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Salted Caramel Chocolate Rice Crispy Bars

Decadent three-layer bars featuring a brown butter rice cereal base, a rich homemade caramel center, and a salted chocolate top.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

Base Layer
  • 6 cups rice cereal
  • 10 oz marshmallows mini or regular
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Caramel Layer
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz
  • 2 tbsp corn syrup
Chocolate Top
  • 1.5 cups chocolate chips semi-sweet or milk
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp flaky sea salt Maldon style

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
  2. For the base: Brown 6 tbsp butter in a large pot until nutty and golden. Stir in marshmallows until melted. Remove from heat, add vanilla, and fold in rice cereal.
  3. Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even layer.
  4. For the caramel: In a saucepan, whisk 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, condensed milk, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
  5. Pour hot caramel over the cereal base. Let cool 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
  6. For the top: Melt chocolate chips and oil in microwave until smooth. Pour over the chilled caramel layer.
  7. Sprinkle immediately with flaky sea salt. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until solid.
  8. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing into squares with a hot knife.

Notes

Use a hot knife to cut through the chocolate layer without cracking it. Store in the fridge for chewier texture.