Make your mornings a little less hectic with these overnight breakfast recipes. Prep the night before and enjoy a warm, comforting meal in the morning.
Caramel Krispie Bars
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Forget boring snacks; these layered bites of marshmallow and caramel drama are here to steal the spotlight.
serves/makes:
ready in:
1-2 hrs
1-2 hrs
ingredients
3/4 cup butter or margarine, divided
8 cups miniature marshmallows, divided
8 cups rice krispies, divided
1 bag (14 ounce size) caramels (unwrapped)
1 can (14 ounce size) sweetened condensed milk
directions
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
Combine 1/4 cup of the butter and half of the miniature marshmallows in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until completely mixed. Remove the pan from the heat.
Stir in half of the Rice Krispies cereal, mixing until the cereal is completely coated. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and pat it down evenly to form the bottom layer.
Combine 1/4 cup butter, caramels, and sweetened condensed milk in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the caramels are melted. Pour the caramel layer over the base layer of Rice Krispies.
Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill for 45 minutes.
Repeat the process for making the Rice Krispies treat layer by melting the butter and marshmallows in the saucepan and stirring in the cereal.
Spread the final layer of Rice Krispies over the caramel layer. Let the caramel krispie bars set until the top layer is cooled, then cut into squares.
Store the caramel krispie bars, covered, in the refrigerator.
recipe tips
Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cutting of the bars.
Press the Rice Krispie layers firmly into the pan to make sure they hold together well.
For a twist, try using flavored or colored marshmallows or different types of cereal for fun variations.
Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top of the bars for an extra decadent touch.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.
Cut the bars into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats at parties or gatherings.
common recipe questions
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of miniature?
You can use regular-sized marshmallows, they will take a little longer to melt (you can cut them into smaller pieces with a scissors if desired).
How do I know when the caramel layer is ready to be topped with the second Rice Krispie layer?
The caramel layer should be firm to the touch before adding the second Rice Krispie layer.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
You can customize this recipe by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or any other mix-ins to the Rice Krispie or caramel layers as desired.
How can I store leftovers of these bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
tools needed
Large Saucepan: To melt the margarine and marshmallows together for the base layer of the bars. Make sure the saucepan is large enough to hold the ingredients once the Rice Krispies are added and stir without spillage.
9x13-Inch Pan: For shaping and storing the bars as they set in the refrigerator. Make sure the pan is greased before adding the mixture to prevent sticking.
Stove: For heating the saucepan to melt the marshmallows, butter, caramels, and sweetened condensed milk. If you don't have a stove, consider using a hot plate or a microwave as an alternative.
Microwave-Safe Bowl (optional): Instead of using a stove, a microwave-safe bowl can be used to melt the ingredients. Be cautious of overheating, as the marshmallows can quickly expand and overflow.
Rubber Spatula: To easily mix and press the Rice Krispie mixture into the base layer and the top layer of the bars. Make sure the spatula is heat-resistant if using it to mix the caramel layer.
Sharp Knife: For cutting the bars into individual serving sizes once they have set.
Sweet Tooth: A must-have tool for enjoying these delicious and indulgent Caramel Krispie Bars.
what goes with it?
Gourmet Ice Cream: because who wouldn't want to pair childhood favorites with a touch of sophistication? Sweet, creamy ice cream will balance out the sticky, chewy goodness of these bars.
Spiked Coffee: why not add a little extra kick to your snack time? The bitterness of coffee will contrast nicely with the sweet, gooey caramel.
Bourbon: because sometimes grownups just need to cut through all that sweetness with a little kick of alcohol. The oaky, smoky flavors of bourbon will take the flavors of these bars to new heights.
Popcorn: the perfect salty and crunchy snack to balance out the sweetness of the Caramel Krispie Bars.
nutrition data
485 calories, 18 grams fat, 79 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams protein per bar.
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reviews & comments
This recipe never explains the second 4 cups of mini marshallows. There are no directions for using it in the recipe...only the first 4 cups???/