Like all good holidays, this back to school season brings with it the opportunity to entertain from the heart of my home, the kitchen. No, I’m not throwing parties for my girlfriends while the kids are gone for the day, although I just might give that a go. This time of year means opening my home to the endless supply of friends that seem to pour in the front door when my kids come home from school. I am not complaining. I honestly love it!
You see, one of my favorite roles as a mom is playing host to the friends my six kids bring home. I adore getting to know these kids who play such a vital role in the life of my children. I want them in my home and I want them to feel at home here. I’m not trying to be the “cool” mom, just the one whose door is always open and whose kitchen is stocked with great food to keep them coming back.
Once kids hit those teenage years, the amount and variety of food found in your kitchen is directly related to the amount of time they spend in your home versus the home of someone else. I learned this priceless lesson from a wonderful friend when I was just a young mom. She always had an endless supply of ice cream treats in the freezer and containers of homemade baked goods on the counter. She wanted her kids and their friends in her kitchen eating, hanging out and making a ruckus. She wanted those friends to be a part of her life, as well as the lives of her children. I made the decision long ago to follow in her wise footsteps.
The food blogger in me is always on the hunt for new delicious recipes to keep those friends hanging out in my kitchen to enjoy a treat or two. They all definitely have their favorites that must be worked into the rotation or I will hear about it, however. Some of the no-fail recipes are No Bake Chewy Granola Bars, Monster M&M Cookies, DIY Buttered Microwave Popcorn, and Cheesy Puff Crackers.
Salted Caramel Rice Krispy Treats
Ingredients
Caramel:
1 bag of caramels, unwrapped
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 C butter
Bars:
1/4 C butter
11 ounce bag mini marshmallows
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp sea salt flakes
8 C crispy rice cereal
chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt all the caramel ingredients together until smooth. Remove from heat.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat, add the marshmallows and stir until almost melted. Add vanilla, sea salt and about half of the caramel mixture and stir well. Remove from the heat and stir in the cereal until evenly coated.
3. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan and press down firmly with damp hands. Spread the remaining caramel over the top of the bars. Sprinkle an additional 2 tsp of sea salt flakes over the top and allow to cool before cutting into bars. If you would like to drizzle chocolate over the top, just melt some chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle all over!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 227
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 243mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
This post is part of BlogHer’s Kitchen Entertaining editorial series, made possible by KitchenAid.
Bake-A-Holic says
Oh yum! I will be making these, but probably using my favorite salted caramel from Trader Joe’s. For some reason I’ve never liked to unwrap all those caramels and make my own.
Love the idea.
The Red Headed Mama says
Sugar, water, whipping cream, vanilla, salt = AMAZING homemade caramel. YUM YUM Can’t wait to try these!
Anonymous says
I just made this recipe. I am curious how much exactly “1 bag of caramels, unwrapped” is, please. I used an 11 ounce bag. When I poured half of the caramel mixture over the treats, the caramel mixture barely covered the treats. Otherwise, I am excited to taste the treats; thanks for sharing the recipe!
Mike I says
Tried this recipe and it came out great!! The only thing I did was cut the salt portions in half…I had no complaints! Thanks for sharing this!
Mike I says
oh yeah…i used a bag and a half of caramel!! Gave a nice layer of caramel!
So glad they turned out well for you Mike!
Karen says
I just made these…YUM! Thanks for sharing the recipe
You are very welcome Karen! Glad you liked them
Kelli says
Great advice about how to get the kids to hang out at your place. My husband and I agree, that’s where we want our kids and their friends. So food is the key? We were forgetting that, but they are still young so we have time. We had the games and other fun activities, in fact it was working. But now that I am going to start having awesome snacks (besides carrots and melon) our kid’s friends may never leave! 🙂 Well, the more the merrier I say.
Glad I could lend a bit of advice Kelli! Thanks for your great comment
Lindsay says
How does the caramel hold up on the tops of these? I’m wanting to make some for an event tomorrow night, but I’m worried that the caramel might soak or settle into the treats if I make them too far in advance!
Lindsay – it is firm enough that you won’t have to worry about that! -Carole
Teri says
Made this recipe this evening and oh my goodness they are sinfully delicious! I adore caramel and these were not a let down. I did use 1 1/2 bags of caramel instead of just one bag. Husband and grandson raved about them. I am sure they will not last long. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much Teri! Look around and I know you can find another great recipe to give a try as well – Carole
Sherry says
How many grams or cups of caramels should I use
It was an 11 ounce bag
betty Stazenski says
I have never been a fan of Caramel–but it seems that all of a sudden I have become obsessed with salted caramel. These sound amazing. Thank you for this recipe.
I have a similar relationship with caramel Betty 🙂
Bev Stone says
Fantastic!!!!!
Made these for Christmas last year and will be doubling this year. (and maybe more)
Glad to hear it Bev! It is that salted caramel topping that gets me 🙂