Caramel Crispie Bars
Sweet and crunchy caramel crispie bars combine chewy caramel, peanut butter, and crispy rice cereal, topped with chocolate and peanuts for a rich, satisfying treat suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir in Rice Krispies and salted peanuts into the caramel mixture.
- Press the mixture evenly into a well-buttered 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
- Place chocolate chips, shortening, and 1/4 cup peanut butter in a 2-cup glass measuring cup.
- Microwave at 50% power for 2 to 4 minutes or until the chocolate chips are soft; blend well.
- Spread the chocolate topping over the cereal mixture in the baking dish.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother caramel mixture, consider using a non-stick spray on your measuring cup before adding the peanut butter and caramels. If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can substitute the peanuts with sunflower seeds. Additionally, you can use crispy rice cereal instead of Rice Krispies for a different texture. For a fun twist, add a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate topping.
Serving Suggestions
These caramel crispie bars make a delightful treat for parties or as an after-school snack. They pair wonderfully with Summer Coolers for a refreshing beverage. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert option. For a festive touch, drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store the caramel crispie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, which helps maintain their freshness. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Crispie Bars contains roughly 2671 calories, with 28g protein, 271g carbohydrates, and 170g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (72% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1338mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate for the topping?
Absolutely! You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate based on your preference. Each type will provide a unique flavor profile, so choose what you enjoy most. Just be sure to adjust the melting time slightly if you use chocolate with a different cocoa content.
What if I don't have rice cereal?
If you don't have Rice Krispies, feel free to substitute with any crispy rice cereal you can find, or even crushed cornflakes for a different flavor and crunch. Just ensure the texture remains light to balance the rich caramel and chocolate.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the baking dish?
To prevent sticking, be sure to grease the baking dish well with butter or non-stick spray before pressing in the mixture. You can also line the dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang, for easy removal once the bars are set.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).