These Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth. A classic combination of crunchy Rice Krispies and ooey, gooey caramel, these treats are easy to make and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.
Do you love caramel and Rice Krispie treats?
If so, you’re in for a real treat with this delicious caramel Rice Krispie treat recipe!
Just imagine gooey, perfectly toasted marshmallows bound in sweet homemade caramel goodness.
Plus, you don’t even have to turn your oven on.
This is one of those no-bake recipes that are great for busy moms who want something easy but tasty to make.
Our Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are great for family events and potlucks.
We get tons of positive comments any time we take them anywhere!
Disclosure – I may get a small commission for purchases made through affiliate links in this post.
Key to Success #1 – Use Real Butter to Grease the Pan
This Caramel Rice Krispie Treats recipe takes a traditional recipe and makes it soooo much better.
For more flavor and ooey-gooey delight, we’re using real caramel and extra marshmallows.
Another method we add flavor is by including extra butter in the recipe and using butter to grease the pan.
When I mention butter, I mean real butter, not margarine.
I typically always use salted butter, but you could use unsalted butter.
Before you begin making your goodies, thoroughly grease a 913-inch baking dish.
Because Rice Krispie Treats are sticky, make sure the butter gets into all the corners and up the sides of the pan.
If you’re worried about getting your hands dirty, wear some disposable food-safe gloves.
I frequently use these gloves whether chopping vegetables, cutting meat, or shaping things with my hands.
Key to Success #2 – Heat Caramel Mixture in the Microwave
Alright, folks, let me break it down for you – there’s a reason why we need to melt the butter, caramel, and sweetened condensed milk together in the microwave before adding in the marshmallows.
When these three ingredients are heated up and melted together, they create a rich, smooth, and oh-so-delicious combination that is essential to making the perfect Rice Krispie treats.
Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step.
Now, as for the mini marshmallows, these little guys are the key to creating that classic gooey texture we all know and love.
We’re going to stir them into the hot caramel mixture then stir until they’re melted and smooth.
After adding the marshmallows, we don’t need to apply any more heat.
The hot caramel will do all the work for you.
Finally, let’s talk Rice Krispies cereal.
This staple ingredient is what gives these treats that satisfying crunch that we all crave.
But in order to achieve the perfect level of crunchiness without sacrificing chewiness, we need to stir in the cereal slowly and gently until it’s completely combined with the marshmallow mixture.
This will ensure that the Rice Krispies maintain their structure while also becoming wonderfully infused with that sweet and buttery flavor we’ve been building up all along.
And there you have it – the secret to the perfect Rice Krispie treats.
Key to Success #3 – Add Extra Marshmallows
When the melted marshmallow mixture is smooth, fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until well incorporated.
After that, fold in the remaining small marshmallows.
These extra marshmallows are not meant to melt entirely.
They will merely soften and melt somewhat, complementing the snacks.
Only stir in the marshmallows until they’re evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
Make sure not to over-stir them or they will melt into the Rice Krispies.
Finally, press the cereal mixture into the greased baking dish.
To keep my hands clean, I once again use a food-safe disposable glove.
Rub some butter between your palms to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Next, pour the cereal mixture into the pan and spread it to the sides with your greased hands.
I pat it into place vigorously so that the mixture doesn’t adhere to my hands while I’m working.
Once the mixture has been equally distributed in the pan, go back over it and press it firmly into the pan.
Save this Caramel Rice Krispies Treats recipe to your favorite Potluck Desserts board or your Rice Krispie Treats board.
Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl, combine butter, caramels, and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on HIGH power for 30 seconds. Stir well. Continue heating in 30-second increments until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in 5 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows and salt, if using. Continue stirring until the marshmallows are fully melted.
- Stir in Rice Krispies cereal until thoroughly combined.
- While the mixture is still warm, stir in the remaining mini marshmallows until they are distributed throughout the mixture.
- Firmly press the Rice Krispie mixture into a 9×13-inch pan that has been well-greased (with butter for extra flavor!)
Equipment
Nutrition
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