Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
If you’re looking to take your classic Rice Krispie treats to a whole new level of yum, you’ve got to try my Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. Trust me, these treats have the perfect little nutty, caramel twist that melts in your mouth, and they’re downright irresistible. I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks so you can nail this recipe and impress anyone lucky enough to get a bite!
Why This Recipe Works
- Brown butter magic: Browning the butter adds a deep, toasty flavor you can’t get from regular melted butter.
- Dulce de leche decadence: That luscious caramel layer takes these treats from ordinary to show-stopping.
- Perfect texture balance: Mixing mini marshmallows within and on top keeps the treats soft but with great chew.
- Simple yet special: The cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies add a subtle warm spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a special role to make this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe shine. From the browned butter’s nutty richness to the cinnamon sugar in the cereal, every bite tastes thoughtfully layered. Here are some tips to keep your shopping and prep stress-free.
- Butter: Use unsalted, room temperature butter. Browning it gently is key to building flavor without burning.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash rounds out the sweetness and adds aromatic depth.
- Mini Marshmallows: Dividing them lets you coat your cereal well but still get gooey marshmallow pockets on top.
- Cinnamon Sugar Rice Krispies Cereal: This adds an unexpected spice that elevates the flavor — or you can DIY with cinnamon sugar if you can’t find them.
- Sea Salt (fine grain): Balances the sweetness and enhances the butter’s nuttiness.
- Dulce de Leche: The star of the show! It creates a creamy caramel layer that pairs perfectly with the rest.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing that cozy caramel goodness. Here’s what I’ve tried and loved.
- Chocolate swirl: Sometimes I melt a bit of dark chocolate and drizzle it on top for an extra indulgence — trust me, it’s a party in every bite.
- Nut additions: Throw in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
- Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and marshmallows made without gelatin; the core texture is still spot-on.
- Seasonal twist: Swap cinnamon sugar cereal out for pumpkin spice cereal in fall — it’s an amazing cozy upgrade!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro
Start by generously spraying a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray, then line it with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later. Give the lined pan another spray on top of the paper so nothing sticks when you press your treats in. This little step saves a lot of headache and keeps the treats perfectly intact when you slice.
Step 2: Brown Butter to Unlock Flavor
Place butter into a light-colored pan over medium heat and let it melt slowly. Stir often—the butter will foam and then start to smell nutty and develop those little brown flecks at the bottom. The sweet spot is right as you see those specks but before it burns, so keep your eyes peeled! Remove it from heat the moment it turns a warm golden brown. This is the magic step for flavor depth.
Step 3: Melt Marshmallows and Mix
Add sea salt and 8 cups of the mini marshmallows into the browned butter. Stir gently but quickly until the marshmallows melt completely and the mixture is glossy smooth. If needed, pop the pot back on very low heat for a few seconds—never leave it unattended. Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract for that fragrant touch.
Step 4: Combine With Cereal and Press the Base Layer
Pour your cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies cereal into a large mixing bowl. Immediately pour the marshmallow mixture over it and fold everything together until coated. Add the remaining marshmallows while everything is still warm for those delightful chewy bites. Then, lightly butter a spoon (this trick works wonders!) and press about half of the mixture evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top without smashing it down too hard.
Step 5: Spread Dulce de Leche and Add the Top Layer
Carefully spread the dulce de leche over the pressed bottom layer in an even layer. It might get a bit sticky, but just go slow and keep your spreading utensil warm or greased for smooth moves. Next, add the remaining rice krispie mixture on top and gently press it into place. Let everything cool at room temperature until set, then slice and enjoy the gooey caramel goodness!
Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Use a light pan for browning: It’s easier to see when your butter is brown (and not burnt) when using a light-colored pan.
- Don’t rush the marshmallow melting: Stir consistently and melt slowly for a shiny, smooth mixture that’s easy to work with.
- Butter your pressing tool: Using a buttered spoon or spatula to press the treats prevents sticking and keeps the surface even without squashing the marshmallow pockets.
- Cool completely at room temperature: Resist the urge to refrigerate too soon; this helps the dulce de leche layer set perfectly without making the treats rock hard.
How to Serve Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with these but sometimes sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to highlight the buttery caramel flavor. For parties, I’ve also tossed on some crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips for a fun crunchy surprise on every bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy vanilla milkshake really brings out those cozy caramel notes. They’re also perfect alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to turn dessert into a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or get-togethers, I sometimes cut these into fun shapes with cookie cutters and drizzle with melted chocolate. Wrapping individual squares in parchment and tying with twine makes the perfect homemade gift that feels extra-special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature and they keep perfectly soft for 2-3 days. Just make sure they’re well covered so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
These treats freeze great! I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’re good for up to 6 weeks and thaw easily overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To refresh them after freezing, I warm a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. That softens the marshmallow and arms you with gooey, melty goodness like fresh made.
FAQs
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Can I use regular Rice Krispies instead of cinnamon sugar cereal?
Absolutely! If you can’t find cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies, just make your own by mixing in about 1/4 to 1/3 cup cinnamon sugar to your cereal before combining. It adds a nice warm flavor without altering the texture.
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How do I know when my butter is browned perfectly?
Watch for a golden brown color and nutty aroma. You’ll see small brown specks on the bottom of your pan, and the butter will foam just before browning—it’s a quick process, so remove it from heat immediately to avoid burning.
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Can I make these treats vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter substitute and vegan marshmallows (check ingredients as some contain gelatin). The dulce de leche might be replaced with a vegan caramel sauce for a similar effect.
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How long do these treats stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll last about 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 6 weeks without losing texture or flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe has become one of my go-to treats whenever I want something quick but truly special. The nutty brown butter and rich caramel layer give it that homemade, luxe feel that’s always a hit with friends and family. Honestly, once you try this version, regular Rice Krispie treats will feel kinda plain. Give it a whirl—you’re going to love it just as much as I do!
Print
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats combining the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with sweet caramel-like dulce de leche layered between cinnamon sugar flavored Rice Krispies for a unique twist on a classic snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 Tablespoons Butter
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 10 Cups Mini Marshmallows, divided
- 6 Cups Rice Krispies Cereal, cinnamon sugar flavored
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt, fine grain
- ½ Can Dulce de Leche
Instructions
- 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 lining again to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Butter: Place a large pot over medium heat, add butter, and let it melt completely. Stir gently as it melts until you see little brown flecks forming on the bottom and the butter develops a nutty aroma, then remove from heat.
- Melt Marshmallows: Immediately add sea salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows to the browned butter and stir until melted and smooth. If needed, return briefly to heat to finish melting without burning.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly into the melted marshmallow mixture.
- Combine with Cereal: In a large bowl, measure out the Rice Krispies cereal, then pour the melted marshmallow mixture over it and stir well to combine.
- Add Remaining Marshmallows: While still warm, fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows gently into the mixture.
- Layer the Treats: Lightly press about half of the rice krispies mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a buttered spoon or your hands to avoid sticking.
- Spread Dulce de Leche: Evenly spread the half can of dulce de leche on top of the first layer in the pan.
- Top with Remaining Mixture: Add the remaining rice krispies mixture on top and lightly press down evenly to form the top layer.
- Set: Let the treats cool and set at room temperature until firm before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use cinnamon sugar flavored Rice Krispies for best flavor; if unavailable, add ¼ to ⅓ cup cinnamon sugar to plain Rice Krispies.
- To brown butter, melt it in a light-colored pan over medium heat gently, watching carefully to catch the brown flecks without burning.
- Using a spoon with a bit of butter on it helps press the mixture into the pan without sticking to hands.
- Store finished treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 6 weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
