Description
Indulgent and chewy Star Crunch Rice Krispie Treats made with a luscious blend of caramel, raisin puree, cocoa, oats, chocolate chips, and marshmallows, all combined with classic Rice Krispies cereal. These treats offer a delicious twist on the traditional recipe with rich flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for snack time or parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Raisin Puree
- Raisins (quantity as needed)
- Boiling water (enough to cover raisins, reserve 1/8 cup after soaking)
Main Mixture
- 11 oz Kraft caramel bits
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chopped into pieces
- ¼ cup raisin puree
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup 1-minute rolled oats
- ½ cup chocolate chips (half semi-sweet & half milk chocolate recommended)
- 8 oz mini marshmallows
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Prepare Raisin Puree: In a small bowl, soak the raisins in boiling water just enough to cover them. Let the raisins rehydrate and plump for 15-20 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/8 cup of the soaking water. Blend the soaked raisins with the reserved water in a small food processor or blender until creamy. Set aside for later use.
- Prepare Workspace: Line a space on your counter with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface where you will place the treats to cool and set.
- Melt Caramel and Butter: In a large pot over low heat, combine the Kraft caramel bits and unsalted butter. Stir frequently to prevent burning and help them melt smoothly.
- Add Puree, Cocoa, and Oats: To the caramel and butter mixture, stir in the raisin puree, unsweetened cocoa powder, and rolled oats. Continue stirring until the caramel is completely melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Add the chocolate chips to the pot, stirring constantly until the chips melt into the mixture, creating a rich chocolate texture.
- Add Marshmallows: Stir in the mini marshmallows and continue stirring over low heat until they are fully melted and integrated into the mixture.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to enhance the overall flavor.
- Mix in Rice Krispies: Gently fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the warm mixture, ensuring each piece gets coated evenly for that perfect crunch.
- Scoop and Shape: Using a large cookie scoop (about 1/4 cup), tightly pack the mixture and place the scooped portions onto the prepared parchment paper. Note the mixture will be sticky.
- Set and Shape Patties: Let the treats sit undisturbed for 10-15 minutes until the tops are less sticky. Press each treat firmly into a patty shape using the bottom of a flat measuring cup. If the bottoms remain sticky, flip them over to set further.
- Cool Completely: Allow the treats to cool completely to firm up before handling.
- Store Properly: Store the treats between layers of parchment paper or wrap individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use a low heat setting when melting caramel and marshmallows to avoid burning.
- If the mixture becomes too stiff to stir, warm the pot gently or add a splash of reserved raisin soaking water to loosen it.
- Adjust the ratio of chocolate chips depending on your preferred taste—more semi-sweet for richer flavor or more milk chocolate for sweetness.
- For a nutty crunch, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the mix.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
