Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for a no-bake treat that delivers layers of toasty, nutty, and caramelized flavors with every chewy bite, Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats are about to become your new obsession. This playful twist on a childhood classic brings together highly aromatic browned butter, decadently smooth dulce de leche, and the adorable crunch of classic crispy rice cereal. Swirled with marshmallow and kissed with vanilla, these bars are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, chewy, gooey, and rich—yet they come together in just minutes. Get ready to elevate your snack game in the most celebratory way possible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing tricky or fussy here—just a few simple ingredients that each play a starring role in flavor, texture, or sheer irresistibility. Gather everything before you get started and watch how these basics turn magical the moment you combine them.
- Crisped Rice Cereal: These give your treats that essential light crunch and signature snap, perfect for holding all the gooey goodness together.
- Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter brings deep, nutty complexity and toasty warmth you can taste in every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch heightens all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and ensuring the dulce de leche pops.
- Mini Marshmallows: They melt down to create the gooey, stretchy foundation that holds each bar together.
- Dulce de Leche: The luscious, caramelized spread gives these treats their signature richness and creamy, dreamy finish.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors and adds depth, making every bite taste extra special.
How to Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper. This little bit of prep means your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats will pop right out again without any sticky trouble—or sticky fingers (unless, of course, you want them!).
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Place your unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Let it melt completely, then continue to cook, stirring frequently. Soon, it will foam up and develop a golden brown color with a deliciously nutty aroma—keep a close eye because this is where all that rich flavor begins. This takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Once browned, immediately lower the heat to prevent burning.
Step 3: Melt the Marshmallows
While the butter is still hot, stir in the salt and then add the mini marshmallows. Continue mixing until every last marshmallow has melted down into a smooth, glossy, stretchy mass—this is the secret to achieving those iconic chewy, soft bars!
Step 4: Add Dulce de Leche and Vanilla
Pour in the dulce de leche and vanilla extract next. Stir them gently into the marshmallow mixture until thoroughly blended, creating a luscious caramel-scented mixture that sets these treats apart from any other Rice Krispie bar you’ve ever had.
Step 5: Fold in the Cereal
Remove the pot from heat and quickly pour in the crisped rice cereal. Working with a soft touch but swift hands, fold together until every piece is evenly coated in that brown butter-dulce goodness. Be careful not to overwork—just enough to distribute everything evenly.
Step 6: Press and Cool
Scoop the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a greased spatula or a piece of wax paper to gently press everything into an even layer. Don’t pack it down too tightly or your bars may lose their delightful chew. Let the bars cool at room temperature until fully set, then cut into squares and get ready to swoon.
How to Serve Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, drizzle a bit of warm dulce de leche on top just before serving. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for an extra contrast that makes each bite sing.
Side Dishes
Pair these dreamy bars with a glass of cold milk or a shot of espresso for a nostalgic snack with grown-up flair. They also play beautifully alongside fresh berries or citrus segments, which balance out the sweetness and add a touch of brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized cubes and skewer them with cocktail picks for party platters, layer them into clear jars for adorable treat gifts, or wrap them individually in wax paper with ribbon for a sweet lunchbox surprise. The rich caramel notes and golden color make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats undeniably photogenic at any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and lovely for up to 3 days—though chances are, they’ll disappear much faster.
Freezing
If you need to keep these around longer, those chewy bars freeze beautifully. Simply separate layers with wax paper and seal in a freezer-safe container. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying; this helps restore their signature softness.
Reheating
While these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can revive leftover bars with a 5–10 second zap in the microwave to bring back some gooeyness. Just be careful not to overheat, as they can become too soft or sticky if left in too long.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Yes! Regular-sized marshmallows will work perfectly; just be sure to measure out the same weight (10 ounces). Cutting them into smaller pieces will help them melt faster and more evenly.
Is there a way to make these less sweet?
If you’d like a less sugary treat, try reducing the dulce de leche to 1/3 cup or adding a touch more salt to the mix. You can also try sprinkling a little sea salt on top to balance each bite.
Can I make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats gluten-free?
Absolutely—just be sure to choose a crisped rice cereal that’s certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain trace amounts of gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
How do I get neat, clean cuts when slicing the bars?
The best trick is to let your bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife greased with a bit of butter or cooking spray. Wiping the blade between cuts helps keep the edges tidy and picture-perfect.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply use an extra-large pot and press the mixture into two baking dishes, or a larger sheet pan. Just keep an eye on the proportions to ensure even mixing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so charming about reimagining a classic, and Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats truly deliver that magical mix of whimsy and wow-factor in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try these at home—your friends, family, and taste buds will thank you!
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Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats. The perfect blend of brown butter, sweet dulce de leche, and crispy rice cereal creates a gourmet twist on a classic treat.
Ingredients
Crisped Rice Cereal:
- 6 cups
Unsalted Butter:
- 1/2 cup
Salt:
- 1/4 teaspoon
Mini Marshmallows:
- 1 bag (10 oz)
Dulce de Leche:
- 1/2 cup
Vanilla Extract:
- 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Brown Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add salt, then marshmallows; stir until melted.
- Add Flavors: Stir in dulce de leche and vanilla extract until combined.
- Mix: Remove from heat and fold in crisped rice cereal until coated.
- Press and Cool: Press mixture into prepared dish and let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle additional warmed dulce de leche over the top before cooling.
- To reduce sweetness, use 1/3 cup of dulce de leche.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
