4.67 from 21 votes

Caramel Rice Krispie Bars

Caramel Rice Krispie Bars are just like the childhood classic recipe you remember, but so much better! Homemade caramel sauce is stuffed between layers of Rice Krispie squares, making this a go-to dessert recipe everyone loves.

A stack of caramel rice krispie bars.


This dessert is so easy to make yet so impressive. You wouldn’t believe the compliments I got when I made these treats for friends. “Food goddess” and “best dessert ever” were two of them I can recall. I laughed because when you realize how easy they are to make, you’ll see that anyone can do it with the same results!

This is my go-to dessert recipe when I’m craving something sweet. Rice Krispie Squares are great, but when you add the magic of caramel, they’re heavenly!

The recipe stacked on a plate.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

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    You’ll need the basics to make the Rice Krispie layers:

    • Butter
    • Mini marshmallows
    • Rice Krispies cereal

    For the caramel layer, you’ll need another three ingredients:

    • Sweetened condensed milk
    • Soft caramels
    • Butter

    That’s it! The only item I had to look for was the soft caramels—everything else I had in my pantry already.

    A hand holding a square.

    How to Make Caramel Rice Krispie Bars

    1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
    2. Add three tablespoons of butter to a large saucepan over low heat. Add mini marshmallows and stir until the marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat. Add six cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Stir to combine.
    3. Add the mixture to the greased baking pan. Using a piece of waxed paper, press the mixture down evenly. Set aside to cool.
    4. Add caramels, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to a medium saucepan over low heat. Heat, stirring often, until melted.
    5. Pour caramel layer over the first Rice Krispies layer in the baking pan. Set aside to cool.
    6. Add three tablespoons of butter to a large saucepan over low heat. Add mini marshmallows and stir until the marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat. Add six cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Stir to combine.
    7. Add the mixture to the caramel layer. Press the mixture down evenly using a piece of waxed paper. Set aside to cool before cutting into squares.

    How to Keep Them Soft

    Your Rice Krispie Squares are hard for a few reasons. The first one is that the butter and marshmallows were cooked at too high a temperature. Melt them LOW and SLOW for best results—nice, soft, chewy treats!

    Another reason the treats can harden is improper storage. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. Leaving the sit out will make them rock hard.

    If you pack the Rice Krispie mixture too densely into the pan, they can also become too hard. Don’t put too much pressure on them when you press them into the pan.

    If you do end up with a too hard square, pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften it.

    A stack of the recipe.

    Storage Instructions

    Store the uneaten Rice Krispie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. 

    If you aren’t eating them immediately, don’t cut them up and wrap them tightly so the air doesn’t get at them. Cut them up when you are ready to serve.

    You can also freeze them. Place the Rice Krispie Bars between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

    Want more ways to use your Rice Krispies? Try my Chocolate Rice Krispies and Rice Krispies Cookies.

    Dessert Bar Recipes

    You’ll also like these Peanut Butter Cheerio Balls. Try my homemade caramel sauce.

    Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.

    4.67 from 21 votes

    Caramel Rice Krispie Bars

    Created by Stacie Vaughan
    Servings 24
    Prep Time 40 minutes
    Additional Time 2 hours
    Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
    Just the like the childhood classic recipe you remember, but so much better! Homemade caramel sauce is stuffed in between layers of Rice Krispie squares making this a go-to-dessert recipe everyone loves.

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    Ingredients
     
     

    Rice Krispies

    • 6 tbsp salted butter divided
    • 8 cups mini marshmallows divided
    • 12 cups Rice Krispies cereal divided

    Caramel Layer

    • 1 ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 ¾ cup soft caramels
    • cup butter

    Instructions

    • Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

    Rice Krispies Layer

    • Add 3 tablespoons butter to a large saucepan over low heat. Add 4 cups mini marshmallows and stir until the marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat. Add in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal. Stir to combine.
    • Add mixture to the greased baking pan. Press mixture down evenly using a piece of waxed paper. Set aside to cool.

    Caramel Layer

    • Add caramels, sweetened condensed milk and butter to a medium saucepan over low heat. Heat, stirring often, until melted.
    • Pour caramel layer over the first Rice Krispies layer in the baking pan. Set aside to cool.

    Rice Krispies Layer

    • Add 3 tablespoons butter to a large saucepan over low heat. Add 4 cups mini marshmallows and stir until the marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat. Add in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal. Stir to combine.
    • Add mixture on top of the caramel layer. Press mixture down evenly using a piece of waxed paper. Set aside to cool before cutting into squares.

    Notes

    I used Werther’s Soft Creme Caramels. Kraft Caramels or any soft caramel candy would also work.
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    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 171mg | Sugar: 17g

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Course Desserts
    Cuisine American
    Keyword rice krispie treats

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    4.67 from 21 votes (21 ratings without comment)

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    2 Comments

    1. It would be most helpful if each step listed how many marshmallows to use just like each step says how much butter and cereal to use.

      1. Thank you for pointing that out! It’s 4 cups. I’ve updated the recipe to be more clear.

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