Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats! First of all, they are my ultimate guilty pleasure. You know those moments when you just need a sweet pick-me-up? These tasty little squares never fail me. I actually remember the first time I whipped them up for a last-minute get-together—I was ransacking my pantry and stumbled upon all these goodies, and voila! A delicious dessert was born. The combination of gooey marshmallows mingling with buttery caramel is such a delightful twist on the classic treat. Trust me; every bite is an explosion of flavors that will take you right back to your childhood.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. It calls for just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, and they come together in no time flat! Plus, the touch of sea salt elevates the flavor profile, creating a delightful balance between sweet and savory. I promise that once you taste them, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one—or two. So, let’s get right into it!
What’s in Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats?
Rice Krispies cereal: The star of the show! Their crispy texture provides the perfect base for this treat. I prefer the classic version, but you could experiment with flavored ones if you’re feeling adventurous.
Mini marshmallows: Melty and gooey, these provide sweetness and that classic sticky texture. You can use regular-sized marshmallows too if that’s what you have on hand!
Unsalted butter: Such a simple ingredient that adds depth to the flavor. I always opt for unsalted so I can control the saltiness, especially since we’re adding sea salt later.
Caramel sauce: This is where the magic happens! I recommend using a high-quality homemade (if you have the time) or a store-bought sauce that you absolutely love. You can even keep some handy for drizzling at the end—oh, yum!
Sea salt: This is not just for garnish! It brings out the sweetness of the caramel and adds a lovely touch of flavor. If you’re a fan of a saltier bite, sprinkle as much as your heart desires.
Vanilla extract: Totally optional, but it adds a nice aroma and depth to the flavor. Again, if you have good quality vanilla extract, definitely add it in!
Is Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Good for You?
These treats are, let’s just say, a delightful indulgence! They contain a fair amount of sugar from the marshmallows and caramel, so they’re certainly a treat for special occasions rather than an everyday snack.
Rice Krispies: While they’re not super nutrient-dense, they do provide a bit of iron and carbohydrates for a quick energy boost.
Marshmallows: They are basically sugar and air, but hey—they bring the sweetness and that irresistible gooey texture!
Butter: This is where the richness comes from, but moderation is key with any butter-based treat!
At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. Enjoy these sweet creations on occasion, and you’ll be in for a flavor party!
Ingredients
– 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
– 4 cups mini marshmallows
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
– 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for garnish)
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
*This recipe yields about 16 squares, depending on how you cut them!*
How to Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats?
1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth. If using, add the vanilla extract at this point.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and then stir in the caramel sauce (reserve a couple of tablespoons for drizzling later) until well combined.
4. Gradually fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, ensuring all the cereal is coated evenly with the marshmallow and caramel mixture.
5. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your fingers (lightly greased), press the mixture down evenly and firmly into the dish.
7. Allow the treats to cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
8. Once cooled, drizzle with the reserved caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.
9. Cut into squares and serve!
Sweet Tips and Serving Suggestions
– For a more intense salted caramel flavor, feel free to sprinkle more sea salt on top before serving.
– If you’re feeling extra adventurous, chop up some chocolate or nuts to mix in with the Rice Krispies for added texture and flavor.
– These treats are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days (if they last that long!).
Honestly, I can’t wait for you to give these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats a try! Once you’ve made them, let me know how they turned out and if they brought you as much joy as they bring to me. Happy cooking, friend!
