After remaking my millionaire bars last week, my brain got a little bit hyperfocused and I started thinking about caramel chocolate EVERYTHING. One thing led to another, including these caramel chocolate rice krispies!
They’re essentially millionaire rice krispies, and they’re made with gooey, marshmallow-packed rice krispie treats, thick layers of buttery caramel, and decadent dark chocolate ganache.
How to Make These Caramel Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Let’s walk through this recipe together to make sure these caramel chocolate rice krispies turn out as amazing as possible.
Before we get started, prepare an 8×8-inch pan by lining and greasing it. Things get sticky fast so doing this first is important.
If you don’t have a pan that size, you can also use a 9-inch square pan (but the bars will be a bit thinner) or an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan. Set aside.
Step 1: Make the Rice Krispie Base
In a large pot melt 1/2 cup of butter. Use a larger pot than you might think you’d need because you’ll be mixing all the cereal into this pot.
Once the butter is melted, turn the heat to low and mix in 10 oz. of marshmallows.
Stir with a rubber spatula until they’re completely smooth. Then add in the vanilla extract and salt.
Remove the pot from the stove and add half the cereal. Fold the mixture together with a rubber spatula. Once combined, fold in the rest of the cereal.
The cereal should be fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Once the cereal is mixed in, I like to stir in an additional cup of mini marshmallows.
This is optional but I feel like it gives the rice krispies an added bit of texture.
Quickly scoop the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently press the mixture into an even layer. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Caramel
Next, it’s time to tackle the caramel. Heat the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt over medium heat in a heavy saucepan.
Stir frequently and let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Once this happens, turn the heat down to low, and let the caramel simmer.
Continue to stir frequently until the mixture thickens and becomes a medium caramel color (this usually takes me about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the caramel on top of the rice krispie treats and smooth into an even layer. Then place the pan in the fridge for 20 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes to help the caramel set before we add the warm chocolate ganache.
If you make this in advance, cover the bowl and store the caramel at room temperature overnight or in the fridge for up to a week.
If you refrigerate the caramel, heat it in the microwave in short 15-second intervals until it reaches room temperature and is a more workable consistency.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
The last step is to make the decadent dark chocolate ganache.
Add the heavy cream into a medium-sized bowl and heat it until it just begins to bubble. This can be done in either the microwave (this takes me about 45-60 seconds in my microwave) or a double boiler.
Then pour in the dark chocolate and let the mixture sit for a minute.
After a minute the chocolate should be softened.
Stir until the cream and chocolate are combined and the mixture is smooth. If any bits of chocolate aren’t fully melted, heat the mixture again for 15 seconds and stir until smooth.
Then mix in the unsalted butter, corn syrup, and fine salt.
Remove the chilled rice krispies from the fridge or freezer and pour the ganache on top of the caramel. Smooth into an even layer, then set aside to let the ganache cool and set.
If you need to make this topping in advance, it can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to a month.
Caramel Chocolate Rice Krispies – Swaps & Substitutions
- Rice Krispie Cereal – Any type of puffed rice cereal will work in this recipe! I usually use classic Rice Krispies, but sometimes I use Cocoa Krispies or other cereal flavors to mix things up.
- Marshmallows – I usually use large marshmallows to make these rice krispie treats because they’re the easiest to find, but mini marshmallows would work too, and actually melt down more easily!
- Light Brown Sugar – I prefer using light brown sugar to make the caramel, but you can also use dark brown sugar.
- Light Corn Syrup – Using a bit of corn syrup in the caramel and ganache gives them a glossy, silky smooth consistency. However, it can be omitted from both recipes if needed.
- Dark Chocolate – I love using dark or semi-sweet chocolate to make the ganache topping. If you want to use milk chocolate to make the ganache, use 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 1/4 cups milk chocolate, and 1 Tbsp of butter.
How Many Bars Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe makes about 16, 2×2-inch rice krispie treats. If you want to halve or double this recipe, go for it! Simply adjust the ingredients and follow the directions in the recipe card below.
