Caramel Rice Crispy Treats
These Caramel Rice Crispy Treats take the beloved classic to a whole new level of indulgence! With rich, buttery caramel and sweetened condensed milk, each bite is gooey, chewy, and packed with irresistible flavor. This no-bake recipe is quick to make and perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a sweet snack with a twist.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 313
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 (10-ounce) package Werther’s Original soft caramels, unwrapped (or caramel bits – see notes)
- 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows (or 40 large marshmallows)
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 13–14 cups Rice Krispies cereal (see notes below)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside. - Melt Butter and Caramels:
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the unwrapped caramels and continue to stir constantly until they are fully melted and smooth. - Add Marshmallows and Condensed Milk:
Reduce heat to low and stir in the marshmallows and sweetened condensed milk. Continue stirring until everything is melted and combined into a smooth caramel mixture. - Mix in Rice Krispies:
Remove the pot from heat. Add the Rice Krispies and stir quickly to evenly coat all the cereal with the caramel mixture. - Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a greased spatula or the back of a sprayed wooden spoon to gently press and flatten the mixture into an even layer. - Cool and Slice:
Allow the treats to cool and set for at least 15–20 minutes at room temperature. Once set, slice into squares and enjoy!
Tips and Notes
- Cereal Measurement: One 18-ounce box of Rice Krispies yields about 13–14 cups—perfect for this recipe. A 12-ounce box only gives you about 11 cups, so make sure you have enough!
- Caramel Alternatives: You can substitute Werther’s soft caramels with caramel bits for convenience—just melt as directed.
- Heat Control: Keep the heat low throughout to prevent scorching the caramel or milk.
- Storage: Store the cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make them too firm.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Rice Crispy Treats
- Rich and buttery caramel flavor
- Extra gooey texture from condensed milk and marshmallows
- Simple no-bake recipe—ready in just 30 minutes
- Crowd-pleasing and perfect for sharing