Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

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Last updated on August 15th, 2025 at 09:36 pm

If you’re looking for easy fall desserts that taste amazing and come together in minutes, these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are it. Soft and chewy with gooey marshmallow, a sweet caramel drizzle, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they’re the perfect no-bake desserts for any fall occasion. Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, a party, or a cozy night at home, they’re a treat everyone will love.

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Ingredients for Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

For the base:

5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon salt (optional, if using unsalted butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the salted caramel topping:

20–25 soft caramels (such as Kraft or Werther’s), unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
¼–½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (Maldon or kosher salt)

How to Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

1. Prepare your pan.
Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides.

2. Brown the butter.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. It will start to foam and froth, this is normal. Continue heating and stirring, until the foam subsides and you see golden brown specks forming at the bottom (You might have to move the foam aside to see them). When it smells nutty and fragrant, quickly add the marshmallows.

browned butter with minimal foam and brown specks floating in the bottom

3. Melt the marshmallows.
Reduce the heat to low and add the mini marshmallows and salt (if using) to the browned butter. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Turn off the burner.

4. Add the cereal.
Working quickly, fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture until every piece is coated. If you find the marshmallows are hardening, you can keep the heat on low for your burner.

rice krispies cereals mixed into melted butter and marshmallows

Press into the pan.
Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Using a slightly greased piece of piece of parchment paper, gently press it into an even layer. Don’t press too hard or the bars will be dense.

Melt the caramel topping.
Place the unwrapped soft caramels and cream (or milk) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 50% power in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until melted and smooth (about 1½–2 minutes total).
You can also melt the caramels with cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.

Drizzle and sprinkle.
While the treats are still in the pan, drizzle the warm caramel evenly over the top. You can spread it a bit with a butter knife or rubber spatula.
Sprinkle with sea salt while the caramel is still wet.

caramel spread on top of brown butter rice krispie treats

Cool and cut.
Let the treats cool for about an hour at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes if you’re in a hurry. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, slice into squares, and serve.

Pro Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Don’t rush the browned butter. Let the butter foam and froth, then watch for the golden brown specks at the bottom of the pan and that nutty aroma; it’s what gives the treats their rich, toasty flavor.
Melt the caramel last. Since caramel firms up as it cools, wait until your cereal mixture is already in the pan before melting it.
Drizzle or spread, your choice. For defined lines of caramel, drizzle it in thin ribbons and leave it as is. For a more even glaze, spread the caramel lightly over the top with a butter knife or spatula.
For extra caramel flavor, double the topping and swirl some into the marshmallow mixture before pressing it into the pan.
Freeze caramel for cookie recipes. If you’re using the same caramels for another recipe (like caramel-stuffed cookies), chop and freeze those pieces before melting the rest for these bars.
Don’t overpack the pan. Pressing too firmly will make the bars tough instead of soft and chewy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They stay fresh for 3–4 days at room temperature in an airtight container, so they’re great for making the night before an event. If your kitchen is very warm or humid, you can store them in the fridg. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of melting soft caramels?
You can, but caramel sauce will stay kind of liquid-y and be a bit messier. Soft caramels with cream make a topping that sets just enough for easy slicing and gives you the option to drizzle or spread.

What’s the best salt for topping?
Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) works beautifully here. It adds crunch and a burst of flavor without overpowering the sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan for a bigger batch.

I’ve never browned butter before. How do I know it’s ready?
Watch for the butter to foam and froth, then settle down. Once you see golden brown specks at the bottom of the pan and smell a nutty aroma, it’s ready to go.

These Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are proof that simple desserts can still feel special. The browned butter adds a rich, nutty depth, while the salted caramel drizzle takes this classic no-bake treat to the next level. Whether you’re making them for a fall party, a bake sale, or just because you’re craving something sweet, they’re quick, easy to share, and always a crowd-pleaser.