A sophisticated twist on the classic rice krispie treat, these caramelized rice krispie treats are made with an (easy) homemade caramel sauce and drizzled with chocolate.
I’m admittedly guilty of having an addictive personality. When I find something I like, I have the tendency to obsess over it. As a child, it was Star Wars and books, as an adult… well my obsessions evidently don’t really change over time, but the list does seem to grow.
Currently, my newest obsession on the list is caramel–homemade caramel sauce to be precise. Deserts filled, dipped, or ladled with copious amounts of caramel are currently resting near the top of my “favorite things” list right now, ranking even higher when paired with chocolate (and even higher when sprinkled with sea salt, too!).
Making caramel sauce on the stove top is not difficult. You aren’t making actual caramel candies here so there is no boiling and no need for a candy thermometer. While I definitely don’t recommend walking away from your caramel sauce for even a second while cooking, it’s a lot more difficult to burn than its candied equivalent and even a complete kitchen novice can manage a good sauce. As a bonus, the way the caramel smell permeates the air leaves your kitchen smelling like a candy shop.
I actually prepared two no-bake recipes for the blog and, though perhaps I should have held off on sharing another caramel dessert so quickly, this is the one that demanded to be posted today (bossy, that caramel sauce is).
I think you will love this recipe for its easy, fun twist on a nostalgic classic. The flavors are rich and intense, especially for something so easy to prepare; these would make the perfect quick treat if you need something in a pinch for a potluck or party.
These treats are thick with caramel, crunchy and chewy, less stretchy and gooey than their basic counterparts but still sticky, easy to make and sure to be a quick favorite. The chocolate drizzle is optional but very complementary, and, of course, I’ve lightly salted them too.
I refrigerated these before serving to help them firm up a little before cutting them. This helps and I recommend it, but I think they taste best as they return closer to room temperature, though they are definitely more messy this way and you won’t be able to escape eating one without sticky fingers.
A small price to pay, if you ask me.
Ingredients
- 8 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 6 Tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
- 10 oz marshmallows
- 7 cups crisped rice cereal
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate for drizzle, optional
- 1/2 tsp additional flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top optional
Instructions
- Prepare a 13x9 saucepan by greasing the bottom and sides with butter. Set aside.
- In large saucepan, melt together butter, brown sugar and heavy cream on medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
- Once butter is melted, increase heat to medium and whisk 2 minutes (do not allow to come to a boil).
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Stir in salt and vanilla.
- Stir in marshmallows, stirring constantly until completely melted.
- Stir in cereal, ensuring ingredients are well combined and cereal is entirely coated by caramel mixture.
- Spread into prepared pan.
- Melt chocolate in microwave by heating at 15 second increments and stirring regularly.
- Drizzle chocolate over cereal in pan.
- Allow to sit until chocolate hardens (this can be expedited by placing treats in refrigerator).
- Cut and serve.
Desire says
I’ve saved so many of your recipes. I just love them all so much! But, I also really enjoy the things you have to say, it truly goes to show your passion! Thanks for all you do!
Sam says
I really appreciate the positive feedback, Desire! I am so glad you enjoy my recipes. 😃😃😃
Brielle @ Breezy Bakes says
Oh yes!!! I am always looking for quick and easy gluten free treats for my daughter. She is going to LOVE these…if there are any left for her. Haha! Seriously, these look insane!
Sam says
😀 Thanks so much Brielle, I hope she likes them! 🙂
Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says
Oh man, I can never get enough of Rice Krispies..they are some of my favorite childhood treats! I love this version with the caramel and chocolate…I don’t blame you for obsessing over caramel, it does magical things to food! On another note, this post made me think of this meme I just came across in my news feed on FB…it had a couple minions and said something like “As a kid, I must have ate too many rice krispies. Now, all my body does is snap crackle and pop!” lol
Sam says
Haha, I haven’t seen that meme but I’m loving it, too cute! Thanks, Beeta! 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Lol!! I have a food addictive personality as well! But my current obsession is embarassing. Nothing nearly as cool as caramel 😀 Love your twist on the classic rice crispy treat- I mean with caramel AND chocolate what’s not to love?? My nephew and niece would flip out over these! Cheers, girlie!
Sam says
Well now I want to know what your current obsession is! Thank you, Cheyanne! 🙂
Inês Vieira says
that sea salt detail does make things better. not a big fan of rice krispies or cereal bars, but I could eat this.
http://loadsof-joy.blogspot.com
Sam says
Thank you! 🙂
Culina Sophia says
Absolutely love the idea of using caramel! When I was younger everyone used to get Squares for snacks (those rice krispies and marshmallow bars) but I was never allowed so I’m going have to make up for that now and make these… Also the sprinkling of salt at the end is so clever!
Sam says
🙂 Thank you Sophia!!
Ana | Espresso My Kitchen says
These sound so yummy with the caramel sauce, and chocolate drizzle would be a must for me, yum! 🙂
Sam says
🙂 Thanks, Ana!
Annie @ The Garlic Diaries says
Drooling, like usual, over your recipes! This looks amazing. I’m not sure what it is about rice krispies (maybe the nostalgia), but they are so irrationally good for how simple they are to make. I am obsessed!
Sam says
🙂 Thanks so much, Annie!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
These rice krispie treats are next level! So yum 🙂
Sam says
Thank you, Medha! 🙂
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
Love the added nuttiness from the caramelization. You go girl!
Sam says
Haha, thank you, Sarah! 🙂
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
These rice krispies look amazing Sam! And that chocolate drizzle on top is just beyond YUM!
Sam says
🙂 Thank you, Anu!
[email protected] Peas and Peonies says
I don’t think I can ever be too old to say no to a rice krispy, I was introduced to them when I moved to US and from the first bite it was love! I like the different flavors, and how easy they are to make.
Sam says
So simple but so delicious! Thank you, Katalina!!
Tonya says
My kiddos will love this! Well…me too! Rice Krispies are classic!
Sam says
They really are, and so good! Thanks, Tonya!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
Rice Krispie Treats bring out the kid in all of us! Love the caramel!
Sam says
Thank you, Kathy!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I can never get enough of rice krispie treats, so I’m loving these! Such a great idea to add in caramel. These wouldn’t last long in my house!
Sam says
Thank you, Gayle!