Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are unlike any rice krispie treats you have ever had. Instead of just a melted butter and marshmallow mixture, they’re based with a melted creamy caramel + marshmallow and studded with pieces of fluffy marshmallow throughout. They are unimaginably gooey and wonderful and the flaky sea salt on top just takes them to a whole new level. They are out of this world and will definitely be in the running for your favorite Crispy treats ever!
Ingredient Notes
- Rice Krispies Cereal – Any brand of puffed rice cereal will do here! Just be aware if you are serving a gluten free crowd: some brands of puffed rice cereal contain malt syrup or flavoring, which is not gluten free, so be sure to check the ingredients list. Kellogg’s Rice Krispies contain malt flavoring and are not gluten free. Ironically, Malt-O-Meal does not use malt syrup, despite what the name suggests! Store brands are often malt syrup free as well.
How to Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
- You’re going to need Rice Krispies, mini marshmallows, butter, brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, and kosher or flaked sea salt.
- In a large, heat-proof bowl, toss together the Rice Krispies and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Set aside.
- Spray an 8×8″ baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. If you want to make a 9×13 batch (like I am in these photos), simply double the recipe, or you can make it as is and instead of them being ultra thick, they will be shorter.
- In a large, heavy pot, you’ll essentially start by making a simple caramel by melting butter, brown sugar, cream and a little corn syrup. When the caramel is thick and syrupy, you’ll add in some salt and marshmallows.
Stir until the marshmallows are dissolved, then quickly pour over the Rice Krispies and stir quickly to coat completely. Transfer into your pan but don’t smash them down too crazy. Just gently press and then sprinkle with sea salt.
Allow to cool completely (I allow mine to cool in the freezer so I am then allowed to eat them more quickly) and then cut into squares.
Note: These are categorized, among other things, under gluten free. As always, if you need this to be gluten free, make sure the cereal you’re buying says it is gluten free on the packaging–not all puffed rice cereal is considered gluten free.
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! If was making a lot of these for an event, I would prepare them a day ahead of time and keep either covered tightly in plastic wrap or individually wrapped until time to serve. At home, when they have miraculously not gotten gobbled up right after making them, I’ve had them stay delicious for several days!
Love Rice Krispie Treats? Try these!
Large Batch Rice Krispie Treats
Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats
Toasted Coconut Lime Rice Krispie Treats
Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
Did You Make This?
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Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup
- 1 tsp kosher salt or flaked sea salt, plus more for sprinkling on top
- 10 oz (plus 1 cup) mini marshmallows
Instructions
- In a large, heat-proof bowl, toss together the Rice Krispies and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Set aside.
- Spray an 8x8" baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large, heavy pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. When it's melted, reduce the heat to medium and add the brown sugar, whipping cream, and corn syrup and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently to keep the caramel from scorching.
- When the caramel is thick and syrupy, add in the salt and stir to combine, then remove from heat and add the 10 ounces of marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows are dissolved, then quickly pour over the Rice Krispies and stir quickly to coat completely.
- Press into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle with sea salt. Allow to cool completely (I allow mine to cool in the freezer so I am then allowed to eat them more quickly) and then cut into squares.
Questions & Reviews
These are the BEST Rice Krispie treats ever. I have made them several times and people always ask for the recipe. I love the flaky salt on top and the little pockets of marshmallows inside are *chefs kiss*
This is my go-to recipe for parties, pot-lucks, or when I want a yummy treat. I always get asked for the recipe once people try them. The only thing I change is that I only cook the caramel for about 5 minutes, as 7 minutes always overcooks them on my stove making them hard. But these are a must-try!
Favorite recipe of all time! Always stay soft which is crucial IMO!
Made this for a friend who loves rice krispie treats… Made them and they never left the house. I ate most of them. Luckily, my husband ate the rest.
This is the best thing that has ever happened to our family! Fits are thrown by grown married children over them. 👏❤️
My favorite rice crispy treat recipe! The extra steps (and calories) are so worth it!!
This is our #1 go to recipe when we need a treat for something! Quick easy and extra delicious! (And can easily be made gluten free!) Only one problem, you’ll want to eat the whole pan. 🤗
Ok, these are my family’s favourite. Story time. I made them for a family reunion 3 summers ago. I cracked open my container the first night and gave a piece to the 3 people with me in the camp kitchen. The next morning, I notice the container is slightly open. One of my littles had taken one and didn’t get the lid securely on. I open it to discover a while bunch of little nibble marks ALL OVER THE TOP! A mouse got in and munched all over! I cried. Actual tears. Then I dumped it in the garbage. My brother-in-law proceeds to reach into the garbage, peel off the top part of the square and pop it in his mouth. 🤢 He then told me that was the best rice crispy square he had ever tasted. After that, I have brought it to almost every family gathering since and they have been lovingly renamed mice crispy squares. My sister even adds chocolate sprinkles on top for effect. 😂
They are seriously the best rice crispy square you’ll ever eat.
Happy birthday, Sara!
Stop it right now (dying at the chocolate sprinkles hahaha!). This is the funniest story- I’m glad it will forever be a part of your family lore!
I just made these for the maybe 20th time tonight and no one could believe how good they were. Again.
I don’t even like Rice Krispie treats very much but these are a whole other level.
I make them exactly as written, don’t change a thing.