Name: Caramel Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 10 ounces mini marshmallows (about 4 cups); 1¼ cups caramel sauce; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional); ½ cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons cubed unsalted butter; ¼ cup heavy cream (room temperature)

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Introduction

Caramel Rice Krispies Treats are a gooey, no-bake snack that brings sweet, sticky joy with every bite. This easy recipe combines crunchy cereal with rich caramel and marshmallows for a perfect treat any time of day.

There is a stack of four crispy rice treats with gooey caramel drizzled on the top and between the layers, all sitting on a white plate; the treats are light golden-brown with white puffed rice visible inside, and the caramel has a shiny smooth texture that contrasts with the crunchy rice; the background is dark, making the treats and white plate stand out clearly, and the white marbled surface is just barely visible at the bottom. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
10 ounces mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)
1¼ cups caramel sauce
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
½ cup granulated sugar (for homemade caramel option)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (for homemade caramel option)
¼ cup heavy cream, room temperature (for homemade caramel option)

Instructions

Step 1: Lightly butter a 9×9-inch pan for thick bars, or 9×13-inch for thinner squares. Line with parchment paper for clean edges if desired.
Step 2: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Stir in caramel sauce and sea salt until smooth and just bubbling, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract if using.
Step 3: Add marshmallows in batches, stirring until they are half melted. Return to low heat for 30 seconds to finish melting.
Step 4: Pour the caramel-marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies in a large heatproof bowl. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until every flake is coated.
Step 5: Quickly transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Using a lightly buttered spatula or damp hands, press the mixture evenly but gently.
Step 6: Let the pan sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until set.
Step 7: Lift out the treat using the parchment (if used) and slice into 16 to 24 squares with a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried.

Tips & Variations

Toast the Rice Krispies cereal in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes for extra crunch, watching carefully to avoid browning.
For a peanut butter twist, swirl in ¼ cup creamy peanut butter when stirring in vanilla.
Drizzle melted semisweet chocolate over cooled bars for a chocolatey finish.
Add ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries for a tangy pop of flavor.
Use dairy-free butter, vegan marshmallows, and coconut cream to make a vegan version.
Try different cereals like Fruity Pebbles or Cocoa Krispies for a colorful, fun variation.
A pinch of smoked sea salt on top adds a sophisticated balance to the sweetness.

Storage

Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. In warmer kitchens, refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual squares on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag; they keep well for 2 months. No reheating is necessary—let frozen squares sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a stack of four crispy rice treats on a white plate. Each treat has a light golden brown color with visible puffed rice and small white marshmallow bits throughout. There is a drizzle of glossy caramel sauce flowing down the sides and pooling between the layers, adding a shiny, smooth texture that contrasts with the crunchy cereal. The background is a soft, dark blue that highlights the warm tones of the treats and the white marbled surface beneath the plate enhances the overall clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, any crisp rice cereal works well, including gluten-free options. You can also experiment with cereals like Fruity Pebbles or Cocoa Krispies for a fun twist.

How do I make homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?

To make a quick caramel sauce, melt ½ cup granulated sugar in a pan until golden, then stir in 3 tablespoons cubed butter and ¼ cup room-temperature heavy cream. Stir until smooth and use as directed in the recipe.