Rice Krispies-Caramel Bars
Sweet and gooey Rice Krispies-Caramel Bars combine crunchy cereal, gooey marshmallows, and rich caramel for a decadent treat perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt 1 1/2 bags of miniature marshmallows and 1/2 cup margarine in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Pour the melted mixture over 8 cups of Rice Krispies in a large bowl and mix until well coated.
- Grease two cookie sheets with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread half of the Rice Krispies mixture onto each prepared pan, pressing down evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the package of marshmallows onto one of the pans.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the bag of caramels along with condensed milk and 1/3 cup margarine over low heat until smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the pan with marshmallows spread on top.
- Place the second Rice Krispies layer on top of the caramel and marshmallow layer, pressing down gently.
- Allow the bars to set at room temperature for about 1 hour before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, opt for fresh marshmallows instead of older ones. If you don’t have margarine, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. To make the bars extra special, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the Rice Krispies mixture. Be sure to press down firmly when layering to ensure they hold their shape once set.
Serving Suggestions
These Rice Krispies-Caramel Bars make a delightful treat for parties or as an after-school snack. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For an added touch, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of warm Bread Pudding And Brandy Sauce for a dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Rice Krispies-Caramel Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the crispness of the bars.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Krispies-Caramel Bars contains roughly 1301 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1168mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of miniature ones?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows. Just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they melt evenly with the margarine. You may need about 4 cups of regular marshmallows to replace the 1 1/2 bags of miniature marshmallows.
What can I substitute for caramels in this recipe?
If you don’t have caramels, you can make a homemade caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream. Alternatively, store-bought caramel sauce can be drizzled over the bars instead of melting caramels, providing a different but still delicious flavor.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to grease the cookie sheets thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray before spreading the Rice Krispies mixture. Lining the pans with parchment paper can also help with easy removal and cleanup.
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).