfer it fast before it cools.
• Drizzle at room temperature: Let the base cool, then drizzle the remaining caramel for the right consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

• Butter: Try brown butter instead of unsalted butter for deeper flavor.
• Caramel: Use store-bought caramel, homemade salted caramel sauce, or a caramel mixture with heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk for a softer texture.
• Mix-ins: Chocolate chips, peanut butter, or a little bit of corn syrup can add richness.
• Toppings: Sprinkle with flaky salt, kosher salt, or sea salt flakes for extra crunch.
• Shapes: Make them in a 9-inch pan for thicker bars, or line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper for thinner squares.

FAQs About This Recipe

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Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Raquel Pineira

These easy Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect no-bake dessert! Sweet, chewy, and finished with a touch of sea salt — they make a quick party treat or holiday dessert everyone will love.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 117 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
• 5 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 11 oz bag caramel melts
• Flaky sea salt

Instructions

 

• Line a 9×13” baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
• In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
• Add ⅔ of the caramel melts and a pinch of flaky salt. Stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
• Stir in the mini marshmallows and continue stirring until completely melted. Reserve a handful of marshmallows for garnish.
• Remove from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Let it cool for 1–2 minutes, then spray your hands with nonstick spray and gently press the mixture into an even layer.
• Let cool to room temperature.
• Top with a few extra mini marshmallows. Melt the remaining caramel and drizzle over the bars. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
• Let the caramel set, then lift from the pan and cut into bars.

Notes

Spraying your hands or a silicone spatula helps prevent sticking when pressing the mixture down.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 69mgPotassium: 18mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1090IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 4mg

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