Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats with Dark Chocolate
If you’re looking to elevate your classic Rice Krispies treats, then you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats with Dark Chocolate are a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, combining the gooey sweetness of marshmallows and salted caramel with the rich depth of dark chocolate. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
What’s not to love about a dessert that combines crunchy, chewy, sweet, and salty? These treats have everything you need to keep your taste buds dancing. The Rice Krispies provide that satisfying crunch, while the marshmallows and salted caramel bring a delightful chewiness. Topping it all off with dark chocolate adds a luxurious touch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep and cook time.
What You’ll Need
To make these delicious Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats with Dark Chocolate, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10-ounce (283.5g) bag of marshmallows
- 1 cup (113g) salted caramel sauce
- 7 cups (196g) Rice Krispies cereal
- 12 ounces (340.2g) dark chocolate, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
- Fleur de sel, for sprinkling
Setup & Equipment
Before you dive into the cooking process, make sure you have the following equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats with Dark Chocolate Cooking Guide
Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on making these delightful treats!
Step 1: Prepare Your Dish
Begin by greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This will ensure your treats come out clean and easy to slice.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted, add the entire 10-ounce bag of marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and combined with the butter, creating a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Add the Salted Caramel Sauce
Next, pour in the 1 cup of salted caramel sauce. Stir well to combine, allowing the caramel to melt into the marshmallow mixture, infusing it with that irresistible sweet and salty flavor.
Step 4: Mix in the Rice Krispies
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the 7 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow-caramel mixture. Gently fold in the cereal using your rubber spatula until all the Rice Krispies are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal too much; you want to maintain that delightful crunch!
Step 5: Spread the Mixture into the Baking Dish
Transfer the Rice Krispies mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use your spatula to spread it evenly, pressing down gently to create a compact layer. Make sure it is evenly distributed to ensure uniform treats.
Step 6: Melt the Dark Chocolate
Now it’s time to melt the dark chocolate. Place the finely chopped 12 ounces of dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth.
Step 7: Pour the Chocolate Over the Treats
Once the dark chocolate is melted, pour it over the Rice Krispies mixture in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with your spatula. The rich chocolate layer adds a decadent touch that balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and caramel.
Step 8: Sprinkle with Fleur de Sel
To finish off your Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats with Dark Chocolate, sprinkle a generous pinch of Fleur de sel over the melted chocolate. This will enhance the flavors and add a beautiful finishing touch.
Step 9: Let It Set
Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate has fully set. You can also place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to speed up the process.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Once set, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles. Serve them at room temperature, and watch as your friends and family enjoy these scrumptious treats!
Fit It to Your Goals
If you’re looking to tweak the recipe to fit specific dietary needs or preferences, consider these options:
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your Rice Krispies are labeled gluten-free.
- Use dairy-free butter and dark chocolate if you want to make it vegan.
- For a nut-free version, double-check your caramel sauce and chocolate for any nut-based ingredients.
- Add in nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
While making Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats with Dark Chocolate is generally straightforward, here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Burning the marshmallows: Always melt them over low heat and stir continuously to prevent burning.
- Too sticky or too dry: Ensure that you measure the Rice Krispies accurately; too much or too little can affect the texture.
- Chocolate not setting: Make sure the chocolate is fully melted and poured evenly over the treats.
- Uneven layers: Press the Rice Krispies mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure even thickness.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To enjoy your Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats with Dark Chocolate for days to come, follow these storing tips:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you need to store them longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- For best results, avoid freezing as it can alter the texture.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking if storing in a stack.
Handy Q&A
Can I use different types of chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate adds a rich flavor, you can substitute with milk chocolate or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
What if I can’t find salted caramel sauce?
You can easily make your own salted caramel sauce at home using sugar, butter, cream, and a pinch of salt, or opt for a store-bought version that suits your taste.
Can I add other mix-ins to the treats?
Yes! Feel free to add in mini chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles for extra fun and flavor.
How do I know when the treats are set and ready to cut?
The treats are ready to cut when the chocolate has hardened and the mixture is firm to the touch. If you press down lightly, it should hold its shape.
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That’s a Wrap
There you have it—an easy and decadent recipe for Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats with Dark Chocolate that will surely become a favorite in your household. With their combination of textures and flavors, these treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet night at home. Happy cooking, and enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite!
Salted Caramel Rice Krispies Treats with Dark Chocolate
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by greasing your 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the entire 10-ounce bag of marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted.
- Pour in the 1 cup of salted caramel sauce and stir well to combine.
- Remove from heat and add the 7 cups of Rice Krispies cereal, gently folding until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing down gently.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 12 ounces of dark chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispies mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle a generous pinch of Fleur de sel over the melted chocolate.
- Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour or refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Once set, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks if needed.
- Avoid freezing as it can alter texture.
