Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Make caramel sauce, melt marshmallows with butter, stir in cereal, press into pan, drizzle with more caramel and sprinkle with sea salt for an elevated take on a classic treat.
Ranah
Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 20:46:56 GMT
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A close up of a candy bar with chocolate drizzled on top. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

These decadent Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats elevate the classic childhood snack to gourmet status with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The combination of gooey caramel, crisp cereal, and a hint of sea salt creates an irresistible treat that's perfect for parties, gifts, or indulgent snacking. Unlike traditional recipes, this version uses homemade caramel for superior flavor and texture that will make these treats disappear faster than you can make them.

The magic of these treats lies in the quality of caramel - while store-bought works in a pinch, taking the extra time to make homemade caramel sauce transforms them into something truly special. The depth of flavor from slowly caramelized sugar combined with the crunch of cereal creates textural nirvana that will have people begging for the recipe.

Gourmet Caramel Krispie Ingredients

  • Rice Krispies cereal: 6 cups for the perfect crispy base
  • Homemade caramel sauce: 1 cup (made with brown sugar, butter, and cream)
  • Marshmallows: 10 oz mini marshmallows for maximum meltiness
  • Sea salt: 1 tsp flaky Maldon salt for that gourmet touch
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp to enhance the caramel flavor
A close up of a candy bar with chocolate drizzle. Pin it
A close up of a candy bar with chocolate drizzle. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Crafting Perfect Caramel Krispies

Step 1: Make the Caramel
Melt butter with brown sugar over medium heat until deeply amber-colored, then carefully stir in heavy cream to create a luscious sauce.
Step 2: Combine with Marshmallows
Fold the warm caramel into melted marshmallows until fully incorporated, creating a glossy, stretchy mixture.
Step 3: Add the Crispy Element
Gently fold in Rice Krispies to maintain their crisp texture while evenly coating each piece.
Step 4: Set and Slice
Press firmly into a lined pan, sprinkle with flaky salt, and allow to set completely before cutting into squares.

The Secret of Perfect Texture

The key to these treats' irresistible texture lies in two crucial steps: first, cooking the caramel to exactly 240°F (the soft-ball stage) for optimal chewiness without being sticky. Second, mixing the cereal in two batches - first incorporating about 80% to ensure even coating, then gently folding in the remaining 20% to preserve some crispy pockets. This technique creates a delightful contrast between the chewy caramel-marshmallow base and bursts of crispiness that make each bite exciting.

A close up of a piece of candy with chocolate drizzled on top. Pin it
A close up of a piece of candy with chocolate drizzled on top. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Origin of Caramel Krispie Treats

While traditional Rice Krispie treats date back to the 1930s as a marketing invention by Kellogg's, the caramel variation emerged in upscale bakeries during the artisanal food movement of the early 2000s. This gourmet version gained popularity in Brooklyn bakeries before spreading nationwide, with the salted caramel twist reflecting the growing preference for complex, adult-oriented desserts. The combination pays homage to childhood nostalgia while satisfying sophisticated palates.

Why Salted Caramel Works

The science behind salted caramel's appeal lies in how sodium ions heighten our perception of sweetness while cutting through richness. In these treats, the salt does double duty - it amplifies the caramel flavor while preventing the overall taste from becoming cloying. Using a flaky finishing salt like Maldon provides occasional salty bursts that create a dynamic flavor experience, transforming what could be a one-note sweet into a complex, craveable dessert.

For picture-perfect squares, chill the entire pan for 15 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife dipped in hot water. This prevents sticking and gives you clean edges worthy of a bakery display case.

These Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats represent the perfect marriage of childhood comfort and adult indulgence. Whether you're serving them at a dinner party, packing them in lunchboxes, or enjoying them with your afternoon coffee, they deliver satisfaction in every bite while being deceptively simple to prepare. The upgraded version will make you wonder why you ever settled for the plain original.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use about 1 cup of store-bought caramel sauce as a time-saving alternative. Look for a thick caramel sauce rather than a thin syrup for best results.
→ How do I store these treats and how long do they last?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days, though they're best enjoyed within the first 2 days when they're most gooey.
→ Can I freeze these Rice Krispie treats?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
→ My treats turned out too hard. What went wrong?
Hard treats usually result from cooking the marshmallow mixture too long or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. Cook the marshmallows just until melted and gently press the mixture into the pan for softer treats.
→ Can I use a different type of cereal?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies give the classic texture, you could substitute Cocoa Krispies, Cheerios, or even Chex cereal for interesting variations on this recipe.

Gooey Salted Caramel Cereal Bars

A gourmet twist on classic Rice Krispie treats featuring layers of buttery caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt that transforms this childhood favorite into a sophisticated dessert.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ranah


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Caramel Sauce

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
03 1/2 cup heavy cream
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)

→ Rice Krispie Base

06 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 16 ounces mini marshmallows (about 10 cups)
08 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 8 cups Rice Krispies cereal
10 Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

Step 01

Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

Step 02

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a amber-colored liquid. Once completely melted, immediately add the butter. The mixture will bubble rapidly. Stir until the butter is completely melted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 03

Very slowly, drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble rapidly again. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Set aside 1/3 cup of the caramel for topping.

Step 04

In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until almost completely melted. Add the remaining caramel sauce (not the reserved portion) and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.

Step 05

Remove from heat and immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until all the cereal is coated with the marshmallow mixture.

Step 06

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a piece of parchment paper or wax paper lightly coated with cooking spray, gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Do not press too hard or the treats will become dense.

Step 07

Warm the reserved caramel sauce slightly if it has hardened. Drizzle it over the top of the Rice Krispie treats. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Step 08

Allow to cool completely at room temperature, about 1 hour. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the treats out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  1. For extra gooey treats, use an additional cup of mini marshmallows.
  2. Be careful when making the caramel sauce as the sugar gets very hot and can cause burns.
  3. If you prefer less sweet treats, you can reduce the amount of marshmallows to 14 ounces.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large pot
  • Heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream)
  • May contain gluten (check cereal ingredients)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Protein: 1 g