espresso-cream cheese rice krispie treats

Yes indeed another espresso recipe, but I don't think you are going to mind back to back espresso recipes as this is one kicked up treat. I've taken the rice krispie treat added some cream cheese, espresso, toffee bits and a few other things. How many of you out there are coffee junkies? I am too and I just love finding new ways to use espresso in baked goods, and yes we can also say savory goods because espresso is used in sauces isn't it? Can I tell you these treats were absolutely fabulous. If you do make this, be prepared to eat it all. The combination of the espresso with the cream cheese with the added layer of toffee bits will make you keep going back for another bite, then another, and then another, then you wrap it all up and put it all away vowing NOT to eat another bite. But then five minutes later there you are unwrapping the plastic wrap to 'just have a small bite'. Am I right?
As a side note: I don't know if young kids should eat this because of the espresso in it, but you can use your own judgement. I highly doubt you'll want to share anyways.....



espresso-cream cheese rice krispie treats
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3 TB salted butter
4 oz. cream cheese, room temp
2 Starbuck Via’s (the medium one)
A good size pinch of sea salt
10 or 11 ounce bag of mini marshmallows
8 ounce bag of chopped toffee bits (1 cup used in bars, remainder used for sprinkling on top)
6 and 1/2 cups rice krispies

Spray a 13 x 9-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a very large 6 or 8 qt. pan, melt the butter and cream cheese over low heat (low heat, do not let the cream cheese burn or cook!). For these next steps, please work fast. Once melted add in both the starbuck via’s, then a good sized pinch of sea salt, stir. Using a rubber spatula immediately add in the marshmallows—all the while keep an eye on the bottom of the pan, don’t let it burn! Ok to take pan off heat for a bit if needed. Once marshmallows are added just keep stirring until melted; you will be stirring a lot. After its melted take off the heat, add in the 1 cup of toffee bits, quick stir, and then add in the Rice Krispies until well combined.
This is when you have to work fast and stir until well combined; making sure to get the bottom well combined as well. (recipe by dawn finicane) Once all mixed then transfer mix to your prepared pan and push down into pan with spatula or water-wet hands. After it’s all smoothed over this is when I like to add a small sprinkling of sea salt to the top, then the rest of the toffee bits. (you might have to push the toffee bits down into mixture to make them stay in place. Place in fridge to set and cool. They need to cool completely before cutting. You will need a very sharp knife to cut these into bars.

Cut into bars or squares with a sharp knife. Depending on how you cut them they should make about 15-20 bars.