April 17, 2010

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
By dawn finicane
print recipe

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.

58 COMMENTS:

Lo said...

You know, rice krispie bars always make me reminiscent of childhood. Some of my best memories have everything to do with the scotch-a-roos my mom made for picnics in the summer.

Love this more "adult" rendition. Best use I've seen yet for those Vias!

Audrey said...

This brings back fond memories of my (then little, now six foot four) nephew eating about a dozen Frangelico brownies one Christmas...at least we know they didn't stunt his growth! These look wonderful.

Barb, Diabetic Snacker said...

Sound goog. I wish there was something to use to make them stick together instead of the bag of marshmallows? I hate using a whole bag of marshmallows for my rice krispie treats.

Scary Mommy said...

You are a genius.

dawn said...

barb- maybe melted peanut butter?

doggybloggy said...

here's what you do: get a small box and line it with paper towel then get some plastic wrap and wrap up 4-6 of these and place them in the box, tape up the box and mail it to me....sound good?

Paula said...

great idea with this rice!

Erica said...

mmmmmmmm I love rice krispy treats and ummm...yes coffee addict right here...so whats not to love? I think its very cool that you used the via. I recently tried nescafe's version of the vias and its very good as well (and much cheaper)- right in the regular coffee aisle! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend Dawn! You always succeed in making me want to bake MORE!

Tangled Noodle said...

To think I was perfectly content sipping my espresso - this would be a waaaaay better way of getting my morning fix!

Rebecca said...

YUM!!! Perfect for me = coffee addict! Always looking for ways to sneak espresso into my treats!

Joanne said...

I think you just gave a whole new meaning to the phrase rice krispies treats. These are something that I would have loved to open up that little blue package to find. Beautiful.

Bijoux said...

I can live without a single drop of coffee (as I never drink it) BUT dessert laced with coffee flavours i.e. tiramisu, or something mocha flavoured, stand back because I'm digging right in! I grew up in a household where it was perfectly fine to have a smidgen of wine (at Communion or with a meal) or whiskey (for stomach aches) as a kid, so scant amounts of coffee for kids is not a big deal, in my opinion :D

Erica said...

Don't buy the rice burgers! They are not yummy!

Michelle said...

Absolutely brilliant!!!!

♥peachkins♥ said...

These are the most delicious rice krispies I've seen!


blowing peachkisses
The Peach Kitchen
peach and things

Jessica @ How Sweet said...

You seriously make the most amazing, UNIQUE desserts I have ever seen. I wish I was your neighbor.

Alicia said...

Coffee toffee genius!!!!!!

Anna said...

I've never seen cream cheese used in Rice Krispie treats. Glad it works! My worry would be the Krispies would get soggy too fast. Sounds like it's not a problem.

tamilyn said...

Leave it to you to totally amp up and beautify the rice krispy treat. Looks fab!

Leslie said...

Krispie treats for the kid in all of us!!!! Love it Dawn

noble pig said...

This I can sink my teeth into!! Very nice!!! I love espresso flavored anything!

5 Star Foodie said...

I love this grown up version of rice krispie treats, yum!

Monica H said...

I am totally a coffee junkie and I can see how you'd eat the whole pan!

Lazaro Cooks! said...

Espresso rice crispy treats that is just divine. Pure indulgence. Great post. Cheers!

Jenn said...

YES!!!! I want this. I miss making them all the time. i remember i'd just scoop them up, while they were still slightly hot. All those bits stuck on the spoon.

grace said...

no, we wouldn't have to worry about any little kids getting their paws on these if i'm around. no ma'am. incidentally, dawn, i'm loving your espresso treats--keep 'em coming!

Posti4 said...

Dawn you did not dissapoint!I have to try that Via I see you are a big fan! Thanks for posting!

Deeba PAB said...

Right up my street. Keep 'em coming dawn! All coffee is good, and these are so good!

Dana said...

Good god, Dawn. Where do you get these ideas?? You are a genius. This is actually a tricky one for me because I don't do marshmallows because of the gelatin (not veg). But I do SOOO love everything you have going on here, I may try to find some of those vegan marshmallows and give them a try. Either way, brilliant job!

Angela said...

I was clicking random links when I stumbled across your blog, only to see this as your first recipe. Can I just say how much I love it? I've been looking for a way to use up some espresso powder, and this sounds like the perfect way to do so!

jose manuel said...

Espectacular postre, me encanta. Un saludo

Justine said...

I love the twist on classic rice krispie treats. Also, as a fellow Massachusetts resident, I really appreciate you're use of wicked in the banana shortbread post- "wicked ripe" really is the only way to adequately describe the banana.

Melanie said...

These sound wonderful!

kat said...

Oh this is such a great idea!

Laurie said...

Rice Krispie treats for grown-ups! You are the master of creative inventions as always. Enjoy the sunshine today!

Bob said...

Holy crap, I want those all! I love the idea of cream cheese in them, I need to try it.

Esi said...

I looove using espresso with chocolate. You are just so very creative and I love it!

Barbara said...

That is so clever, Dawn! You've taken an old favorite and brought it into adulthood!

Carol said...

Lord have mercy, do these look INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! These would be a TREAT AND A HALF.....sigh........ :)

Chef Chuck said...

Hi Dawn, This looks like a treat to try!
You are such a creator!!

Thank you~

Gabriela. said...

One word: YUUUUM.
You have such a lovely blog, girl!
Delicious recipe, as always :)
Have a great night!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela

Lori said...

I so would not share. These are the kind of treats I covet. Toffee bits too. How can a girl go wrong with these?

lynn @ the actors diet said...

beautiful, as usual!

Manggy said...

I don't drink coffee but I can gobble coffee desserts up in a split-second :) The additions of toffee and cream cheese are particularly nice touches and complements to the coffee :)

Sippity Sup said...

Espresso is you new fav ingredient and it makes these classics treats soooo sophisticated too. GREG

Jenny said...

FABULOUS!! I always love what you come up with! I need a few of those babies today!

Shannon said...

hmm, i am not a coffee junkie, and i usually gravitate towards peanut butter in such treats like these :)

ps- i'm about to sign up for a tri in lakeville (cranberry tri fest)... is that anywhere near you?

Maria said...

Love your version!

kickpleat said...

It's been ages since I've had a rice krispie treat and these look so adult. and so evil. I can handle that.

Chef Fresco said...

Now these are some creative krispie treats. Nice incorporation of the espresso & cream cheese. Yum!

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Robin Sue said...

So when are you opening your own bake shoppe? You have the best ideas. You are really working your way through that idea list you have. Mmm toffee bits.

Cindy said...

Wow, talk about taking krispie treats to a whole new level!

JennyMac said...

THUD!

These sound FREAKIN amazing. Printing out immediately and running to store! Got to have NOW!

Cynthia said...

You know, I've never had rice krispie treats :(

Kat said...

Good Lordy, those look incredible!

Chef Chuck said...

Brilliant, I love coffee!

Brave New Baker said...

i was wondering if there was something you could use in place of the starbucks via?