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Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispie Squares Recipe

4.7 from 73 reviews

Deliciously rich Chocolate Caramel Rice Krispie Squares featuring a classic crispy rice base layered with luscious caramel and smooth milk chocolate peanut butter topping. These no-bake treats are a perfect blend of gooey marshmallow, sweet caramel, and creamy chocolate, ideal for snacking or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Krispie Base

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows or about 20 large marshmallows
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Caramel Layer

  • 7 ounces caramels (1/2 bag, about 25 caramels)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

Chocolate Layer

  • 8 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
  • 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Grease a 9 x 9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
  2. Melt Marshmallow Mixture: In a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave just until melted. Add the marshmallows and stir to coat them with melted butter. Microwave the mixture for about 1 to 1 ½ minutes, stirring every 40 seconds, until marshmallows are completely melted.
  3. Add Vanilla and Cereal: Remove the bowl from microwave, stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
  4. Form Rice Krispie Layer: Press the cereal mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
  5. Melt Caramel Layer: Unwrap caramels and place in a small non-stick saucepan. Add water and heat over medium-low, stirring constantly until caramels are melted and smooth without burning.
  6. Combine Peanut Butter with Caramel: Remove caramel mixture from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter until thoroughly combined.
  7. Apply Caramel Layer: Pour the caramel peanut butter mixture over the Rice Krispie base and spread evenly with a spatula.
  8. Melt Chocolate Layer: Place chopped milk chocolate in a small non-stick saucepan and melt over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid overheating.
  9. Combine Peanut Butter with Chocolate: Remove from heat and mix in the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
  10. Apply Chocolate Layer: Pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the caramel layer and evenly spread it.
  11. Set and Serve: Refrigerate the layered squares until the chocolate is set. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Store the bars in the refrigerator, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to avoid the caramel layer being too hard.
  • Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slicing.
  • Be careful not to overheat the caramel or chocolate mixtures to prevent burning.
  • You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some texture.

Keywords: rice krispie treats, chocolate caramel krispie squares, no bake dessert, peanut butter treats