Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats – The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Dessert

If you’re craving a sweet and salty treat that’s both indulgent and easy to make, Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are the answer! These gooey, crispy, and perfectly salted bites take the classic Rice Krispie treat to the next level. The rich caramel flavor combined with the light crispiness of the Rice Krispies creates a dessert that’s hard to resist. 😋

Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a party, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these treats will definitely be a hit. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats step by step!

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Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

✅ Sweet & Salty Perfection – The perfect balance of caramel sweetness and saltiness. 🍯🧂
✅ Quick & Easy – With minimal ingredients, this treat is quick to whip up! ⏰
✅ Kid-Friendly – A fun and easy recipe to make with the kids. 👧👦
✅ No-Bake Recipe – No need to turn on the oven! 🔥
✅ Customizable – Add in chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins for extra flavor. 🍫🌰

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering treats:

🍯 For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor. 🧈
• 1 cup brown sugar – Brown sugar gives the caramel its rich flavor. 🍬
• ¼ cup heavy cream – For a creamy caramel sauce. 🥛
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds sweetness and depth. 🍦
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt – To balance out the sweetness. 🧂

🥄 For the Rice Krispie Treats:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The crispy base of the treat. 🥣
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – For the classic treat texture. 🧈
• 10 oz mini marshmallows – The gooey, marshmallowy goodness. 🍡
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – For a little extra flavor boost. 🍦
• Pinch of sea salt – For that perfect salty touch. 🧂

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Substitutions & Variations

There are several ways to make these treats your own:

✔️ Butter – You can use salted butter for extra flavor, but be sure to reduce the additional sea salt. 🧈
✔️ Marshmallows – Swap mini marshmallows for regular marshmallows if that’s what you have on hand. 🍡
✔️ Add-ins – Mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even crushed pretzels for added texture and flavor. 🍫🌰
✔️ Vegan Option – Use dairy-free butter and vegan marshmallows for a plant-based version. 🌱

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce 🍯

1️⃣ Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
2️⃣ Add Brown Sugar & Cream: Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
3️⃣ Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. It should thicken up slightly during this time.
4️⃣ Add Vanilla & Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Set aside to cool slightly. This is your salted caramel sauce! 😍

💡 Tip: For an extra smooth caramel sauce, whisk constantly while the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers.

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Step 2: Prepare the Rice Krispie Base 🥄

1️⃣ Melt the Butter & Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir until they’re completely melted and smooth. 🍡
2️⃣ Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra flavor.
3️⃣ Mix in Rice Krispies: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring until the marshmallow mixture fully coats all the cereal.
4️⃣ Season with Salt: Add a pinch of sea salt to the mixture. This will enhance the sweetness and balance out the flavors. 🧂

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t over-mix the Rice Krispies with the marshmallows—just stir enough to coat the cereal evenly. This will ensure your treats have the perfect texture!

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Step 3: Combine the Caramel & Rice Krispies 🍯

1️⃣ Grease the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2️⃣ Spread the Rice Krispie Mixture: Transfer the Rice Krispie mixture into the prepared pan. Gently press it down with a spatula to form an even layer.
3️⃣ Drizzle with Caramel: Pour the warm salted caramel sauce evenly over the Rice Krispies. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. You can drizzle a little extra if you want more caramel flavor. 😋
4️⃣ Let It Set: Allow the mixture to cool and set for at least 30 minutes. This ensures the caramel and Rice Krispies bond together. 🔥

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Step 4: Slice & Serve 🍽️

Once your treats are set, cut them into squares or rectangles. Now, it’s time to enjoy these delightful, gooey treats! 🎉

💡 Optional Topping: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top of the treats for an added salty kick. 🌟

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Serving Suggestions 🍴

These Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with the following ideas:

🍫 With Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an added layer of decadence.
🍨 As Ice Cream Toppings: Crumble the Rice Krispie treats over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a crunchy and creamy dessert combo.
🍓 Serve with Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or sliced bananas to balance the sweetness. 🍓🍌
🎉 For Special Occasions: Wrap individual squares in clear plastic wrap tied with a ribbon for a cute and delicious gift or party favor! 🎁

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Storage & Reheating 🍞

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Keep your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• They will last up to 4 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the fridge.

❄️ Freezing:

• These treats freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• To defrost, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

🔥 Reheating:

• If you want to enjoy your treats warm, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The caramel will soften, and they’ll taste just as good as when they were first made!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! These treats actually hold up really well when made a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container.

2️⃣ Can I Make These Without Caramel?

Absolutely! You can skip the caramel and stick with the classic Rice Krispie treats for a lighter version, or drizzle chocolate over them instead. 🍫

3️⃣ Can I Add More Salt?

Yes! If you love that salty-sweet flavor, feel free to add a bit more sea salt to the caramel or on top of the treats. 🧂

4️⃣ Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, Rice Krispies can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free cereal. Just double-check the ingredients on the cereal box! 🌾

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Conclusion – A Perfect Balance of Sweet & Salty 🍯💖

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings. With crispy Rice Krispies, gooey marshmallows, and rich salted caramel, every bite is a delicious indulgence. These treats are simple to make, customizable, and ideal for any occasion. 🍰🎉

Give them a try at your next family gathering, potluck, or just as a sweet treat for yourself—you won’t regret it! 😍