Description
These Toasted Marshmallow Caramel Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic crispy rice cereal base with a rich, buttery caramel sauce and layers of toasted marshmallows for an irresistibly gooey, sweet, and slightly salty dessert bar. The apple cider caramel adds depth and a unique twist to the traditional Rice Krispies treats, while broiled marshmallows provide a delightful toasted flavor and texture contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon salt
Marshmallows and Cereal
- 1 bag (10-ounce) mini marshmallows
- 1 box (12-ounce) Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 bag (12-ounce) regular marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Broiler: Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven’s broiler to get it ready for toasting the marshmallows later.
- Make the Caramel Base: In a large pot over medium heat, add the butter and brown sugar. Allow the butter to melt completely, then stir in the apple cider. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly so the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens to a dark, bubbling consistency, about 5 minutes. Stir in the salt and reduce the heat to low.
- Melt Mini Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the hot caramel mixture, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove the pot from heat once combined.
- Combine with Cereal: Immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until every piece is evenly coated with the caramel marshmallow mixture.
- Toast Marshmallows: Spread the regular marshmallows on a baking sheet. Place under the preheated broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully as they toast quickly to a golden brown with some charred spots for flavor.
- Mix in Toasted Marshmallows and Transfer: Add the toasted marshmallows to the cereal mixture and fold together gently but thoroughly. Quickly transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared parchment-lined pan, pressing it down evenly and firmly to pack it tightly.
- Final Touch and Cool: Sprinkle flaky salt over the top for a perfect sweet-salty balance. Let the treats cool and set at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Serve and Store: Once set, cut into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Sweet, salty, buttery, gooey, toasty, and just a bit addicting – these treats are perfect for gatherings or as a special treat.
- Watch the broiler carefully when toasting marshmallows as they can burn quickly.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps bars hold together better.
- Flaky salt adds a nice texture contrast and enhances the caramel flavor.
- Store in an airtight container to keep treats fresh and chewy for several days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximate)
- Calories: 108 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
