Introduction
Indulge your sweet tooth with these delightful Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats. This recipe takes the classic Rice Krispie treat to a new level by enhancing it with rich caramel flavor and a touch of salt. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a simple snack, these treats are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
¾ cup caramel sauce, divided
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows (approximately 6 cups)
10 cups (290 grams) Rice Krispies cereal
Additional kosher salt, for garnish
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Enjoy your homemade Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Caramel
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter and ½ cup of the caramel sauce, stirring constantly until the butter is fully melted.
Step 3: Add Salt and Marshmallows
Add the kosher salt and mini marshmallows to the pot. Continue stirring until the marshmallows have completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pot from heat.
Step 4: Incorporate Rice Krispies
Using a rubber spatula sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until it is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it into an even layer without compacting it too much to maintain a light texture.
Step 6: Cool the Mixture
Allow the treats to cool to room temperature, approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
Step 7: Drizzle with Caramel
Once cooled, drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with additional kosher salt to taste.
Step 8: Cut and Serve
Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Tip for Even Coating
Spraying the rubber spatula with non-stick cooking spray helps to prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking, making it easier to fold in the Rice Krispies.
Cooling Time
Make sure to let the treats cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Cook techniques
Melt Butter and Caramel
Melt butter and ½ cup of caramel sauce over medium-low heat in a large pot, stirring constantly to ensure it does not burn or stick.
Fold in Marshmallows
Add kosher salt and mini marshmallows to the melted mixture, stirring until completely melted and smooth. This technique ensures that the marshmallows integrate well without clumping.
Coat the Rice Krispies
Gently fold in Rice Krispies cereal with a rubber spatula sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Be careful not to compact the mixture too much to keep a light texture.
Press into Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it evenly using a spatula, which helps shape the treats without making them dense.
Cool Before Cutting
Allow the treats to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to set properly before cutting, as cooling helps maintain their shape.
Drizzle and Garnish
After cooling, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with additional kosher salt for a savory contrast to the sweetness.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful to adjust or omit the added kosher salt in the recipe.
What can I substitute for mini marshmallows?
You can use marshmallow fluff as a substitute, but the texture and consistency may vary slightly.
How can I store leftover Rice Krispie treats?
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for optimal freshness.
Can I add other ingredients to the Rice Krispies mixture?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for additional flavor and texture.
Is there a way to make these treats vegan?
Yes, use a plant-based butter and vegan marshmallows to make a vegan version of these treats.
Conclusion
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet caramel and fluffy marshmallows with these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats. They’re a perfect treat for any occasion, offering a satisfyingly chewy texture and a hint of salt to balance the sweetness. These treats are simple to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike. Enjoy every gooey bite!
Chocolate Drizzle Variation
Enhance the flavor by drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled treats instead of caramel. Dark, milk, or white chocolate work wonderfully.
Nutty Addition
Incorporate chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the mixture for an extra crunch and a delicious nutty flavor.
Cookie Butter Swirl
Add a swirl of cookie butter to the melted marshmallow mixture for a unique flavor twist that complements the caramel beautifully.
Seasonal Flavors
Experiment with seasonal flavors by adding pumpkin spice or peppermint extract to the mixture, creating delicious variations perfect for holidays.
Fruit Twist
Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.
Mint Chocolate Chip
Add mint extract to the melted marshmallow mixture and fold in mini chocolate chips for a refreshing mint chocolate chip treat.
