Chewy Caramel Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

These Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats are everything you crave in a sweet—and then some! Imagine chewy, buttery caramel, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy chocolate-laced cereal all mingling together in one outrageous, flavor-packed treat. This recipe is my not-so-guilty pleasure whenever I want an easy, showstopping twist on classic childhood Rice Krispie cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate the beauty of simple ingredients, each one playing a special role in making these Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats so irresistible. Here’s what brings that magical mix of chew, crunch, and oh-so-creamy chocolate together.

• Kraft caramel bits (11 oz): These melt fast and smooth, giving each treat that gooey caramel core reminiscent of a Star Crunch.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, chopped): Butter brings everything together, lending richness and that signature Rice Krispie treat softness.
• Raisin puree (¼ cup): The secret weapon! This adds just the right amount of chew and a subtle fruitiness, perfectly balancing the caramel and chocolate.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup): Cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor without making things too sweet—just pure chocolatey goodness.
• 1-minute rolled oats (½ cup): For a soft, toothsome bite and structure that holds the gooeyness in check.
• Chocolate chips (½ cup, semi-sweet & milk): These melt right in, giving that velvety chocolate swirl you’ll crave in every square.
• Mini marshmallows (8 oz): Marshmallows provide classic, sticky-sweet stretch and chew—it wouldn’t be a Rice Krispie treat without them!
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds cozy warmth to round out all the chocolate and caramel flavor notes.
• Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): The original crispy, airy crunch we all know and love—it’s the backbone of these super snacks.

Variations

One of the best parts about Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats? How easy they are to put your own spin on! Here are some fun ways to customize these treats for any occasion, craving, or dietary need.

• Nutty Crunch: Fold in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or peanuts for extra texture and salty contrast to all the sweet goodness.
• Gluten-Free: Swap classic Rice Krispies and oats for certified gluten-free brands to make allergy-friendly treats everyone can enjoy.
• Extra Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled treats for bakery-style flair.
• Salted Caramel Upgrade: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before the treats set for a sophisticated twist.
• Fruit Swap: Try date puree in place of raisins for a caramel-like fruit layer with a different flavor nuance.

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prep the Raisin Puree and Your Workspace

If you’ve never made raisin puree before, don’t worry—it’s a breeze! Simply soak raisins in boiling water until nice and plump, then blend with a splash of the soak water until creamy. Set aside. While you’re at it, line your counter with parchment paper; you’ll need a landing pad for your sticky, scrumptious treats.

Step 2: Melt Caramel & Butter, Then Add Flavors

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, combine the caramel bits and chopped butter. Stir patiently as they melt into a smooth, golden pool—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly! When the caramel is almost fully melted, stir in the raisin puree, cocoa powder, and oats. Keep stirring until everything is silky-smooth and luscious.

Step 3: Melt in Chocolate & Marshmallows

Add your chocolate chips to the warm caramel mixture and watch them disappear into a glossy, fudgy swirl. Next up: mini marshmallows! Stir gently but thoroughly until every last marshmallow has melted and the mixture is thick, gooey, and irresistible.

Step 4: Stir In Vanilla & Rice Krispies

Remove the pot from the heat. Pour in the vanilla extract and then the Rice Krispies cereal. Working quickly, fold everything together until all the cereal is generously coated with that glorious, chocolate-caramel-marshmallow mix.

Step 5: Scoop, Shape & Cool

Grab a big cookie scoop or quarter-cup measure and pack in that sticky mixture. Scoop it onto your parchment-lined surface—it’ll be sticky, but that’s the fun part! Let the treats cool for 10–15 minutes. Once they’re less sticky on top, use a flat measuring cup to gently press each mound into a classic patty shape, just like the famous Star Crunch. If needed, flip them over to cool the bottoms too. Resist the urge to dig in until they’re firm, cool, and totally set!

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, I love to add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few sprinkles of flaky sea salt just before the treats set. A dusting of cocoa powder or even a scattering of mini chocolate chips on top adds extra chocolatey pizzazz!

Side Dishes

These treats are a party all by themselves, but they pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a dessert board, serve them with fresh strawberries and salty pretzels to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Package individual treats in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for the cutest lunchbox surprise or party favor. Stack them on a vintage cake stand at your next potluck, or cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters for kids’ birthdays and holiday platters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and set, store your Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats between layers of parchment paper (or individually wrapped if you like!) in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh, chewy, and delicious for up to five days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap treats individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you need an instant treat fix.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat these treats, you can zap them in the microwave for 5–10 seconds if you want to bring back that freshly-made gooeyness and intensify the chocolate caramel aroma. Pure nostalgia!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making your own Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats from scratch, I hope you’re inspired to dive in—these are truly a joy to share and impossible not to love. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your favorite people) to a batch of gooey, chocolate-caramel bliss. Happy baking!

Print