Caramel Rice Krispie Treats: The classic recipe we all know and love with a caramel twist! This quick, easy recipe has a creamy, dulce de leche taste and more chewy consistency than regular Rice Krispie treats!
We’ve made versions of this no bake recipe before (Oreo Rice Krispie Treats), but this is our new favorite. That caramel takes this to a whole new level!
Why you’ll love this recipe
We all have nostalgic memories of eating crispy treats when we were little, but Rice Krispy treats aren’t just for kids! This next level Krispie treat recipe is a delicious twist on the traditional Rice Krispie treat that your whole family can enjoy.
The caramel flavor isn’t overpowering- it’s a creamy, dulce de leche flavor and has a nice, chewy consistency. That little bit of caramel flavor pairs perfectly with the iconic marshmallow flavor!
If you like a good Rice Krispie treat and you’re a fan of creamy caramel, you’re going to love these caramel Rice Krispies!
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Ingredients for caramel Rice Krispie treats
You only need the following ingredients to make these yummy caramel treats!
- 1 package caramels (11 oz., unwrapped)
- 1/4 cup butter
- Package 16 oz. big marshmallows (or mini marshmallows)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 6 cups rice krispies
You can jump to the recipe card to get the condensed version of this recipe, or keep reading to see step by step photos and instructions!
Instructions to make caramel Rice Krispies
- Grease 9×13 baking pan with butter or cooking spray (alternatively you could line the 9×13 with a piece of parchment paper).
- Melt butter over low heat in a stock pot (make sure it’s a big enough pot to add in the 6 cups of rice krispies eventually).
- Add milk, caramels, and vanilla to your melted butter. Melt over low heat, stirring often (use a rubber spatula to help scrape the sides of the post every once in a while).
- Next, add in your marshmallows and continue cooking over low heat. Stir often until you melt marshmallows completely (be careful, hot caramel and marshmallows can easily burn if you get them on yourself).
- Lastly, add your Rice Krispies to the marshmallow mixture in the pot and quickly stir them in to mix evenly.
- Pour your Rice Krispies mixture into your prepared pan and press mixture into an even layer using a lightly buttered spatula.
* Sometimes the Rice Krispies stick to the spatula and make it hard to press the mixture evenly into the pan. If this happens, try this- get a glass of ice cold water and set it beside you. Dip a metal spoon into the ice water so it’s cold and then use that to press the mixture down into the pan. If it starts sticking again, dip it back into the glass of ice water to chill the spoon again.
- Let your Rice Krispies cool and then cut into 12 squares and serve! You can drizzle some caramel sauce on top of the bars as a decoration if you like.
Substitutions
Here are a few helpful substitutions for you in case you are out of one of the ingredients…
- Marshmallows- if you don’t have larger marshmallows, you can replace them with approximately 9 cups marshmallows of other sizes or 1 jar of marshmallow fluff.
- Butter- if you don’t have butter on hand, margarine will work in a pinch.
Variations
Although this recipe is delicious just as it is, there are lots of ways you can change it up and make it your own.
- Add Salt -Are you a salted caramel fan? Me too! Sprinkle some coarse sea salt or flaky sea salt on top of these treats and turn them into salted caramel Rice Krispie treats!
- Chocolate – If you’re a chocolate fan, spread some melted chocolate chips on top of the Rice Krispie layers and make chocolate caramel Rice Krispie treat!
- Cereal Swap – Have you ever tried making cereal bars with other cereals? If not, put it on your “to try” list for next time! You can use any of your favourite cereals in place of the Rice Krispies called for in this recipe to create a brand new treat (Lucky Charms, Cheerios, the options are endless)!
Storage
These are best if enjoyed the day they are made, but you can store your leftover caramel Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.
You could also wrap each of the individual cereal bars in plastic wrap OR leave the entire 9×13 of Rice Krispie bars uncut and tightly cover the whole pan with plastic wrap to maximize freshness.
Expert Tips and FAQs
Using too high of heat is usually the reason for hard Rice Krispie squares. If the marshmallow and caramel get too hot, the sugar will start to change into more of a hard candy.
For the best results, we recommend keeping your heat to low (even though it takes a bit longer). If you do use medium heat, watch very closely to make sure you aren’t overcooking! We don’t recommend medium-high heat as this is very likely to burn your Rice Krispies…and no one likes a burnt dessert recipe.
Yes! Making these treats in the microwave is a great alternative to the stove top method if you are short on time. Here’s what you do…
– In a microwave safe large bowl, heat your butter, caramel and marshmallows on high for 3 minutes, stirring after each minute.
– Stir in vanilla and Rice Krispies until well coated with the caramel/marshmallow mixture.
– Using a lightly buttered spatula (or the cold spoon method we mentioned above), press mixture into a 9×13″ pan so it’s an even layer.
– Allow to cool slightly then cut into squares.
Related Recipes
If you liked our caramel twist on this old favorite, you’re in luck! We have SO many other recipes for you to try that are bursting with caramel flavor, like our caramel corn recipe or our caramel cupcakes with caramel buttercream frosting!
Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 1- 11 oz package of caramels unwrapped (Kraft caramels work well)
- ¼ cup butter
- 1- 16 oz package of marshmallows (or mini marshmallows)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 6 cups Rice Krispies (or other crispy rice cereal)
Instructions
- Grease 9×13 baking pan with butter or cooking spray (alternatively you could line the 9×13 with a piece of parchment paper).
- Melt butter over low heat in a stock pot (make sure it's a big enough pot to add in the 6 cups of rice krispies eventually).
- Add milk, caramels, and vanilla to your melted butter. Melt over low heat, stirring often (use a rubber spatula to help scrape the sides of the post every once in a while).
- Next, add in your marshmallows and continue cooking over low heat. Stir often until you melt marshmallows completely (be careful, hot caramel and marshmallows can easily burn if you get them on yourself).
- Lastly, add your Rice Krispies to the marshmallow mixture in the pot and quickly stir them in to mix evenly.
- Pour your Rice Krispies mixture into your prepared pan and press mixture into an even layer using a lightly buttered spatula. * Sometimes the Rice Krispies stick to the spatula and make it hard to press the mixture evenly into the pan. If this happens, try this- get a glass of ice cold water and set it beside you. Dip a metal spoon into the ice water so it is cold and then use that to press the mixture down into the pan. If it starts sticking again, dip it back into the glass of ice water to chill the spoon again.
- Let your Rice Krispies cool and then cut into 12 squares and serve! You can drizzle some caramel sauce on top of the bars as a decoration if you like.
Notes
– Stir in vanilla and Rice Krispies until well coated with the caramel/marshmallow mixture.
– Using a lightly buttered spatula (or the cold spoon method we mentioned above), press mixture into a 9×13″ pan so it’s an even layer.
– Allow to cool slightly then cut into squares.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Matt says
I love rice krispies treats and caramel! This recipe combines both perfectly. These are so good and easy to make. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Jessica says
Oh good!! I’m thrilled that you liked these treats too! Thank you for sharing!
Anna says
I am obsessed with these treats! I can never just have one piece. They are that good!
Jessica says
Oh Anna, I’m the same way! So glad that you liked these treats too! Thank you for sharing.
Heather Rose says
I made these last night and they are all gone. My kids and friends devoured them! My husband didn’t even get one 🙂
Jessica says
Haha! That sounds exactly what happens at our house when we make these caramel rice crispy treats! So glad you liked them!