Samoa Rice Krispies are a fun twist on the classic rice krispie treat, featuring layers of toasted coconut, dulce de leche, and semisweet chocolate. The crunchy Rice Krispie cereal adds texture, while the rich coconut caramel layer provides a burst of flavor. These no-bake treats are easy to prepare and perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or an afternoon snack. With a decadent drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkling of toasted coconut, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Looking for a sweet, crunchy treat that’s perfect for any occasion? These Samoa Rice Krispies combine the best of all worlds—crispy cereal, rich caramel, toasted coconut, and smooth chocolate. Each bite brings the flavor of a classic Samoa cookie in a fun and easy-to-make bar form. Let’s dive into the ingredients needed to make these irresistible bars!
INGREDIENTS
- Mini marshmallows (5 cups): The base for the Rice Krispie mixture, adding sweetness and chewiness to the bars.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Helps bind the marshmallows and cereal together, giving the bars their soft texture.
- Rice Krispie cereal (6 cups): The crispy foundation that gives these treats their signature crunch.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (14 oz bag): Toasted to perfection, bringing a rich, nutty flavor that’s essential to the Samoa-inspired taste.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Used to thin out the dulce de leche, making it easier to mix with the toasted coconut.
- Dulce de leche (1 - 13.4 oz can): A creamy caramel layer that adds rich sweetness to these bars.
- Semisweet chocolate (6 oz, melted): Melted and spread over the top, adding a smooth chocolate finish to the bars.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large sauté pan, add the shredded coconut and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the coconut turns golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside ½ cup for garnishing.
- Step 2:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the dulce de leche with 2 tablespoons of milk for about 1½ minutes. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Step 3:
- Mix the dulce de leche with the remaining toasted coconut, setting aside the ½ cup reserved earlier.
- Step 4:
- In another large microwave-safe bowl, melt the mini marshmallows and butter together for about 2 minutes. Stir until fully combined.
- Step 5:
- Pour the Rice Krispie cereal into the marshmallow mixture and mix well to ensure the cereal is fully coated.
- Step 6:
- Grease an 8x12-inch pan and press half of the Rice Krispie mixture into the bottom of the pan, forming an even layer.
- Step 7:
- Spread the caramel coconut mixture evenly over the first layer of Rice Krispies.
- Step 8:
- Top with the remaining Rice Krispie mixture and gently press down to form an even layer.
- Step 9:
- Melt the semisweet chocolate and spread it over the top of the bars. Garnish with the reserved ½ cup of toasted coconut.
- Step 10:
- Allow the chocolate to harden before cutting the bars into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- These Samoa Rice Krispies are best served once the chocolate has fully hardened, which helps the bars hold together perfectly.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- For a cleaner cut, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water before slicing the bars.
Helpful Notes
- Be sure to constantly stir the coconut while toasting, as it can go from golden brown to burnt quickly.
- If you prefer a softer caramel layer, add an extra tablespoon of milk to the dulce de leche mixture to thin it out further.
- Spraying your hands with cooking spray makes it easier to press down the Rice Krispie layers without sticking.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Mark recommends adding a pinch of sea salt to the melted chocolate for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Pastry Chef Emily suggests adding chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- The combination of crunchy Rice Krispies, toasted coconut, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate is irresistible.
- These bars are easy to make and require no baking, making them a convenient treat for any time of year.
- They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a fun after-school snack that everyone will enjoy.
VARIATIONS
- For a darker flavor profile, use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the bars for extra richness and sweetness.
- For a nutty twist, mix in some chopped almonds or cashews with the toasted coconut layer.