Description

These Star Crunch Rice Krispie Treats are a decadent twist on the classic snack, featuring a rich blend of caramel, raisin puree, cocoa powder, oats, and melted chocolate chips, all mixed with crispy Rice Krispies cereal. The mini marshmallows add that perfect gooey texture, while a hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor. Perfect for an indulgent treat or a fun party snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Mixture

11 oz Kraft caramel bits
½ cup unsalted butter, chopped into pieces
¼ cup raisin puree (prepared from raisins soaked and blended)
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

Raisin Puree

Raisins (quantity as needed for ¼ cup puree)
Boiling water (enough to cover raisins, reserve 1/8 cup after soaking)

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Instructions

Prepare Raisin Puree: Place raisins in a small bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until plump and rehydrated. Drain the raisins, reserving 1/8 cup of the soaking water. Blend the soaked raisins and reserved water together in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Prepare Workspace: Line a counter space with parchment paper to place the treats onto for cooling and setting later.
Melt Caramel and Butter: In a large pot over low heat, combine the Kraft caramel bits and chopped unsalted butter. Stir frequently until the caramel melts and combines smoothly with the butter.
Add Puree, Cocoa, and Oats: Stir in the raisin puree, unsweetened cocoa powder, and rolled oats to the melted caramel mixture. Mix thoroughly until the caramel is completely melted and ingredients are well incorporated.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Add the chocolate chips to the mixture and stir continuously until the chips melt fully into the caramel blend.
Add Marshmallows: Stir in the mini marshmallows, keeping the mixture on low heat and stirring steadily until all marshmallows are melted and combined.
Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the mixture with its aromatic flavor.
Mix in Rice Krispies: Remove the pot from heat and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated evenly with the chocolate-caramel mixture.
Scoop and Shape: Use a large cookie scoop (about 1/4 cup) to tightly pack the sticky mixture and drop the scoops onto the prepared parchment paper.
Set and Shape Patties: Let the treats rest for 10-15 minutes to reduce stickiness on top. Then press each scoop into a flat patty shape using the bottom of a flat measuring cup. If bottoms remain sticky, flip them to allow further setting.
Cool Completely: Allow the shaped treats to cool fully and firm up before handling further.
Store: Store the treats by separating layers with parchment paper or wrapping them individually with plastic wrap, placing them inside an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

For best results, use a large cookie scoop to ensure uniform treat sizes.
Adjust soaking time of raisins if they are particularly dry or fresh.
Pressing the treats carefully helps achieve a neat patty shape and prevents excessive stickiness.
Store treats at room temperature and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
You may substitute the caramel bits with homemade caramel or soft caramel candies if preferred.