Caramel Rice Krispie Squares
If you’ve ever wished for a treat that’s crispy, gooey, and super easy to make, these caramel rice krispie squares are your new go-to. The caramel flavor? Brought to you by magical Medjool dates: sweet, chewy, and perfectly caramel-y. Peanut butter brings that rich, sticky goodness, and the chocolate topping? Pure melt-in-your-mouth magic. Oh, and did we mention? No baking is required. Just a little mix, a little chill, and voilà!
These squares aren’t just a snack; they’re a treat that feels like indulgence in every bite, but with all the wholesome ingredients to keep your body (and tastebuds) happy. They’re perfect for meal prep, for those I need a snack moments, or for sharing—or not. Bonus: they’re freezer-friendly, so you’ll always have a stash of gooey, caramel goodness ready to go.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These caramel rice krispie treats are anything but average. Crispy, gooey, sweet, and perfectly balanced, they’re the treat that hits all the right notes—indulgent with a side of wholesome goodness. Whether you need a snack or a quick dessert, these bars have got you covered. Here’s why they’re about to become your new favorite:
- Caramel Lovers, Rejoice: Medjool dates bring all the caramel goodness without any refined sugar, making these squares sweet, chewy, and totally irresistible. It’s like caramel magic in every bite.
- Crunch Meets Perfection: The rice crispies are here for that satisfying crunch that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. And since they’re light and crispy, you won’t feel like you’re eating a sugar bomb—just the good stuff.
- No Oven Required: Who needs an oven when you can make these beauties in a snap? Mix, chill, and enjoy—it’s the ultimate no-bake treat with zero fuss.
- Chocolate Topping Magic: That melt-in-your-mouth chocolate topping is the finishing touch that makes these squares feel extra. Sweet, rich, and just the right amount of indulgence.
- Goodness in Every Bite: Packed with peanut butter, dates, and a touch of maple syrup, these squares are full of healthy fats, fiber, and natural sweetness. So go ahead and snack away!
Key Ingredients
These caramel rice krispie squares are a perfect balance of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a beautifully delicious treat. Think crunchy, gooey, and totally indulgent with just a hint of natural sweetness—here’s what makes these squares stand out:
- Unsweetened Brown Rice Crisps Cereal: The base of the magic! These crispies provide the perfect crunch without any extra sweetness, letting the caramel and peanut butter shine. Light and airy, they give these squares their satisfying crunch factor.
- Peanut Butter: The creamy, rich goodness that holds everything together. Peanut butter not only adds a deliciously sticky texture but also gives these squares their deep, nutty flavor that takes them from good to ridiculously good. Substitution: You can swap peanut butter for sunflower butter (great for nut allergies) or almond butter for a milder flavor. Even cashew butter works wonderfully for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Maple Syrup: Sweetness, meet depth. Maple syrup gives these squares just the right amount of sweetness, with a warm, earthy vibe that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and dates. It’s like a cozy hug for your tastebuds.
- Vanilla Extract: That little something extra. A splash of vanilla makes everything feel a little more homey—it enhances the flavor profile and adds a comforting note that’s almost like the secret ingredient you didn’t know you needed.
- Medjool Dates: The caramel-y magic. These soft, juicy dates bring that natural sweetness and a luxurious, gooey texture that makes these squares irresistibly chewy. Plus, they’re the reason these treats taste like caramel without any refined sugar. Total game changer.
- Semi-Sweet Vegan Chocolate Chips: The final flourish! These chocolate chips are the rich, melty topping that turns these squares into something extraordinary. They add the perfect balance of sweetness, making every bite feel like a mini indulgence.
- Coconut Oil: The secret smooth operator that makes the topping glossy and smooth. Coconut oil helps everything come together with a silky-smooth texture, giving these squares that melt-in-your-mouth feel and a subtle richness that makes them extra dreamy.
How To Make
These caramel rice krispie squares come together in no time with just a few easy steps. Let’s break them down! For full recipe details, scroll to the end of this post.
- Step 1: Get Crunchy – Start by pulsing the rice crispies, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt in a food processor until everything’s mixed and the crispies are slightly broken down. Press it into a baking dish evenly.
- Step 2: Make the Caramel Magic – Blend the Medjool dates, coconut oil, vanilla, and water in the food processor until you’ve got a smooth, caramel-y mixture. Spread it evenly on top of your crispy base.
