What’s Up, Hungry People

Let me introduce you to the all-time best Rice Krispies treats I have ever made: Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats. These treats are a divine blend of salty and sweet, capturing your taste buds in a single bite.

Unlike the traditional marshmallow-heavy versions, these hunks of caramel goodness boast a soft and chewy texture that remains irresistible for days. It’s as if straight caramel and puffed rice cereal have fused into one, elevating this classic snack to an entirely new level of deliciousness.

Topped with a generous sprinkling of sea salt, it’s tough to find anyone who could resist these. They are simply addictive.

Here’s What You Need

Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the treats together.
Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Heavy cream: Contributes to the creamy texture of the caramel.
Light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization, keeping the caramel smooth.
Sea salt: Balances sweetness and adds a crunchy texture on top.
Marshmallows: Melt into a gooey, sticky binder for the cereal.
Puffed rice cereal: Offers the classic crispiness of Rice Krispies treats.

Let’s Cook

First things first, let’s get your workspace ready. Grab a 9×13 cake pan and either butter it up or give it a quick spray with cooking spray. This will make sure your treats don’t stick. Then, pour your puffed rice cereal into a big mixing bowl so it’s ready to go.

Making the Caramel

Now, onto the fun part! In a large pot, melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in the brown sugar and keep stirring. You’ll see the sugar start to melt and darken—this is where the magic happens. Next, stir in the heavy cream. Mix it all up until it’s smooth and totally combined, then whisk in the corn syrup. Keep stirring until your caramel is looking lush and smooth. Add a dash of sea salt, then turn down the heat to low just to keep it warm.

Marshmallow Time

Okay, it’s time to get a bit sticky. Set up a double boiler (or just keep using the same pot if you want to keep things simple) and throw in some butter and marshmallows. Stir them around until they start to melt and get all gooey. Now, pour that lovely warm caramel sauce right in. Keep stirring! You want everything to melt together into a dreamy, creamy mix.

Mixing It All Together

Pour that gooey marshmallow caramel goodness over the bowl of puffed rice cereal. Grab a rubber spatula (make sure it’s greased up a bit) and gently fold everything together. Make sure every single piece of cereal gets a nice coat of caramel. Oh, and why not throw in another dash of sea salt for good measure?

Setting the Treats

Scoop the mixture into your prepared pan. Now, grease up your fingers a bit and press the mixture evenly into the pan, making sure to push it into the corners. Flatten the top to make it nice and smooth.

The Finishing Touch

Sprinkle the remaining sea salt over the top—don’t be shy. Let the Rice Krispies treats sit in the pan for at least ten minutes to set. This wait is totally worth it, trust me.

Cut and Enjoy!

Once they’ve set, grab a sharp knife (a little trick: if it’s warm, it cuts smoother) and cut the treats into squares or get creative with some fun shapes.

Salted Caramel Tips

Prevent Sticky Situations: Grease your tools and hands well when mixing and spreading the mixture to avoid a sticky mess.
- When making these treats, the caramel can be quite sticky. Using a well-greased spatula, buttered hands, or even a piece of wax paper can help in pressing down the mixture into the pan without it sticking to everything.
Consistent Heat Is Key: Maintain a low and steady heat when melting caramel ingredients.
- It’s crucial to avoid burning the caramel. Keep the stove on a low heat setting throughout the cooking process to ensure that the sugar and butter melt smoothly without scorching.
Cutting Cleanly: Let the treats set completely before cutting.
- For cleaner cuts, allow the Rice Krispies treats to cool and set in the pan for at least ten minutes. Using a sharp knife, possibly dipped in hot water, can help make slicing easier and more precise.
Storage Solutions: Keep treats fresh and chewy.
- Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them chewy and delicious. They can last for several days if properly stored, but they’re usually so irresistible they might not make it that long!

So, there you have it, Hungry People—the step-by-step guide to whipping up the best salted caramel rice krispies treats you’ll ever taste. These aren’t just any treats; they’re a perfect balance of salty and sweet, sure to satisfy any craving. They’re simple to make, even easier to devour, and they stay delightfully chewy. Whether you’re making a batch for a school event, a simple family treat, or just because your sweet tooth needs attention, these treats will not disappoint.

Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats

The Starving Chef

Indulge in these chewy salted caramel rice krispies treats, a perfect mix of sweet and salty flavors.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Cooling Time 20

Total Time 1

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Quick & Easy

Servings bars

Equipment

Ingredients

½ cup + 2 tablespoons butter cut into cubes
½ cup brown sugar packed
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
4 tablespoons sea salt
10 oz marshmallows
6 cups (1 box) puffed rice cereal

Instructions

Grease a 9×13 cake pan with butter or cooking spray. Pour the puffed rice cereal into a large mixing bowl.
In a large pot, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar. Continue to stir until the brown sugar begins to melt and darken, then stir in the heavy cream. Stir until totally combined, then whisk in the corn syrup. Stir until the caramel mixture has become smooth. Sprinkle in a dash of sea salt. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
Create or use a double boiler. Add the butter and marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows begin to soften and melt. Slowly pour in the hot caramel sauce. Continuously stir until the marshmallows have totally melted into the caramel.
Pour the melted marshmallow mixture into the bowl of cereal. Use a rubber spatula to fold the cereal over and over until it is totally covered in caramel. Sprinkle in another dash of sea salt.
Spread the cereal mixture into the greased cake pan. Grease your fingers with butter or spray lightly with oil, and press the top of the cereal into the corners. Gently press down and flatten into a smooth layer.
Sprinkle the remaining sea salt over the top. Rest the rice krispies treats in the pan for at least ten minutes to set. Use a sharp knife to cut the rice krispies into even squares, or use a cookie cutter to cut into fun shapes. Enjoy!