Save to Pinterest Chewy, gooey, and loaded with caramel flavor, these no-bake Easy Caramel Rice Krispie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic treat. Combining the crispy crunch of Rice Krispies with a rich, buttery caramel layer makes them the perfect sweet snack for parties or a quick indulgence at home.
Save to Pinterest This recipe brings together simple pantry staples to create a crowd-pleaser that's both nostalgic and irresistible. With minimal effort, you’ll transform everyday ingredients into bars that satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for melting chocolate, optional)
Instructions
- 1. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 2. Place the Rice Krispies cereal in a large mixing bowl; set aside.
- 3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup butter. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir continuously until mixture begins to boil.
- 4. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring constantly, for 4–5 minutes until the caramel thickens and turns a deeper golden color.
- 5. Immediately pour the hot caramel over the Rice Krispies. Mix quickly and thoroughly to coat all the cereal.
- 6. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or lightly greased hands.
- 7. For the optional chocolate topping: Melt chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread evenly over the bars.
- 8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until set. Cut into bars and serve.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra crunch, stir in 1/2 cup chopped roasted nuts to the Rice Krispies before mixing with the caramel. Using lightly greased hands helps in pressing the hot mixture evenly without sticking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white or milk chocolate to vary the flavor profile. These bars are vegetarian and can be adjusted by choosing gluten-free Rice Krispies if needed.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these chewy caramel bars as a sweet treat at parties, potlucks, or as an easy dessert after dinner. They pair well with a glass of cold milk or coffee.
Save to Pinterest These Easy Caramel Rice Krispie Bars bring joy in every bite, combining that nostalgic crunch with a rich, buttery caramel twist. Whether for a casual snack or festive gathering, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet cravings effortlessly.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What gives these bars their chewy texture?
The combination of butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk heated into caramel provides a rich, chewy coating that binds the crispy cereal.
- → Can I add nuts to these bars?
Yes, adding chopped roasted nuts to the cereal before mixing enhances texture with extra crunch and flavor.
- → Is it necessary to chill the bars?
Chilling helps the caramel set firmly around the cereal, making the bars easier to cut and handle.
- → How can I customize the topping?
Melted chocolate chips spread over the bars offer a smooth, rich topping; you can use semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate as preferred.
- → How long do the bars stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and texture.