Experience the blissful combination of chocolate and caramel with a delightful crunch in these Rice Krispies treats. This recipe is an elevated twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat, adding layers of rich, gooey caramel and creamy chocolate. It's a simple but indulgent recipe that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and take you back to the joys of childhood.
Photos of Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treat Recipe
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your pantry. However, mini marshmallows and caramels might not be staple items in your kitchen. These are often found in the baking aisle at the supermarket. Additionally, you might need to pick up a bag of milk chocolate chips and some rice krispies cereal if you don't have them in stock. Remember to buy a good quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Ingredients for Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treats
Butter: Used to prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the pot and it adds a creamy flavor to the treat.Mini marshmallows: These melt more quickly and easily than full-sized marshmallows, resulting in a smoother, more even texture.Vanilla: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.Rice krispies cereal: Provides the iconic crispy texture in this treat.Caramels: When melted, they create a rich, sweet, and sticky caramel layer.Water: Used to help the caramels melt more easily.Peanut Butter: Adds a salty, nutty contrast to the sweet elements of the treat.Milk chocolate chips: Melted for a smooth, luscious chocolate layer.
One reader, Gennie Tripp says:
This chocolate caramel rice krispies treat recipe is a game-changer! The combination of gooey caramel, crispy rice krispies, and rich chocolate is simply irresistible. It's the perfect blend of sweet and crunchy, and it's a hit every time I make it. Highly recommended for all dessert lovers!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treats
How to melt marshmallows and butter: Melt the butter and mini marshmallows in a medium pot over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth. Add vanilla and mix well.
How to make caramel sauce: In a separate pot, cook unwrapped caramels and water over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth.
How to melt chocolate and peanut butter: Melt the chocolate chips in a small pot over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Then, add the peanut butter and mix until smooth.
How To Make Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treat
Chewy rice Krispies are coated with a decadent layer of melted caramel then glazed with another layer of chocolate and peanut butter for a no-bake treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbspbutter
- 10ozmini marshmallows
- 1tbspvanilla
- 7cupsrice krispies cereal
- 14ozcaramels,unwrapped
- 2tbspwater
- ½cuppeanut butter
- 1bagmilk chocolate chips
Instructions
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Grease a 9×13-inch pan and set aside.
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In a medium pot add butter and mini marshmallows and melt on medium heat stirring constantly. When mixture is smooth, add vanilla.
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Remove pot from heat and add cereal and mix well. Pour this into the greased pan.
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Spread and smooth the mixture using a spatula or wax paper. Put in fridge and chill.
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In another pot, add unwrapped caramels and water and cook on low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth. Pour this over Rice Krispies mixture and spread evenly. Put back in the fridge to chill.
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For last layer, add chocolate chips to a small pot on low heat, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Add peanut butter and mix until smooth. Remove from heat and add to the caramel layer. Place back in fridge to chill for at least 1 hour.
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Cut bars while cold but set out at least ½ hour before eating so they aren’t as hard and cold.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 446.71kcal
- Fat: 15.80g
- Saturated Fat: 6.54g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.16g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.71g
- Carbohydrates: 73.08g
- Fiber: 1.13g
- Sugar: 49.72g
- Protein: 6.30g
- Cholesterol: 12.75mg
- Sodium: 196.20mg
- Calcium: 75.09mg
- Potassium: 153.65mg
- Iron: 5.20mg
- Vitamin A: 203.19µg
- Vitamin C: 9.99mg
Expert Tip for Mastering Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treats
To ensure your chocolate and peanut butter mixture spreads evenly over the caramel layer, you might want to consider gently warming it before spreading. This can be done by placing your pot back on the stove on low heat for a few seconds. This will make the mixture more pliable and easier to spread, creating a smoother, more even layer. Remember to stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Delicious Recipe
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to cook to streamline the process.
Use pre-made caramel: Save time by using store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Chill in the freezer: Speed up the chilling process by placing the treats in the freezer for a shorter duration.
Use a microwave: Melt the marshmallows and butter in the microwave for a quicker and easier method.
Cut with a warm knife: Dip the knife in hot water before cutting the treats to prevent sticking and ensure clean cuts.
Opt for store-bought chocolate sauce: Substitute the homemade chocolate layer with ready-made chocolate sauce for convenience.
Prepare in advance: Make the rice krispies treats a day ahead to allow ample time for chilling and setting.
Substitute Ingredients For Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treat Recipe
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to butter, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor to the treats.
mini marshmallows - Substitute with marshmallow fluff: Marshmallow fluff can be used as a substitute for mini marshmallows, providing a smooth and creamy texture to the rice krispies treats.
vanilla - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a sweet and aromatic flavor similar to vanilla, enhancing the overall taste of the treats.
rice krispies cereal - Substitute with crispy rice cereal: Crispy rice cereal can be used as an alternative to rice krispies, providing a similar texture and crunch to the treats.
caramels - Substitute with butterscotch chips: Butterscotch chips can be melted and used as a substitute for caramels, adding a rich and buttery flavor to the treats.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can replace peanut butter, offering a nutty and creamy flavor to the rice krispies treats.
milk chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used instead of milk chocolate chips, providing a more intense and slightly bitter chocolate flavor to the treats.
How to Beautifully Present These Delectable Treats
Elevate the plating: When presenting the chocolate caramel rice krispies treat, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use clean lines and precise placement to showcase the layers of the treat.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance to the plate by garnishing with delicate, edible flowers. This not only adds a pop of color but also brings a subtle floral aroma to the dish.
