A rich indulgence on a classic treat, these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats with Browned Butter are better than basic and will melt in your mouth with an explosion of flavors and texture. This yummy dessert recipe is sure to be a new favorite!

Salted caramel is top 5 of my all-time favorite flavor combinations. The salt balances out the sugar and makes it less strong. Adding in the element of browned butter takes these treats to the next level! I’m here for it and love everything about these rich and delicious Rice Krispie Treats.

What You Need To Make The Caramel Sauce For This Recipe

For detailed instructions on how to make the Caramel Sauce in this recipe CHECK OUT THIS POST.

Granulated Sugar: Granulated Sugar produces the cleanest flavor and caramelizes evenly due to its pure sucrose content. Brown sugar, cane sugar, and coconut sugar contain molasses or other additives that can affect caramelization, making it harder to achieve a perfect golden color and texture.

Butter: For the most flavorful and controllable caramel, use unsalted butter at room temperature. Salted butter varies in salt content by brand, so unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor. To ensure smooth incorporation, cut the butter into ½-inch cubes and let it soften at room temperature before starting.

Heavy Cream: Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, enriches the caramel, lightens its color, and creates a thicker texture. For a smooth incorporation, whisk it in at room temperature.

Sea Salt Flakes: balances the flavor of the caramel and enhances the sweet flavor profile. I love using Maldon Sea Salt Flakes in this recipe for added texture and a salty punch! You can use whatever finishing salt you choose.

What You Need To Make The Krispie Bars For This Recipe

Butter: Butter adds a savory rich flavor to these treats.

Mini Marshmallows: Marshmallows are the star of the show in Rice Krispie Treats! They provide the main source of sweetness in the treats. The melted marshmallow mixture coats the Rice Krispies, creating that sugary, gooey goodness we all love.

Vanilla Extract: While marshmallows provide sweetness, vanilla extract adds a touch of complexity. It complements the sweetness of the marshmallows and the underlying buttery flavor. Vanilla has a broad range of flavor notes, and it helps to bring out the other flavors in the treat, creating a more well-rounded taste experience.

Crispy Rice Cereal: The puffed rice cereal provides the signature crispy element that contrasts beautifully with the chewy marshmallows. This textural interplay is a major part of what makes Rice Krispie Treats so enjoyable to eat.

How to Make Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats with Browned Butter

For The Caramel Sauce

Measure out butter, sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla and place into separate bowls (essential!)
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until melted and simmering (3-5 minutes, or until light golden brown).
To prevent sugar crystals from forming, occasionally brush down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush while the sugar heats.
Once sugar gets to a medium amber shade turn off the heat (remove the pan from heat if you are using an electric stovetop)
Gradually whisk in the butter until melted and well combined. The sugar will bubble rapidly as soon as the butter hits it, so be cautious of splatters.
After incorporating the butter, gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up again. Bring the pot back to medium heat and continue boiling for 1 minute.
Take the caramel sauce off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let it cool slightly in the pot for a few minutes. Then, transfer the hot caramel to a heat-proof bowl or jar and let it cool completely to room temperature before using. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Once cooled add in your sea salt flakes.

For The Krispie Bars

In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat and cook until browned and fragrant – about 4-5 minutes, being careful to not burn it.
Add the marshmallows, and stir until almost melted.
Add vanilla, sea salt, and about ¼ of the caramel sauce and stir well.
Remove from the heat and stir in the cereal until evenly coated.
Pour ½ of the cereal mixture into an 8×8 baking dish and spread evenly.
Drizzle the remaining Caramel Sauce over the cereal mixture. The sauce will slowly incorporate into the treats for a gooey, caramel texture.
Pour the remaining cereal mixture over the caramel sauce and spread evenly.

Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats with Browned Butter

A rich indulgence on a classic treat, these Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats with Browned Butter are better than basic and will melt in your mouth with an explosion of flavors and texture.

Ingredients

¼ Cup butter
11-ounce bag Mini Marshmallows
1 ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Sea Salt Flakes
8 Cups Crispy Rice Cereal

For The Caramel Sauce (Make Ahead)

¾ Cup Granulated Sugar
2 Tablespoons Butter
½ Cup Heavy Cream
½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1-2 Teaspoons Maldon Sea Salt Flakes

Instructions

For The Caramel Sauce

Measure out butter, sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla and place into separate bowls (essential!)
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until melted and simmering (3-5 minutes, or until light golden brown).
To prevent sugar crystals from forming, occasionally brush down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush while the sugar heats.
Once sugar gets to a medium amber shade turn off the heat (remove the pan from heat if you are using an electric stovetop)
Gradually whisk in the butter until melted and well combined. The sugar will bubble rapidly as soon as the butter hits it, so be cautious of splatters.
After incorporating the butter, gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up again. Bring the pot back to medium heat and continue boiling for 1 minute.
Take the caramel sauce off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let it cool slightly in the pot for a few minutes. Then, transfer the hot caramel to a heat-proof bowl or jar and let it cool completely to room temperature before using. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Once cooled add in your sea salt flakes.

For The Krispie Bars

In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat and cook until browned and fragrant - about 4-5 minutes, being careful to not burn it.
Add the marshmallows, and stir until almost melted.
Add vanilla, sea salt, and about ¼ of the caramel sauce and stir well.
Remove from the heat and stir in the cereal until evenly coated.
Pour ½ of the cereal mixture into an 8x8 baking dish and spread evenly.
Drizzle the remaining Caramel Sauce over the cereal mixture.
Pour the remaining cereal mixture over the caramel sauce and spread evenly.