A double batch can be made in a 9×13-inch pan, and a half batch can be made in a loaf pan.
Tips for Making the Best Caramel Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
- Prepare your pan before you melt the butter! Things will get sticky quickly.
- Mini marshmallows meltdown more quickly. I recommend using them if you can find them.
- Add the rice krispies in two additions. This will make it easier to mix together.
- Let the rice krispies cool fully before topping them with caramel and ganache.
- Let your bars cool in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving to make them easier to cut.
- Use a sharp knife to get clean slices, and wipe the blade as needed after each cut.
Making These Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispie Treats in Advance
You can make these treats in advance! These rice krispie treats can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container, or the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to six weeks.
Let Me Know What You Think!
If you try this recipe for caramel chocolate rice krispie treats, I’d love to hear what you think of it! Let me know your thoughts by sharing a comment and rating below.
Don’t forget to tag me @chelsweets and use #chelsweets so that I can see your delicious creations on social media!
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Caramel Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
These caramel chocolate rice krispies are made with gooey rice krispie treats and thick layers of buttery caramel & dark chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
Rice Krispie Treats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g)
- 10 oz. bag regular or mini marshmallows (285g)
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract (12g)
- 1/4 tsp fine salt (1g)
- 6 cups puffed rice cereal (160g)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows, optional
- Non-stick cooking spray, as needed
Caramel Topping
- 2/3 cup (half a 14 oz. can) sweetened condensed milk (200g)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56g)
- 2 Tbsp light corn syrup (30g)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (4g)
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 3/4 cup + 3 Tbsp heavy cream (225g)
- 1 1/4 cups dark (60-65% cocoa) chocolate chips (220g)
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (45g)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup - optional (20g)
- 1/4 tsp fine salt (2g)
Garnish - Optional
Equipment / Tools Needed
- 8x8-inch square pan
- Parchment paper or silpat mats
- Rubber spatula
- Large saucepan or dutch oven
Instructions
Rice Krispies
- Grease and line a square, 8-inch pan with parchment paper. If you don't have that size of pan, you can also use a 9-inch square pan or an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan. Set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 10 oz. of marshmallows with a rubber spatula. Once the marshmallows have melted and are smooth, turn the heat off. Mix in 1 Tbsp vanilla and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Remove the pot from the stove and stir in 6 cups of puffed rice cereal in two additions. Stir until the cereal is fully coated. If desired, mix in 1 cup of additional mini marshmallows at this stage.
- Quickly scoop the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently press the mixture into an even layer.
Caramel Topping
- Next, we make the caramel topping. Heat 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, 2 Tbsp light corn syrup, and 1/2 tsp fine salt over medium heat in a heavy saucepan.
- Stir frequently and cook the mixture until it just begins to bubble (if you have and are using a candy thermometer, cook until the mixture hits 212 F/ 100 C). It will start bubbling up on the sides of the pan first. Once this happens, turn the heat down to low to let the caramel simmer.
- Continue to stir frequently until the mixture thickens and becomes a medium caramel color (this usually takes me about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel on top of the rice krispie treats and smooth into an even layer. If you want a more textured look like mine, let the caramel cool to room temperature before spreading it on top of the rice krispies.
- Place the pan in the fridge for 20 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes to help the caramel set before we add the warm chocolate ganache. If you make the caramel in advance, cover the bowl and store it at room temperature overnight or in the fridge for up to a week. If you refrigerate the caramel, heat it in the microwave in short 15-second intervals until it reaches room temperature and is a more workable consistency.
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- The last component of these rice krispies is the decadent dark chocolate ganache! If you need to make the ganache in advance, it can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to a month. Heat 3/4 cup + 3 Tbsp of heavy cream in a heatproof bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds, until it's just beginning to bubble.
- Gently pour 1 1/4 cups of dark chocolate chips into the heavy cream. Make sure the chips are fully covered with cream. Let the mixture sit for 1 minute. If you want to use milk chocolate to make the ganache, use 1/2 cup (120g) of heavy cream, and 2 cups milk chocolate (350g).
