Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Published: October 17, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These treats come together in just 30 minutes with no oven required.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home; they’re guaranteed to impress.
Gooey Goodness: The combination of vegan marshmallows and caramel creates a satisfyingly sticky texture.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
No Special Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip these up anytime.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Baking dish (9×13”)
Nonstick cooking spray
Mixing spoon
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: This allows you to melt ingredients evenly without burning them.
Baking dish: A 9×13” pan is perfect for shaping your treats into bars.
Nonstick cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking, making it easy to remove the treats once set.
Spatula: Useful for evenly pressing down the mixture into the pan.

Ingredients

To create your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats, gather the following ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter
1 (10 oz) bag mini vegan marshmallows
5 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 (11 oz) bag caramel melts
Flaky sea salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Line a 9×13” baking dish with foil and lightly mist it with nonstick spray. This step ensures that your treats will pop out easily later.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Caramel

In a large pot over medium-low heat:
1. Melt the butter completely.
2. Stir in about two-thirds of the caramel melts along with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
3. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Add Vegan Marshmallows

Add in the mini vegan marshmallows (reserve a small handful for topping):
1. Stir until they melt into a gooey mixture.

Step 4: Fold in Rice Krispies

Remove the pot from heat:
1. Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies.
2. Ensure every piece is coated in the caramel-marshmallow mixture.

Step 5: Press Mixture into Pan

Scoop the mixture into your prepared baking dish:
1. Allow it to sit for a minute as it will be hot.
2. Lightly coat your hands with nonstick spray and press down evenly.

Step 6: Cool and Top

Let the bars cool at room temperature:
1. Once set, top with reserved mini vegan marshmallows.

Step 7: Drizzle with Caramel

Melt the remaining caramel:
1. Drizzle it over the top of your treats while still warm.
2. Sprinkle flaky salt on top so it sticks nicely.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once everything has set:
1. Lift the foil out of the pan and slice into bars.
2. Enjoy your delicious Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these treats can be customized to enhance their appeal.

As Individual Bars

Serve the bars cut into squares for easy handling. Wrap each bar in parchment paper for a cute presentation at parties.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

Pair your treats with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The creaminess contrasts beautifully with the chewy texture of the bars.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

For an indulgent twist, drizzle additional warm caramel sauce over the top before serving. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

Garnished with Nuts

Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the top for added crunch. This not only enhances flavor but also adds a delightful texture.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange the bars on a dessert platter alongside other sweet treats like cookies and brownies. This makes for an impressive dessert table at gatherings.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

To ensure your Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your marshmallows and cereal are fresh for the best taste and texture.
Do Not Overheat: When melting the butter and caramel, keep the heat low. Overheating can change the texture of your treats.
Press Firmly: While pressing the mixture into the pan, apply even pressure to ensure the bars hold together well once set.
Let Them Cool Completely: Allow your treats to cool completely before slicing them into bars. This helps maintain their shape.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like chocolate chips or sprinkles for added fun!

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

While Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the treats.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add elegance and a touch of decadence that pairs well with caramel flavors.
Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and airy coconut cream offers a dairy-free alternative that complements the rich bars.
Mini Cupcakes: Light vanilla or chocolate cupcakes can create a delightful dessert spread when served alongside.
Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage can balance out the sweetness and provide comfort, making your dessert experience more enjoyable.
Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses can offer savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet treats, enhancing flavor variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats can be easy, but a few common mistakes can ruin the fun. Here are some tips to ensure your treats turn out perfectly.

Skipping the nonstick spray: Not using nonstick spray on your baking dish can make it difficult to remove the bars later. Always remember to lightly coat the dish for easy removal.
Overheating the mixture: Cooking the butter and caramel too long can lead to a hard texture rather than a chewy one. Melt over medium-low heat and stir gently for best results.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Eyeballing ingredients can change the texture and taste of your treats. Use precise measurements, especially for Rice Krispies and marshmallows.
Rushing the cooling process: Cutting into the bars too soon may cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature before slicing.
Forgetting to reserve toppings: Skipping the step of saving some mini vegan marshmallows for topping can reduce visual appeal. Reserve some before mixing them in for that extra touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap for convenience.

Reheating Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Oven: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm bars for about 5-10 minutes until soft.
Microwave: Heat bars in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until just warm; be careful not to overheat.
Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm slowly, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats?

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are sweet, chewy bars made from crispy cereal, melted vegan marshmallows, and salted caramel, creating a delightful blend of flavors.

How do I make these treats gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats, simply use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I customize my Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to personalize your treats. Just mix them in with the cereal before pressing into the pan.

How long do these treats last?

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week or can be frozen for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful combination of sweet and salty that everyone will love. They are perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite add-ins! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite.

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