- Step 3: Chocolate Dream – Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat until smooth and glossy. Drizzle it over the caramel layer and spread it out to cover the whole thing.
- Step 4: Chill and Enjoy – Pop the baking dish in the freezer for a few hours (or overnight!) until the squares are firm and set. Slice, serve, and love your new favorite sweet treat!
How To Serve
These caramel rice krispie squares are ready for anything—whether you’re indulging solo or sharing with friends. They’re super versatile, and with a few fun tweaks, you can make them even more delicious. Here’s how to serve them up with a little extra flair:
- Party Perfection: These squares are the ideal treat to bring to a party. Cut them into fun shapes, add a flourish of vegan sprinkles, vegan whipped cream, or sea salt, and watch them disappear!
- Gift-Worthy Goodness: Wrap them up in a cute box or parchment paper for a thoughtful vegan homemade gift.
- Picnic-Friendly: Pack these squares in your picnic basket for a sweet treat that’s easy to transport and even easier to enjoy outdoors.
- Movie Night Snack: These bars are basically made for movie nights. Grab a square (or two) and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy while watching your favorite show.
- Lunchbox Surprise: Toss a square in your kid’s lunchbox (or your own) for a sweet surprise that’s a little bit healthier and a lot more fun than regular snacks.
FAQs
Yes! These caramel rice krispie squares are perfect for meal prep. Make them a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. They’ll stay fresh and delicious until you’re ready to enjoy them!
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or just prefer a different flavor, you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower butter, almond butter, or even pumpkin seed butter. These will still give the bars that creamy, rich texture without compromising the flavor.
To keep your caramel rice krispie squares fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, so you always have a sweet snack on hand!
Check Out These Recipes For More Easy Sweet Treats!
If you make this caramel rice krispies squares recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below! I love reading your comments!
Caramel Rice Krispie Squares
Ingredients
For the peanut butter crispy layer:
- 3 cups brown rice cereal crispies, unsweetened
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the caramel layer:
- 1 cup medjool dates
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the chocolate topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
For the peanut butter crispy layer:
- Prepare an 8 × 8 baking dish lined with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Add all ingredients for the peanut butter crispy layer to a food processor and process until the cereal is broken down into small pieces and everything is well combined, taking care to not over process.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly on the bottom of the dish. Place an extra piece of parchment paper on top of the peanut butter crispy mixture and press it down very tight and compact. Set aside.
For the caramel layer:
- Add all ingredients for the caramel layer to a food processor and process until the dates are broken down into small pieces and everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread it evenly over the top of the peanut butter crispy layer.
For the chocolate topping:
- Add all ingredients for the chocolate topping to a small saucepan and melt on lowest heat, stirring until it is completely melted and smooth, taking care to not let it burn.
- Pour the chocolate topping evenly over the top of the caramel layer.
- Place the baking dish in the freezer overnight, or until the squares are firm.
- Remove the baking dish from the freezer and cut it into 16 squares or 8 large bars.
Notes
- Chill Time: For the perfect firm texture, let the bars chill in the freezer for a few hours, or overnight if you can resist!
- Fridge: Store your rice krispie squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and chewy—just grab one whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
- Freezer: These bars are freezer-friendly! Pop them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Perfect for making a batch ahead of time and having a caramel treat ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
- Stay Chill: These squares will get soft if left out at room temperature, so be sure to keep them chilled for the best texture.
Nutrition
Recipe from Clean Desserts: Delicious No-Bake Vegan & Gluten-Free Cookies, Bars, Balls, and More, © Karielyn Tillmann, 2019. Reprinted by permission of the publisher, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. Available everywhere books are sold.
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These are like a healthier vegan version of scotcharoos that I’ve been making for decades!! A bit more work to make, but super yummy.
Dying to make these super sweet squares! My two favorite foods are dates and peanut butter, so it sounds like this recipe was made just for me! Brown rice krispies will give these the best crunch, too. I’m only worried that the bars will be so delicious, I might eat the entire pan myself! (oh, well! lol)
These look SO GOOD. I love the concept of making a caramel sauce out of dates and I LOVE that you included a nut-free option for the sauce. Wonder how these would turn out with tahini!
These are crazy good! My hubby made them when we had a hankering for something sweet. Make sure you use the soft squishy medjool dates—not the dried out hard ones 🙂
This is so clever! Who would’ve thought medjool dates and peanut butter would create the caramel flavor. These are easy and delicious!