Incorporate a chocolate drizzle: Create an artistic chocolate drizzle on the plate to add a touch of sophistication. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the flavors of the treat.
Utilize gold leaf accents: For a luxurious touch, consider incorporating edible gold leaf accents to the presentation. This adds a sense of opulence and refinement to the dish.
Serve on a chilled platter: Present the chocolate caramel rice krispies treat on a chilled platter to maintain its optimal texture and to create a visually appealing contrast between the warmth of the treat and the coolness of the plate.
Add a dusting of cocoa powder: Before serving, lightly dust the plate with a fine cocoa powder to create an elegant finishing touch and to tie in the rich chocolate flavors of the treat.
Use precision in portioning: Pay attention to the precision of portioning to ensure consistency and balance in each serving, reflecting a high level of culinary expertise and attention to detail.
Incorporate a caramel swirl: Create an intricate caramel swirl on the plate to add a touch of artistry and to highlight the caramel element of the treat.
Present on a mirrored surface: For a modern and sophisticated presentation, consider serving the chocolate caramel rice krispies treat on a mirrored surface to create a stunning reflection and amplify the visual impact.
Accent with fresh mint leaves: Introduce a refreshing element to the presentation by accenting the plate with fresh mint leaves, adding a vibrant pop of green and a hint of herbal fragrance.
Essential Tools for Making Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treats
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing them thoroughly. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
Whisk: A whisk is used for blending and incorporating ingredients together, especially for liquids and batters. It helps to create a smooth and uniform mixture.
Saucepan: A saucepan is a versatile cooking vessel used for heating, melting, or cooking ingredients over direct heat. It's commonly used for preparing sauces, caramel, and other liquid components.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for scraping, spreading, and smoothing mixtures in the pan or bowl. It's also handy for folding ingredients together gently.
9x13 Pan: A 9x13 pan is a standard baking dish used for making bars, brownies, and other baked treats. It provides a suitable size for the recipe and ensures even baking.
Small pot: A small pot is ideal for melting ingredients such as butter, chocolate, or caramels over low heat. It facilitates precise control and prevents scorching.
Food processor: A food processor can be used for crushing cookies or other ingredients to create a base for the recipe. It helps in achieving a consistent texture.
Wax paper: Wax paper is used for lining the pan and smoothing the mixture without sticking. It also aids in easy removal of the finished treats.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treats
Let the chocolate caramel rice krispies treats cool completely before storing them. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
Once cooled, cut the treats into individual squares or bars.
Place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer of treats to prevent them from sticking together.
Store the treats in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the container or bag is sealed tightly to keep the treats fresh and prevent them from drying out.
If you want to keep the treats for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap the treats tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
To thaw frozen treats, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Alternatively, you can microwave individual treats for 10-15 seconds to soften them slightly.
If the treats become too soft or lose their crispiness after storing or freezing, you can try placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to help them regain their texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Rice Krispies Treats
To reheat leftover chocolate caramel rice krispies treats, the best method is to use the microwave. Place a single treat on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 10-15 seconds, or until it's slightly softened and warm. This will help to melt the chocolate and caramel layers, making the treat gooey and delicious again.
Another option is to reheat the treats in the oven. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for 5-10 minutes, or until they're warmed through and slightly softened. This method is ideal if you're reheating a larger batch of treats at once.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can also reheat the treats in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the treats in the basket, making sure they're not touching each other. Heat them for 2-3 minutes, or until they're warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the treats in a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 200°F (93°C) and place the treats on the rack. Heat them for 3-5 minutes, or until they're warmed through and slightly softened.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to keep a close eye on the treats while they're reheating to avoid burning the marshmallows or chocolate. Once they're warmed through and slightly softened, remove them from the heat and let them cool for a minute or two before enjoying.
Fascinating Trivia About Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treats
The recipe contains caramel and chocolate, which are classic flavors that complement each other perfectly.
Is Making Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treats at Home Cost-Effective?
This chocolate caramel rice krispies treat recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are fairly affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $15-20. The decadent flavors and the satisfaction it brings make it worth the investment. Overall Verdict: 8.
Are Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treats Healthy or Unhealthy?
This chocolate caramel rice krispies treat recipe is undeniably delicious, but it's not the healthiest snack option out there. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in sugar, with marshmallows, caramels, and chocolate chips all contributing to the sweet factor.
- Butter and peanut butter add saturated fats to the mix.
- The recipe lacks any significant nutritional value, as it's primarily made up of processed ingredients.
While it's okay to indulge in treats like this occasionally, regularly consuming high-sugar, high-fat snacks can contribute to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
To make this recipe a bit healthier without sacrificing too much on taste, try these suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of marshmallows and caramels used, or opt for lower-sugar alternatives.
- Replace some of the rice krispies with a whole-grain cereal to increase the fiber content.
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a lower sugar content and potential antioxidant benefits.
- Swap out the butter for a healthier fat source, such as coconut oil.
- Add in some chopped nuts or seeds for a boost of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Cut the treats into smaller portions to encourage mindful eating and portion control.
Editor's Opinion: Why We Love This Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treat Recipe
The combination of chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter in this recipe creates a delightful and indulgent treat. The layers of crispy rice cereal, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The recipe is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible for both experienced and novice bakers. The balance of flavors and textures in this dessert is simply irresistible, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Enhance Your Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treat Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Main Dishes That Complement Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispies Treats
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