BEST CARAMEL TURTLE RICE KRISPIE TREATS

There’s something undeniably magical about watching my kids’ eyes light up when they spot a tray of homemade treats, especially when it’s a twist on a classic. I remember one fall afternoon, the scent of melting caramel mingling with the crisp air, as we experimented with adding pecans and chocolate to our usual Rice Krispie squares, unknowingly creating what would become our beloved Caramel Turtle Rice Krispie Treats. Get ready to experience that same magic; I promise you, these are going to be a huge hit!

Why You’ll Absolutely Fall in Love with These Caramel Turtle Rice Krispie Treats

Okay, friend, let’s talk about why these aren’t just your average Rice Krispie treats. We’re taking it to the next level, a level of gooey, crunchy, chocolatey, nutty goodness that will have everyone begging for more. Here’s the breakdown:

• The Flavor Explosion: Think classic Rice Krispie treat, but amplified. The caramel adds a deep, rich sweetness, the pecans bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, and the chocolate? Well, chocolate makes everything better, doesn’t it? It’s a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
• Ridiculously Easy to Make: Seriously, if you can melt butter and marshmallows, you can make these. It’s a no-bake recipe that’s perfect for getting the kids involved or whipping up a quick dessert when you’re short on time.
• Customizable: Want to use walnuts instead of pecans? Go for it! Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate? Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, packing them in lunchboxes, or simply enjoying them at home, these treats are always a hit. Prepare to be the hero of any gathering!

What You’ll Need to Make These Amazing Treats

Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, it’s a fairly simple list.

• Rice Krispies Cereal: The foundation of our treat. Make sure they’re fresh for maximum crispness.
• Butter: I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the overall saltiness of the treats.
• Marshmallows: The key to that gooey, irresistible texture. I usually use mini marshmallows because they melt more evenly, but the large ones will work too.
• Caramel Candies: Individually wrapped caramels are what you need! I like to use a high-quality caramel for the best flavor.
• Heavy Cream: A little bit of heavy cream is our secret to making that caramel incredibly smooth and luscious.
• Pecans: These add that delightful crunch and nutty flavor that makes it a “turtle” treat. You can use pecan halves or pieces, whatever you prefer. Make sure they’re toasted for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, semi-sweet – the choice is yours! I personally love using a combination of milk and dark for a balanced sweetness.
• Sea Salt (Optional): A sprinkle of sea salt on top really enhances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Step-by-Step: Let’s Make Some Magic!

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make these delectable Caramel Turtle Rice Krispie Treats. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel

1. Unwrap all of your caramel candies. This is a great task for little helpers!
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream.
3. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be patient! It might take a few minutes.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Marshmallow Time!

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. Again, low and slow is key to prevent burning.
3. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine and Conquer

1. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal in a large bowl.
2. Gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
3. Add about half of your toasted pecans to the mixture and fold them in.

Step 4: Assemble the Treats

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Press the Rice Krispie mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Pour the melted caramel over the Rice Krispie mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Sprinkle the remaining toasted pecans over the caramel.

Step 5: Chocolate Drizzle

1. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. You can also melt it in a double boiler.
2. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pecans and caramel. You can use a spoon, a fork, or a piping bag for a more precise drizzle.
3. Immediately sprinkle with sea salt, if desired.

Step 6: Chill and Enjoy!

1. Let the treats cool completely in the pan, or refrigerate for faster setting.
2. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!

