Name: Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for pan); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for marshmallows); 10 ounces mini marshmallows; 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 2 (14-ounce) packages Kraft caramels (unwrapped); 0.25 cup heavy whipping cream; flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

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There’s something utterly comforting about Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats—fragrant steam rising from the pan, glossy caramel pooling at the edges, and that satisfying crackle as you bite in. After testing this recipe half a dozen times, I’ve dialed in the buttered pan trick to release every square cleanly, and discovered the exact scoop of cream that keeps the caramel silky without greasiness.

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Buttery marshmallow base with gooey pockets of salted caramel drizzle
Crispy texture held together by a glossy, gently crackling exterior
Sweet and salty contrast that appeals to every age
A modern twist on a nostalgic treat, inspired by classic candy culture

A Little Background

On my first go, I lined the pan with parchment—and the bars stuck like glue. That’s when I tested buttering directly in a cold pan, chilling it for 5 minutes, and getting neat edges every time. Inspired by candy-making traditions, these bars arrived just in time for a fall bake sale, where they vanished within moments.

Key Ingredients for Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons): Coats the pan and prevents sticking; can swap for coconut oil for a subtle aroma.
Mini marshmallows (10 ounces): Provides the silky matrix; ensure fresh, soft marshmallows for smooth melting.
Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): Delivers that tender-with-slight-bite crunch; use generic brand for cost-saving without texture loss.
Kraft caramels (2×14 ounces), unwrapped: Melts into a rich, nutty-toasted scented sauce; brown sugar caramels work too.
Heavy whipping cream (¼ cup): Thins the caramel to a glossy drizzle; don’t reduce or it will seize.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled atop for that gentle crackle and punch of saltiness.

How to Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Butter a 13×9-inch baking pan, chill 5 minutes until firm. (Testing note: The cold surface helps release each bar cleanly.)
In a large saucepan over LOW heat, melt 5 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once foamy (about 2 minutes), add all 10 ounces mini marshmallows and stir constantly until marshmallows are silky smooth and glossy, then remove from heat.
Stir in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal until each flake is coated, the mixture becomes tender with slight bite, then press evenly into the prepared pan using a buttered spatula or lightly buttered hands.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 bags (14 ounces each) unwrapped caramels with ¼ cup heavy whipping cream. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute, stir; continue at 20–30 second intervals until soft bubbling and fully smooth.
Drizzle the hot caramel over the pressed treats, spreading in gentle zigzags. Immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt all over. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Always stir marshmallows off-heat once melted to avoid scorching, a discovery from my third trial where slight browning altered the flavor.
If the caramel seizes or becomes grainy, add a teaspoon more cream and stir over gentle heat until smooth.
For a seasonal twist, fold in chopped toasted pecans or sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon before the caramel sets.
To double the batch, use a 15×10 pan and extend chilling by 10 minutes; to halve, a loaf pan works nicely with 20-minute chill.

Storage & Make-Ahead Guide

Store Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—any longer and they lose crispness. For longer storage, freeze airtight for up to 1 month and thaw at room temperature. Always wait until fully cooled before covering to avoid sogginess, and discard if left unrefrigerated over 2 hours in warm conditions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Warmed: Briefly zap a square in the microwave (5 seconds) for gooey edges. Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of espresso for an adult twist. Cut into mini bites for party platters alongside fresh fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you soften caramels for drizzling? Microwave unwrapped caramels with cream in 20–30 second bursts, stirring until soft bubbling and silky.
Can I use salted butter in Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats? Yes, but reduce the final flaky sea salt to avoid over-salting.
What’s the best way to press Rice Krispie Treats in a pan? Use a lightly buttered spatula or gloves to gently press without compacting too firmly—this keeps them tender.
How do I store Rice Krispie Treats to keep them fresh? Seal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 1 month.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes—prepare up to 24 hours ahead, cool completely, then cover tightly to preserve crispness.
Why are my Rice Krispie Treats not crispy? Overheating the marshmallows or packing too tightly can cause them to become dense rather than tender-crisp.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats have quickly become my go-to for snacks and celebrations alike. My favorite way is a warm square with a touch of sea salt and a big mug of tea. Give them a try, and share your feedback—especially if you add pecans or try that espresso drizzle!

More Recipes You’ll Love

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars – carries over the sweet-and-salty vibe with crunchy edges
Ooey Gooey Butter Bars – similar buttery-bar texture that balances richness
Chocolate Covered Chips – a fun DIY candy twist for topping or dipping treats