Toasted Marshmallow Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Are you ready for a game-changing twist on a beloved classic? These Toasted Marshmallow Caramel Rice Krispie Treats take the crispy, gooey goodness of the traditional Rice Krispies treat and elevate it to new heights with toasted marshmallows and a rich, buttery caramel drizzle. The result? A dessert that’s sweet, chewy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Imagine biting into the crispy cereal, getting that perfect marshmallow crunch, followed by a burst of warm, caramel goodness. It’s comfort food, but with a fun, sophisticated twist! Trust me, these will disappear in no time, and you’ll be the one everyone’s asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love Toasted Marshmallow Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

Here’s why this upgraded Rice Krispie treat is going to be your new go-to:

Classic with a Twist: These treats maintain the nostalgic Rice Krispie texture you know and love, but the toasted marshmallow and caramel add rich layers of flavor you never knew you needed.

Crispy, Gooey, and Sweet: With the perfect balance of crispy cereal, gooey marshmallow, and caramel sweetness, this treat hits all the right notes.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for a birthday party, a bake sale, or just a sweet snack for yourself, these treats are versatile and guaranteed to impress.

Easy to Make: They may look fancy, but they’re as simple to prepare as the classic version. The extra steps of toasting the marshmallows and making the caramel are totally worth it!

Kid-Friendly: These treats are fun to make with little ones, and the combination of flavors is sure to please both kids and adults alike. It’s a great activity to do together and enjoy afterward.

Ingredients

For the Rice Krispie Treats:

• Rice Krispies Cereal: The base of the treats, adding that classic crunch and light texture.
• Butter: For richness and that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Mini Marshmallows: A key ingredient for the gooey, marshmallowy goodness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the treats.

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• Butter: A must for the smooth, velvety caramel sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Provides that rich, molasses-like flavor that gives caramel its distinct taste.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the caramel smooth and luxurious.
• Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla helps to round out the caramel’s flavor.

(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Toast the Marshmallows
   Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread half of your mini marshmallows onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the marshmallows under the broiler for about 1-2 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and slightly toasted. Keep a close eye on them—they toast quickly! Set these marshmallows aside.
2. Prepare the Rice Krispie Treat Base
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining marshmallows (not the toasted ones yet) and stir until completely melted and smooth. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and mix until everything is evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Rice Krispie Treats
   Transfer the Rice Krispie mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the mixture down gently with a spatula to create an even layer. Don’t press too hard—just enough to compact the treats slightly.
4. Top with Toasted Marshmallows
   Evenly spread the toasted marshmallows over the top of the Rice Krispie treats, pressing them down lightly to adhere. This adds a golden, slightly crispy texture to the top of the treats.
5. Make the Caramel Drizzle
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the caramel. Add the brown sugar and bring to a simmer. Stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Gradually add the heavy cream, continuing to stir until the caramel is smooth and bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Drizzle the Caramel
   Once the Rice Krispie treats have cooled slightly (but not completely), drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the top. Let the caramel soak in slightly for that ooey-gooey effect.
7. Chill and Set
   Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the caramel set and the treats firm up for easy slicing.
8. Serve and Enjoy
   Cut into squares and serve these toasted marshmallow caramel Rice Krispie treats as a decadent snack or dessert. They’re best enjoyed the same day, but they’ll keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~300
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total Carbohydrates: 41g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus cooling time)

How to Serve Toasted Marshmallow Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

• With a Glass of Milk: These are perfect with a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness and help wash down all that gooey caramel.
• As Party Favors: Wrap individual treats in wax paper or cellophane and tie them with a ribbon for a cute party favor.
• On a Dessert Table: Stack these treats on a platter for a fun, easy-to-serve addition to any dessert spread.
• Drizzled with Extra Caramel: If you love caramel (who doesn’t?), drizzle a little extra on top just before serving for that extra sweet touch.

Additional Tips

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Rice Krispies for a gluten-free version of this treat.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent treat, sprinkle some chocolate chips into the Rice Krispie mixture or over the caramel drizzle before it sets.
• Storage Tips: Store these treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll last for about 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge.
• Double the Recipe: For a larger crowd, simply double the recipe and use a 13×9-inch pan. You may need a few extra minutes for baking and cooling.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
A1: Absolutely! You can use regular marshmallows, just cut them into smaller pieces if you prefer. The mini marshmallows melt faster, but both work well.

Q2: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A2: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. However, making your own adds that rich, homemade flavor.

Q3: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A3: Yes! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch and richness to the treats. Stir them in with the Rice Krispies.

Q4: Can I make these ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Q5: How do I prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the pan?
A5: Grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray before pressing in the Rice Krispie mixture to prevent sticking.

Q6: Can I use dairy-free butter and cream for a dairy-free version?
A6: Yes, you can substitute dairy-free butter and non-dairy cream (such as coconut cream) to make the recipe dairy-free.

Q7: How long does it take for the caramel to set?
A7: It will take about 30 minutes to an hour for the caramel to set properly. The treats will be easier to slice once the caramel has firmed up.

Q8: Can I freeze these treats?
A8: Yes, these treats freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month.

Q9: What if I don’t have a broiler?
A9: You can toast the marshmallows in a nonstick pan on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, to get them golden and crispy.

Q10: Can I use a different cereal?
A10: While Rice Krispies are ideal, you can substitute them with other puffed cereals like Cheerios or corn flakes for a different texture and flavor.

Conclusion

These Toasted Marshmallow Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate indulgent snack, combining the classic crunch of Rice Krispies with rich, gooey caramel and toasted marshmallows. They’re easy to make, fun to share, and impossible to resist! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, this treat is sure to be a hit every time.

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