Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic Rice Krispie treats, adding a layer of gooey salted caramel for a sweet and salty flavor explosion. These bars are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or for sharing at parties and gatherings. With the crispy texture of Rice Krispies cereal combined with the rich caramel and a hint of sea salt, these bars are sure to become a favorite dessert for both kids and adults alike.
Recipe: Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Bars
Ingredients:
For the Rice Krispie Bars:
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or any crispy rice cereal)
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (about one 10-ounce bag)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Salted Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice Krispie Bars:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat.
- Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
- Press into Pan:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a buttered spatula or wax paper to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Make the Salted Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon.
- The sugar will clump and eventually melt into a thick, amber-colored liquid as you continue stirring. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
- Once the sugar is completely melted and caramelized, carefully add the cubed butter to the saucepan, stirring constantly until melted and combined.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring vigorously. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
- Cook the caramel for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the warm salted caramel evenly over the Rice Krispie layer in the baking dish.
- Use a spatula to spread the caramel into an even layer over the bars.
- Sprinkle additional sea salt over the caramel layer for a salty finish, if desired.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Bars cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel to set.
- Once cooled and set, cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Serve and enjoy these delicious bars as a sweet treat!
Tips:
- Work quickly when mixing the Rice Krispie cereal with the marshmallow mixture, as it can harden as it cools.
- For easier cutting, you can grease the knife with butter or cooking spray before slicing the bars.
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds to the caramel layer for added crunch.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra decadent touch.
- Use flavored marshmallows such as vanilla or strawberry for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Bars are a delightful combination of crispy cereal, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party or a special treat at home, these bars are sure to be a hit!