Hey, it’s Clara from Cooking Inspired! Remember those days when you craved something sweet but were short on time? I sure do! Between school events, playdates, and the endless list of to-dos, finding time to bake feels impossible. That’s why I’m so excited to share my Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats recipe with you. They’re the ultimate treat for busy moms, women, and families. This decadent take on a classic childhood treat takes about 20 minutes, tops! The perfect balance of salty and sweet is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and they’re packed with flavor.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
This recipe is truly special, and I know you’ll love it. My Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are:
- The perfect balance of sweet and salty!
- Ready in under 20 minutes; ideal for busy weeknights.
- A fun twist on a childhood favorite that adults will adore too!
- No fancy equipment needed, just a pot and a pan.
Amazing Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- In a large, heavy pot, melt the vegetable shortening 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.
Notes
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these irresistible treats.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies (provides the classic crispy texture)
- ½ cup vegetable shortening (adds moisture and helps bind the treats)
- ½ cup dark brown sugar (creates a rich caramel flavor)
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (makes the caramel smooth and decadent)
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup (prevents sugar crystallization in the caramel)
- 1 tsp kosher salt or flaked sea salt, plus more for sprinkling on top (enhances the sweetness and adds a salty counterpoint)
- 10 oz (plus 1 cup) mini marshmallows (binds the treats together and adds extra chewiness)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Follow these simple steps for perfect Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats every time.
- 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.
- In a large, heavy pot, melt the vegetable shortening 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.
Ingredient Deep Dive
Let’s explore why each ingredient is essential for achieving the perfect Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats.
- Dark Brown Sugar: The molasses in dark brown sugar is what gives these treats their rich, caramel flavor. Light brown sugar can be substituted, but the flavor will be less intense.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The fat content in heavy cream is essential for creating a smooth and stable caramel. Milk or half-and-half won’t work as well and may result in a grainy caramel.
- Vegetable Shortening: Shortening helps keep the treats soft. Butter can be used, but the treats may be slightly firmer.
Variations on Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Want to get creative? Here are some fun variations to try!
| Variation | Key Ingredient Addition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Salted Caramel | 1/2 cup melted chocolate chips drizzled on top | Use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference. |
| Vegan Salted Caramel | Vegan marshmallows, vegan butter, and coconut cream | Ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly. The taste and texture may vary slightly. |
| Peanut Butter Salted Caramel | 1/4 cup peanut butter added to the caramel mixture | Adds a nutty flavor that complements the salted caramel perfectly. |
| S’mores Salted Caramel | 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers stirred into the mix | Adds a hint of cinnamon and a classic s’mores flavor. |
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the equipment you’ll need.
- 8×8 inch Baking Pan: This size pan provides the perfect thickness for the treats. You can use a 9×13 inch pan, but the treats will be thinner.
- Large, Heavy Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot is essential for making caramel. It will distribute the heat evenly and prevent scorching.
- Candy Thermometer (Optional): While not strictly necessary, a candy thermometer can help you ensure that the caramel reaches the correct temperature.
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Let’s troubleshoot potential issues to ensure your treats turn out perfectly.
- My caramel is too hard: You may have cooked the caramel for too long. Next time, use a candy thermometer and remove from heat when it reaches the soft ball stage (235°F).
- My treats are too sticky: You may have used too many marshmallows. Make sure to measure the marshmallows accurately.
- Why are my treats soggy?: This can happen if you add too much liquid to the caramel, or if you don’t allow the treats to cool completely before cutting them.
How to Store Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Here’s how to keep your treats fresh and delicious.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the treats individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep Rice Krispie treats from getting hard?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding extra marshmallows can also help keep them soft.
Why are my Rice Krispie treats so hard?
Overcooking the caramel or using too little shortening can cause the treats to harden.
How long do homemade Rice Krispie treats last?
They will last for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to 2 months in the freezer.
How do you make Rice Krispie treats soft and chewy?
Use plenty of marshmallows, don’t overcook the caramel, and store them in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: Calculate and insert [estimated calorie count]
- Fat: [Calculate and insert estimated fat content]
- Sugar: [Calculate and insert estimated sugar content]
Enjoy Your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats!
I hope you enjoy making and eating these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats as much as I do! It always feels good to share yummy treats with my loved ones. Now, I want to see your creations! Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on social media using #CookingInspiredTreats. I can’t wait to see your masterpieces. If you have any questions or just want to share your results, leave a comment below. Happy cooking!
