Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and unsalted butter.
1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup
Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
Remove the saucepan from heat, then add a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Stir until the mixture becomes foamy.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, A pinch of salt
Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the rice cakes in a large mixing bowl. Fold gently to ensure each rice cake is evenly coated.
1 package rice cakes
Spread the coated rice cakes evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the caramel sets and the rice cakes become crispy. Check regularly to avoid overbaking.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the caramel corn rice cakes cool at room temperature.
Once cooled, break the rice cakes into bite-sized pieces and serve immediately.