Caramel Crispy Treats I

These Caramel Crispy Treats I are a game-changer for anyone with a sweet tooth! Crunchy rice cereal smothered in a rich, velvety caramel and topped with melted chocolate – what’s not to love? Perfect for snacking on the go, these tasty bars are easy to whip up and will disappear in no time.

Ingredients

• Butter or margarine, 1 1/2 tablespoons
• Light corn syrup, 1/2 cup
• Granulated sugar, 1 cup
• Water, 1/2 cup
• Baking soda, 1 teaspoon
• Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
• Rice cereal, 5 cups
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup
• Heavy cream, 1 tablespoon

Instructions

Line a surface with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

In a large pot, combine the butter or margarine, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, water, baking soda, and salt.

Place the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Let the mixture cool slightly, until it reaches 225°F.

Add the Rice cereal to the pot and stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the caramel mixture.

Press the cereal mixture into a greased 10×15-inch pan.

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.

Spread the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture.

Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.

Cut into bars.

Drizzle with heavy cream, if desired.

Cut into 5 bars, about 1 inch wide and 5 inches long.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer to ensure the caramel mixture reaches the correct temperature, as this will affect the texture of the treats.

If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test the mixture by dropping a small amount of it into a cup of cold water.

If it forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water, it’s ready.

If it doesn’t form a ball, continue cooking the mixture and testing it until it reaches the correct consistency.

To make the treats more festive, sprinkle chopped nuts or sprinkles over the melted chocolate before refrigerating.

To store the treats, cut them into bars and place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If you want a gooier caramel, cook the mixture to 240°F instead of 250°F.

Just keep an eye on it, as it can easily become too soft.

Experiment with different flavors by adding a teaspoon of a different extract, like almond or peppermint, to the caramel mixture before adding the Rice cereal.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 43g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 2g