- Stir slowly until the cream and chocolate are combined and the mixture is smooth. If any bits of chocolate aren't fully melted, heat the mixture again for 15 seconds and stir until smooth.
- Mix in 3 Tbsp of unsalted butter, 1 Tbsp of corn syrup, and 1/4 tsp fine salt until combined.
- Remove the chilled rice krispies from the fridge or freezer and pour the ganache on top of the caramel. Smooth into an even layer, then set aside to let the ganache cool and set. If you want a more textured look like mine, let the ganache cool to room temperature before spreading it on top of the caramel.
- Add a sprinkle of flakey sea salt on top of the ganache, then enjoy! These bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
For a detailed list of ingredient swaps and substitutions that can be made in this recipe, please refer to the "swaps and substitutions" section above.
Making These Millionaire Rice Krispies in Advance
These bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze these bars for up to 6 weeks in an airtight container.
Doubling this Recipe
This recipe makes about 16, 2x2-inch rice krispie treats. If you want to halve or double this recipe, go for it! Simply adjust the ingredients and follow the directions in the recipe card above.
A double batch can be made in a 9x13-inch pan, and a half batch can be made in a loaf pan.
Tips for Making the Best Caramel Chocolate Rice Krispies
- Prepare your pan before you start to make the rice krispies! Things will get sticky quickly.
- If you want to use milk chocolate to make the ganache, use 1/2 cup (120g) of heavy cream, and 2 cups milk chocolate (350g) in place of the dark chocolate and heavy cream that the recipe calls for.
- Mini marshmallows melt down more quickly. I recommend using them if you can find them.
- Add the rice krispies in two additions to make it easier to mix.
- If the butter doesn't get fully incorporated into the caramel (this can happen if the caramel gets cooked at slightly too high of a temperature), don't worry! You can gradually stir the butter into the caramel as it cools and it will come together once it reaches room temperature. It won't be quite as smooth as normal, but it will still taste great!
- Let the treats chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before cutting and serving to get nice, clean cuts.
- Use a sharp knife to get clean slices, and wipe the blade as needed after each cut.
Nutrition Information
Yield
16Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 312Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 33mgSodium 183mgCarbohydrates 41gFiber 1gSugar 29gProtein 2g
Ashley
Thursday 18th of July 2024
I've made this for my family twice and they can't get enough of it. Definitely a fan favorite.
A
Tuesday 9th of July 2024
OMG THESE ARE THE BEST THINGS EVER- like, run to the kitchen right now and make these ASAP! They are so delicious and dangerous to have in the house- I literally can't stop eating them. I did add in an extra 2 tbsp of butter in so I could brown it, which gave it such an amazing flavor. Aside from the delicious caramel-y, chocolate-y goodness, the textures together were a literal dream- I will make these again and again.
Chelsweets
Sunday 14th of July 2024
This is the best comment ever :) Put the biggest smile on my face! And love that you browned the butter (and added a little extra to make up for the moisture that gets cooked off)!! So smart. Thank you so much for sharing!
Carolyn Wilson
Sunday 2nd of June 2024
These are a hit! Love this recipe! I scarped the caramel out of the pot. It was delicious!
Chelsweets
Tuesday 4th of June 2024
Omg YESSSS!! I am obsessed with this recipe too, I'm so happy you share my enthusiasm for it!! :) Thank you for sharing Carolyn!
Leah
Saturday 25th of May 2024
I’ve made these twice so far and everyone always loves them! Its a quick and delicious sweet treat
Chelsweets
Sunday 26th of May 2024
Love that Leah :) Thank you for sharing!!
Karen
Wednesday 8th of May 2024
I always add peanut butter to my Krispys, soo good!
Matt
Wednesday 15th of May 2024
@Karen, how much would you add to these?
Chelsweets
Monday 13th of May 2024
That sounds so good Karen!! I need to try it next time I make these!! :)