Caramel Rice Krispies Marshmallow Bars

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Sweet, chewy Rice Krispies bars layered with caramel and marshmallows, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors perfect for satisfying dessert cravings and snack times.

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Ingredients

  • 8 cups Rice Krispies
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 2 packages mini marshmallows
  • 1 package Kraft caramels
  • 1/4 cup margarine

Instructions

  1. Melt 1/2 cup margarine and 2 packages of mini marshmallows in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  2. Pour the melted mixture over 8 cups of Rice Krispies cereal and stir until evenly coated.
  3. Pour three-fourths of the mixture into a buttered 10 x 15-inch pan and press it down evenly.
  4. Cover the top of the pressed mixture with half a package of marshmallows.
  5. In a separate saucepan, melt the Kraft caramels, 1/4 cup margarine, and Eagle Brand milk over low heat until smooth.
  6. Pour the caramel mixture over the marshmallows in the pan.
  7. Spread the remaining Rice Krispies mixture over the caramel layer.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you want a softer texture, add a splash of milk to the melted marshmallow mixture. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. If you have leftovers, keep them covered to prevent them from getting hard. For a fun twist, try drizzling melted chocolate on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Caramel Rice Krispies Marshmallow Bars are perfect for parties or as a sweet treat after dinner. Serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination. They also pair beautifully with Creamy Snowballs for a fun dessert spread. Cut into smaller squares for bite-sized snacks at gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain freshness, separate layers with parchment paper. If you prefer them warm, briefly microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds before serving. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make the bars too hard.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Caramel Rice Krispies Marshmallow Bars contains roughly 943 calories, with 14g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (143% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (102% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1102mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).

943 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.8g 28% DV
Total Fat 19.2g 25% DV
Carbs 177.9g 65% DV
Fiber 7g 25% DV
Sugar 74.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1102mg 48% DV
Potassium 388.3mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 921.3mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 34.6mg 38% DV
Vitamin D 6mcg 30% DV
Calcium 609.5mg 47% DV
Iron 25.8mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 substitute the Rice Krispies with another cereal?

Yes, you can use any crispy rice cereal or even a puffed corn cereal for a different texture. Just make sure the substitute cereal has a similar crunch to maintain the bar's structure.

How can I make these bars more festive?

You can add colorful sprinkles or mini chocolate chips to the top before the caramel sets. Drizzling melted chocolate over the bars can also enhance their appearance and flavor, making them perfect for celebrations.

Is it possible to make these bars vegan?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based margarine and ensure the marshmallows are vegan-friendly. You can find vegan caramels as well. This way, you can enjoy these delicious bars while adhering to a vegan diet.

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).

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