Caramel Krispie Brownies

Oh my gosh the caramel smell hits you first. It feels warm and sticky sweet in the best way. I made these the other day and I couldn’t wait to cut a piece.

I love how the brownies stay soft and fudgy under that krispie caramel layer. It gives a little crunch and a little chew. It makes each bite feel fun.

I like easy treats that taste big and bold. This one melts and crunches at the same time. You’ll want another slice right away.

So yeah let’s make it together. It’s simple and yummy and feels like a sweet hug. Come on I’ll show you the steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The soft, chocolatey brownie base pairs perfectly with the crispy, gooey Rice Krispie topping and rich caramel sauce, creating a delightful texture contrast.
• Quick and Easy to Make: You can make these brownies from start to finish in under an hour, making them a perfect last-minute treat or for satisfying unexpected cravings.
• Kid-Friendly: If you have little helpers in the kitchen, they’ll love mixing and pressing down the ingredients into the pan. Plus, the combination of marshmallows and Rice Krispies is always a crowd favorite!
• Great for Parties or Gatherings: These brownies are an instant conversation starter. The combination of rich brownie, crispy Rice Krispies, and caramel is sure to wow guests at parties or family get-togethers.
• Versatile for Customization: While this recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, you can switch up the flavor profile with different add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even swirl in some peanut butter.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the ingredients and instructions, gather these essential kitchen tools:

• Large Saucepan: You’ll need this for making the caramel and Rice Krispie mixture.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: A medium-sized baking pan will work perfectly for this recipe. The brownies will have just the right thickness when baked in this size.
• Spatula: For mixing the ingredients together and spreading them evenly in the pan.
• Mixing Bowls: To prepare the dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure your ingredients are perfectly measured for the best outcome.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these sweet, irresistible Caramel Krispie Brownies:

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required on the box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
  • You can also opt to use homemade brownies if you prefer!
• 3 cups mini marshmallows: These will give the Rice Krispies their signature sticky texture.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For a creamy consistency when melting the marshmallows.
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup: Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps the Rice Krispies stick together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the brownies.
• 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The crispy texture is the signature feature of this part of the dessert.

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1 cup caramel sauce: The star ingredient for that rich, velvety topping that brings everything together.
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional): A light sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel will help balance out the sweetness, giving your brownies a sophisticated flavor twist.

Variations for Caramel Krispie Brownies

While this recipe is already delightful, there are plenty of ways to personalize it to fit your tastes:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips to the Rice Krispie mixture for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
• Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans work beautifully in both the Rice Krispie topping or the brownie layer.
• Use Dark Chocolate: If you love a richer, less sweet flavor, use dark chocolate chips or dark cocoa powder in the brownie base.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl in some peanut butter into the brownie batter for a peanut-buttery delight.
• Add M&Ms: For a fun, colorful twist, fold in M&Ms or other candy-coated chocolates into the Rice Krispies for a playful touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Brownie Base

Start by making the brownie base. Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box. Typically, you’ll need to mix the brownie mix with eggs, oil, and water. Be sure to whisk it until fully combined and smooth.

Once the brownie batter is ready, spread it evenly in the 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Bake the Brownies

Place the brownie-filled pan in the oven and bake according to the directions on the box. Most brownie mixes require 20 to 25 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven. You can check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Set the brownies aside to cool while you prepare the crispy topping.

3. Prepare the Rice Krispie Topping

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the corn syrup and mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

4. Add the Rice Krispies

Once the marshmallow mixture is smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in the Rice Krispies. Be sure to fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until every piece is evenly coated.

5. Spread the Rice Krispie Mixture Over the Brownies

Carefully spoon the Rice Krispie mixture onto the cooled brownie base. Use a spatula to gently press the mixture into an even layer. You can lightly grease the spatula to prevent it from sticking to the mixture.

6. Drizzle the Caramel Sauce

Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the Rice Krispie topping. You can use store-bought caramel sauce or even make your own if you have a bit of extra time. If you’re using sea salt, lightly sprinkle it over the caramel drizzle for a sweet-and-salty finish.

7. Let Cool and Set

Allow the brownies to cool for at least 30 minutes to let the caramel and Rice Krispie topping firm up. For quicker cooling, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Once set, slice the brownies into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve Caramel Krispie Brownies

These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further:

• With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream complements the caramel and chocolate perfectly.
• As a Party Dessert: Cut into smaller squares and serve as part of a dessert spread at parties or gatherings.
• With Coffee: Pair a square with your favorite coffee or dessert wine for a more sophisticated treat.

Storing Caramel Krispie Brownies

• Room Temperature: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: These brownies freeze well! To freeze, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for one square (assuming the recipe makes about 16 squares):

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	240 kcal
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	150mg
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	20g
Protein	2g

Please note that the values above are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

Conclusion

These Caramel Krispie Brownies are a must-try for anyone who loves sweet, gooey treats with the perfect blend of chocolate, caramel, and crunch. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. With a brownie base, Rice Krispie topping, and caramel drizzle, they combine all the best flavors into one irresistible dessert.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how they turn out – I’d love to hear about your experience and any fun variations you try!