Description
A gooey, no-bake snack that combines the classic crispness of Rice Krispies cereal with rich caramel sauce and melted marshmallows, creating sweet, sticky treats perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
Quick Homemade Caramel Option
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cubed unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
Instructions
- Prep your pan: Lightly butter a 9×9-inch pan for thick bars or a 9×13-inch pan for thinner squares. Optionally, line it with parchment paper for cleaner edges.
- Melt butter & caramel: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in 1¼ cups caramel sauce and ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt until smooth and just bubbling, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
- Toast marshmallows (optional): Add the 10 ounces of mini marshmallows in batches to the caramel mixture, stirring until they are half melted. Return to low heat for an additional 30 seconds until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine with cereal: Pour the warm caramel-marshmallow mixture over the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal in a large heatproof bowl. Gently fold and toss with a rubber spatula until every flake is coated and slightly softened.
- Transfer & press: Quickly scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a lightly buttered spatula or damp hands, press the mixture gently and evenly without compressing the cereal too much to retain crispness.
- Chill & cut: Let the pan rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 30 minutes or until fully set. Lift out the treat block using parchment if lined, and slice into 16 to 24 squares with a sharp knife heated under hot water and dried for smooth cuts.
Notes
- Optional: Toast Rice Krispies cereal in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes for extra crunch—watch closely to avoid browning.
- Add ¼ cup creamy peanut butter when stirring in vanilla for a peanut butter caramel variation.
- Drizzle melted semisweet chocolate chips over cooled bars for a chocolate twist.
- Fold in ½ cup chopped dried cranberries or cherries for fruity flavor.
- Use dairy-free butter, vegan marshmallows, and coconut cream caramel to make it vegan-friendly.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual squares after flash freezing on a sheet pan for up to 2 months; allow to thaw 5–10 minutes before eating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel, Easy Recipe, no-bake, Rice Krispies Treats, Snack