Troubleshooting: Because Things Don’t Always Go as Planned

Let’s be real, sometimes things don’t go exactly according to plan in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• My Caramel is Too Thick: If your caramel is too thick, add a tablespoon or two more of heavy cream and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
• My Rice Krispie Treats are Too Hard: This usually happens when the marshmallows are cooked at too high of a temperature or for too long. Make sure to melt them over low heat and don’t overcook them.
• My Chocolate Seized Up: This happens when chocolate gets wet. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry when melting the chocolate. If it seizes, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil and stirring vigorously.
• My Caramel is Separating: Caramel can separate if it’s heated too quickly or unevenly. Make sure to melt it over low heat, stirring constantly.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Caramel Turtle Rice Krispie Treats

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure your treats are absolutely perfect:

• Toast Your Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the treats really enhances their flavor. You can toast them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh marshmallows and Rice Krispies cereal will result in the best texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the melted marshmallows with the Rice Krispies, be gentle and avoid overmixing. Overmixing can cause the treats to become tough.
• Grease Everything: Grease your saucepan, spatula, and baking pan to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper makes it super easy to remove the treats once they’re set.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like chopped pretzels, sprinkles, or other nuts.
• Storage: Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to put your own spin on these Caramel Turtle Rice Krispie Treats? Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Dark Chocolate Delight: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
• Peanut Butter Bliss: Add a swirl of peanut butter to the melted chocolate for a peanut butter cup-inspired treat.
• White Chocolate Wonder: Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
• Pretzel Crunch: Add chopped pretzels to the Rice Krispie mixture for a salty-sweet crunch.
• Caramel Swirl: Reserve some of the melted caramel and swirl it into the Rice Krispie mixture for extra caramel goodness.

Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Treat

These Caramel Turtle Rice Krispie Treats are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for how to serve them:

• Dessert Platter: Add them to a dessert platter with other treats like cookies, brownies, and fruit.
• Lunchbox Surprise: Pack them in your kids’ lunchboxes for a special treat.
• Party Favor: Wrap them individually and give them out as party favors.
• Gourmet Dessert: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of these Caramel Turtle Rice Krispie Treats, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• For another caramel indulgence, try this Samoa Cheesecake Recipe. It’s a dreamy combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate on a creamy cheesecake base.
• If you’re craving the flavors of fall, you’ll adore Caramel Apple Cupcake Heaven. These cupcakes are moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious caramel frosting.
• For a festive and addictive treat, check out Christmas Cracker Candy. It’s a sweet and salty snack that’s perfect for the holidays.
• If you love toffee, you absolutely must try Churro Toffee. It’s a buttery, crunchy toffee coated in cinnamon and sugar.
• For a fun and unique salad, give Twix Caramel Apple Salad a try. It’s a sweet and refreshing salad with apples, Twix bars, and caramel.
• And finally, for a perfect balance of sweet and salty, bake a batch of Salty Caramel Apple Bars. You won’t regret it!

Final Thoughts: Go Forth and Create!

So there you have it, my friend! Everything you need to make the most amazing Caramel Turtle Rice Krispie Treats. Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy the process. These treats are a surefire way to bring a smile to anyone’s face, and I’m confident that you’ll create something truly special. Happy baking!

Best Caramel Turtle Rice Krispie Treats

These Caramel Turtle Rice Krispie Treats elevate the classic dessert with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate. Easy to make and customizable, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows
• 14 ounces individually wrapped caramels
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon sea salt optional

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Medium saucepan
• Large saucepan
• Large bowl
• Spatula
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Butter knife or cooking spray

Method

 

1. Unwrap all caramel candies.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine unwrapped caramels and heavy cream.
3. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly until caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
5. Add marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
6. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies cereal in a large bowl.
7. Gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
8. Add about half of the toasted pecans to the mixture and fold them in.
9. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
10. Press the Rice Krispie mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
11. Pour the melted caramel over the Rice Krispie mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
12. Sprinkle the remaining toasted pecans over the caramel.
13. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. You can also melt it in a double boiler.
14. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pecans and caramel.
15. Immediately sprinkle with sea salt, if desired.
16. Let the treats cool completely in the pan, or refrigerate for faster setting.
17. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

For thicker caramel, simmer longer. To prevent hard treats, melt marshmallows over low heat. Toast pecans for enhanced flavor. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Variations: Use dark chocolate, add peanut butter swirl, try white chocolate chips, or mix in chopped pretzels.