These Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are made with marshmallows, brown butter, and infused with gooey homemade caramel sauce for a sweet twist on a beloved classic. These no-bake treats come together in 30 minutes and are great for parties, potlucks, and stealing the show at bake sales.
Gooey Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispie Treats are a classic no-bake treat that’s stood the test of time. Make them better by using brown butter and adding a homemade caramel sauce.
I love recipes with homemade caramel sauce, whether it’s slathered over gooey cinnamon rolls or combined with cream cheese for a fantastic frosting. So adding it to Rice Krispie treats makes perfect sense.
You’ll make a simple homemade caramel sauce with basic pantry staples, then make the Rice Krispie treat base using brown butter. The brown butter adds a hint of nutty flavor that makes everything better.
The best part is that the caramel is mixed right into the Rice Krispie treat mixture for a pop of caramel flavor in each bite.
Once the treats are cooled, you can drizzle extra caramel on top for even more sweetness. The caramel will firm up as it cools but they will still be a little sticky.
These are hands-down the best Rice Krispie treats you’ll ever eat.
Pantry Picks for Perfect Caramel Krispies
Here are some of the key ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Make sure to check the recipe card for the full list.
- Light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization and keeps the caramel smooth.
- Mini marshmallows: These melt more easily than regular-sized marshmallows, but you can use the standard size if you like.
- Rice Krispie Cereal: You can’t have Rice Krispie treats without this iconic cereal.
Step-by-Step to Gooey Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Step One: Make the Caramel Sauce
Tip: Swirling the pan gently is fine, but avoid stirring to prevent crystallization. Also, when you add cream to the hot caramel, it will bubble up vigorously. Pour it in gradually while stirring constantly to prevent splatters.
Step Two: Make the Rice Krispie Mixture
Tip: Browning the butter adds a nutty richness, but don’t let it burn. Watch closely and remove from heat as soon as it turns golden brown.
Step Three: Set and Serve
Tip: Cutting too soon can cause the treats to fall apart or get sticky.
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Ingredients
Caramel Sauce
- 1 ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Rice Krispie Treats
- ½ cup butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 cups Rice Krispies
Instructions
Caramel Sauce
- In a saucepan, add sugar, water and corn syrup and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, without stirring. Cook until it turns a slightly yellow straw color, about 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook until it turns an amber color about 5 minutes. A thermometer should read 350º. You can swirl the pan but avoid stirring.
- Remove from the heat and stir in cream, vanilla and salt. It will sizzle. Stir until it is smooth. Pour into a glass bowl to cool. This makes 2 cups so you will have extra.
Rice Krispie Treats
- Butter a 9 x 13 pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Immediately add the marshmallows, whisking until smooth.
- Remove from the heat and add vanilla, salt and ½ cup of caramel sauce, whisk until combined. Add Rice Krispies, stirring quickly to coat the cereal. Place in the prepared pan and flatten it into the pan. Let it cool to room temperature.
- If desired, drizzle caramel over the cooled Rice Krispie bars.
Notes
- You will have extra caramel, you can store it in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks or in the freezer for several months.
