Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Bars

Buttery caramel, crispy cereal, and marshmallows come together for a sweet and salty treat that is perfect for any gathering. These salted caramel Rice Krispie treats balance gooey richness with a satisfying crunch, delivering a favorite twist on a classic childhood snack.

I first made these for a family movie night and they disappeared before the film ended. Now they are my go-to when I want something sweet but not too heavy.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: one cup two sticks provides the rich base and helps blend the caramel and marshmallows
• Caramel sauce: three quarters cup divided for layers of sweet complexity and a glossy finish
• Kosher salt: half teaspoon plus extra for garnish brings out the flavor while balancing the sweetness
• Mini marshmallows: one ten ounce bag about six cups create the sticky, chewy texture binding everything together
• Rice Krispies cereal: ten cups offers that iconic crispy crunch that contrasts delightfully with the smooth caramel
• Choose fresh marshmallows: choose fresh marshmallows that are fluffy and use a high quality caramel sauce if possible for the best flavor

Instructions

Prepare pan:

Spray a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for pressing in the cereal mixture.

Melt butter and caramel:

In a large pot over medium low heat, add the butter and half a cup of caramel sauce. Stir constantly to ensure the butter melts evenly and the mixture combines without burning.

Add salt and marshmallows:

Add the kosher salt and the marshmallows to the pot. Stir continuously until the marshmallows have fully melted into a smooth, glossy mixture. Remove the pot from heat to prevent overcooking.

Fold in cereal:

Spray a rubber spatula with nonstick cooking spray to avoid sticking. Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow caramel mixture, making sure every cereal piece is coated without crushing the crispy texture.

Transfer and press:

Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish. Use the spatula or your hands lightly greased to press it into an even layer filling the dish completely.

Cool:

Let the bars cool to room temperature for about thirty minutes to one hour so they set firm but remain soft and chewy.

Finish and serve:

Once cooled, drizzle the remaining quarter cup of caramel sauce over the top. Sprinkle with a little kosher salt for garnish to enhance that perfect salty sweet finish before cutting into bars and serving.

Rice Krispie treats bring back memories of childhood fun but adding salted caramel takes this nostalgic snack up a notch. My favorite part is the sprinkle of kosher salt on top which gives little bursts of savory flavor that keep you coming back for one more piece. These treats always bring a smile and some sweet conversations whenever they make an appearance.

Storage tips

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their chewy texture. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to three weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving to keep the caramel soft.

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap Rice Krispies for another crispy cereal if desired but the classic texture is key. Use salted butter to cut down added kosher salt if you prefer less saltiness. Homemade caramel sauce is also a great option for a richer flavor and fewer preservatives.

Serving suggestions

Serve these bars with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert. Cutting them into bite size pieces also makes them perfect finger food at parties.

These salted caramel Rice Krispie treats are an easy make ahead sweet that balances gooey caramel with crispy cereal. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for best texture.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

Yes, you can substitute with other puffed rice cereals, but the texture may vary slightly.

→ How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to the spatula?

Spray the spatula with non-stick cooking spray before mixing to keep the sticky caramel from adhering.

→ Is kosher salt necessary for the flavor?

Using kosher salt adds a balanced salty contrast to the sweet caramel, enhancing the overall taste.

→ Can these bars be stored for later?

Yes, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.

→ Is unsalted butter important in this recipe?

Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness, ensuring the salted caramel flavor shines without being too salty.