Chewy Caramel M&M Rice Krispie Treats
These Chewy Caramel M&M Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful indulgence that will take you back to your childhood, thanks to my grandmother's cherished recipe. Bursting with the rich flavors of melted caramel, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy puffed rice cereal, these bars offer an irresistible combination of texture and sweetness. Perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home, they have become a staple treat that everyone asks for. One of the great things about these bars is their ability to be revived – if they ever get too crunchy, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave will restore their softness. Please note: precision in measurement is crucial for the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, so follow the specified amounts carefully!
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Caramels
32 (unwrapped)
Margarine
3 tablespoons (n/a)
Large Marshmallows
20 (n/a)
Rice Krispies or Puffed Rice Cereal
4-6 cups (n/a)
M&M's
1 cup (n/a)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and margarine. Heat over LOW heat, stirring continuously until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. Be patient, as this may take some time.
2
Once the caramels are fully melted, add the marshmallows to the saucepan. Continue to cook on LOW heat, stirring frequently until the marshmallows are completely melted and combined with the caramel.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully fold in the Rice Krispies or puffed rice cereal, ensuring all the cereal is well coated with the caramel-marshmallow mixture.
4
Gently stir in the M&M's, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the cereal mixture.
5
Using greased hands or a spatula, press the mixture firmly into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Make sure to pack it down tightly for the best results.
6
Cover the pan immediately to preserve the chewiness as it cools.
7
Allow the bars to stand at room temperature until they are firm, then slice into squares and serve.
Nutrition Information
4.75g
Fat
29.375g
Carbs
1.5625g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chewy Caramel M&M Rice Krispie Treats?
They are a rich and indulgent dessert bar made with melted caramel, fluffy marshmallows, puffed rice cereal, and M&Ms, based on a cherished grandmother's recipe.
How many caramels do I need for this recipe?
You will need 32 individual caramels, which should be unwrapped before starting.
How many marshmallows are required?
The recipe calls for 20 large marshmallows.
How much rice cereal should I use?
You can use between 4 to 6 cups of Rice Krispies or a similar puffed rice cereal.
What type of fat is used to melt the caramels?
The recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of margarine.
What size pan is needed for these treats?
You should use a greased 9x13 inch pan.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 175 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4.75 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these treats?
Each serving contains 29.375 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each bar?
There is 1.5625 grams of protein per serving.
How do I melt the caramels and margarine?
Combine them in a medium saucepan and heat over LOW heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth.
At what point do I add the marshmallows?
Add the marshmallows to the saucepan once the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Do I keep the heat on when adding the cereal?
No, you should remove the saucepan from the heat before folding in the Rice Krispies.
When should the M&Ms be added?
Gently stir in the 1 cup of M&Ms after the cereal has been well coated with the caramel-marshmallow mixture.
How can I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Use greased hands or a spatula to press the mixture into the pan.
Why do I need to pack the mixture down tightly?
Packing the mixture firmly into the pan ensures the best structural results for the bars.
How can I keep the treats chewy as they cool?
Cover the pan immediately after pressing the mixture in to preserve the chewiness.
What should I do if the bars become too crunchy?
You can revive them by placing a bar in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore its softness.
Is precision important for this recipe?
Yes, precision in measurement is crucial to achieve the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures.
How long should the bars stand before serving?
Allow the bars to stand at room temperature until they are firm before slicing into squares.
Can I use high heat to speed up the melting process?
No, it is recommended to use LOW heat and be patient to ensure the mixture doesn't burn and melts smoothly.
Is this a good recipe for a potluck?
Yes, these bars are described as perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or enjoying at home.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as dessert, sweet treats, snack, bars, rice krispie, caramel, chocolate, easy recipes, and grandma's recipe.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a cherished family recipe passed down from the author's grandmother.
Can I use different types of M&Ms?
While the recipe calls for standard M&Ms, you can use any variety you prefer for the 1-cup measurement.
Should the pan be greased?
Yes, the 9x13 inch pan must be greased to prevent the treats from sticking.
Are these treats served warm or cold?
They should be allowed to firm up at room temperature before serving, though they can be briefly microwaved if they get too hard.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: Caramels, Margarine, Large Marshmallows, Rice cereal, and M&Ms.
What is the texture of these bars?
They offer a combination of chewy caramel and marshmallows with the crunch of puffed rice cereal.
Can I substitute butter for margarine?
The recipe specifically lists margarine, but in most Rice Krispie treat variations, butter can be used as a substitute if preferred.