Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Introduction

These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Rich browned butter and creamy dulce de leche add deep flavor and a touch of indulgence to the crispy, marshmallowy base. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a homemade treat.

A stack of three crispy rice treats with three visible layers each. The top and bottom layers are light beige crispy rice mixed with white melted marshmallows, appearing fluffy and sticky, with some small marshmallow chunks visible. The middle layer is a rich, golden brown caramel sauce that looks thick and gooey, seeping slightly into the rice layers. Between each treat, there is a piece of white parchment paper. The whole stack sits on a dark wooden surface replaced with a white marbled texture. The photo is a close-up, showing the texture details clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 5 Tablespoons Butter
  • ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 10 Cups Mini Marshmallows (divided)
  • 6 Cups Rice Krispies Cereal (cinnamon sugar flavored, see note)
  • ½ teaspoon Sea Salt (fine grain)
  • ½ Can Dulce de Leche

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spray a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray and line it with a foil or parchment paper sling. Spray the paper again for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: Place a large pot over medium heat, add butter, and cook it until it melts and begins to brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. Step 3: Remove the browned butter from heat and stir in the sea salt and 8 cups of the mini marshmallows until completely melted and smooth. If needed, return to low heat briefly to finish melting, but do not burn the butter.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the vanilla extract once smooth.
  5. Step 5: In a large bowl, measure the Rice Krispies cereal and pour the melted marshmallow mixture over it. Mix thoroughly to combine.
  6. Step 6: Add the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows to the mixture while still warm, and stir gently.
  7. Step 7: Press about half of the cereal mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Spread the dulce de leche over this first layer in an even coating.
  8. Step 8: Top with the remaining Rice Krispies mixture and press lightly to create an even layer. Let the treats set at room temperature until fully cooled and firm.

Tips & Variations

  • For best results, brown the butter slowly over medium heat until it has a nutty aroma and golden color without burning.
  • You can flavor the Rice Krispies cereal with homemade cinnamon sugar if desired, to enhance the sweet spice notes.
  • If dulce de leche is not available, caramel sauce can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
  • Press the layers firmly but gently to avoid crushing the puffed rice and keeping the treats light and crisp.

Storage

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration, which can make them hard. To refresh before serving, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square crispy rice treat showing three main layers: a light beige crispy rice cereal base forming a thick, textured layer full of tiny bubbles, topped with a whitish melted marshmallow layer that creates soft, gooey patches blending into the rice, and drizzled with shiny, caramel-colored swirls that stretch slightly, adding sticky texture on top. The treat sits on a piece of parchment paper on a white marbled surface, with parts of similar treats blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but mini marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly, helping to create a smoother mixture.

How do I brown butter without burning it?

Cook the butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. Watch for it to foam and turn a golden-brown color with a nutty aroma. Remove it immediately from heat to prevent burning.

Print

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats are a decadent twist on the classic snack, combining the rich nuttiness of browned butter with sweet, creamy dulce de leche layered between crispy cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies. Perfect for a special treat or party dessert, they deliver a perfect balance of gooey and crunchy in every bite.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
  • Yield: 16 squares 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Butter & Flavorings

  • 5 Tablespoons Butter
  • ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • ½ teaspoon Sea Salt (fine grain)

Marshmallow & Cereal

  • 10 Cups Mini Marshmallows (divided)
  • 6 Cups Rice Krispies Cereal (cinnamon sugar flavored, see note)

Other

  • ½ Can Dulce de Leche

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray and line it with a foil or parchment paper sling. Spray the liner again to ensure easy removal of the treats later.
  2. Brown the Butter: Place a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely, then continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
  3. Melt Marshmallows with Butter: Remove the browned butter from the heat and immediately add the sea salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. If needed, gently return the pot to low heat to fully melt the marshmallows, but avoid burning the butter.
  4. Add Vanilla Extract: Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to combine all flavors.
  5. Mix Cereal and Marshmallow: Measure the cinnamon sugar-flavored Rice Krispies cereal into a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and fold gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all the cereal pieces.
  6. Add Remaining Marshmallows: While the mixture is still warm and pliable, fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows, incorporating them gently for extra texture.
  7. Layer in the Pan: Lightly press about half of the rice krispies marshmallow mixture evenly into the prepared pan to create a firm base. Using a spatula or back of a spoon, spread the dulce de leche evenly over this first layer.
  8. Top Layer: Distribute the remaining rice krispies mixture over the dulce de leche layer and lightly press it down evenly to form a top crust. Ensure it is spread uniformly.
  9. Cool and Set: Allow the layered treat to set at room temperature until fully cooled and firm, making it easier to cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • To make cinnamon sugar flavored Rice Krispies, lightly toss original Rice Krispies cereal with cinnamon and sugar before using.
  • When browning butter, watch carefully and stir, as it goes from browned to burnt quickly.
  • The foil or parchment paper sling helps to lift the treats out of the pan easily after setting.
  • Pressing the marshmallow mixture firmly helps the treats hold their shape and be less crumbly.

Keywords: Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats, Dulce de Leche Rice Krispies, Browned Butter Marshmallow Treats, Cinnamon Sugar Rice Krispie Treats, Dessert Snacks

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