These Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are a salty-sweet twist on a childhood favorite. This no-bake dessert comes together in minutes and delivers soft, chewy Krispies with rich caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
For more Rice Krispies variations, try classic homemade Rice Krispie Treats or Hot Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats.
A Salty Caramel Twist On The Classic treat
These Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats are perfectly soft and chewy — exactly what you want in a Krispie square. A silky caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt lift these from nostalgic to irresistible, so guests will be reaching for seconds.
No-bake recipes like this are great when you want an easy dessert without turning on the oven. In under an hour you’ll have a crowd-pleasing sweet with a satisfying balance of caramel and salt.
Rice Krispies treats are always popular and this version makes about a dozen or more servings, perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or just keeping on hand for hungry snackers.
Caramel Rice Krispie Treats Ingredient Notes
This recipe builds on classic Rice Krispie Treat ingredients with added caramel components for flavor and texture.
- Rice Krispies Cereal – Use a fresh, unopened box for best crispness.
- Mini Marshmallows – Melted marshmallows bind the cereal into chewy squares.
- Salted Butter – Adds richness and helps balance the sweetness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Keeps the bars soft and chewy longer.
- Soft Caramels – Melt into the mixture to create that caramel flavor.
- Salt – A small amount enhances the caramel and marshmallow flavors.
- Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the sweetness and deepens flavor.
- Optional Toppings – Extra caramel sauce for drizzling and flaky salt for finishing.
These were AMAZING and the first pan disappeared quickly. If the bottoms seem too gooey, add a little more cereal next time — an extra 1/2 cup helped make them perfect. 10 out of 10!
– Jennifer H
How To Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats
- Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat, then whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth and combined.
- Add the soft caramels and stir until they melt into the mixture. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Mix in 6½ cups of the mini marshmallows and stir until melted and glossy.
- Remove from heat and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal along with the reserved 2 cups of mini marshmallows until everything is evenly coated.
- Press the mixture gently into a prepared 9×13-inch pan using parchment or lightly greased hands. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle flaky salt. Let set for about 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips For Perfect Rice Krispie Treats
- Don’t press the mixture into the pan too hard — over-compressing will make the bars dense and tough.
- Avoid cooking the marshmallow mixture too long; overheating can cause hard, brittle treats.
- Coat hands with cooking spray or use parchment to press the mixture so you don’t get sticky.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting so they set up cleanly.
- Reserve some mini marshmallows to stir in with the cereal for extra marshmallow pockets and flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe With Cocoa Krispies?
Yes — using Cocoa Krispies would create a delicious chocolate-caramel version. For other flavor ideas, peanut butter or cookie-studded variations also work well.
How To Store Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Store cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll likely be gone long before then!
More No-Bake Cereal Treats Made With Marshmallows
- Cap’n Crunch Treats – A crunchy, colorful no-bake dessert.
- Fruity Pebbles Treats – Ready in under 30 minutes and full of bright flavor.
- Marshmallow Oreo Treats – Chocolatey squares loaded with cookie and cream flavor.
- Cocoa Pebbles Treats – Crispy, chewy marshmallow bars for chocolate lovers.
- Lucky Charms Treats – A fun, kid-friendly marshmallow cereal treat.
Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 20 soft caramels
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows divided
- 9 cups rice krispies cereal
- Caramel sauce optional topping
- Flakey salt optional topping
Instructions
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Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment and spray lightly with cooking spray.
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Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add sweetened condensed milk and stir until fully combined.
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Add the caramels and stir until melted, then stir in vanilla and salt.
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Add 6½ cups of mini marshmallows to the pot, reserving 2 cups, and stir until melted.
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Remove from heat and fold in the Rice Krispies and the reserved mini marshmallows until evenly coated.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and gently press using another piece of parchment or a lightly greased spatula.
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Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle flaky salt. Allow to set 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- How To Store: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Why They Might Turn Out Hard: Overcooking the marshmallow mixture or pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan can make the treats dense or hard.
- Substitutions: Cocoa or chocolate cereals work well for a chocolate-caramel twist.
- Tips:
- Don’t over-press the mixture into the pan to avoid tough bars.
- Use cooking spray or parchment to press the mixture without sticking.
- Let the treats cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Reserve some mini marshmallows to mix in with the cereal for extra marshmallow pockets.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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