Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a treat that’s comfort-food perfection with a little gourmet twist, you’re in for a real delight. This Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispies Treats Recipe takes the classic crispy marshmallow snack and elevates it with the rich nuttiness of brown butter and the luscious caramel charm of dulce de leche. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find it hard to go back to plain old Rice Krispies!
Why This Recipe Works
- Brown Butter Magic: Browning the butter adds a nutty depth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the marshmallows and dulce de leche.
- Dual Texture Surprise: Layering the dulce de leche between two layers of crispy treats creates amazing pockets of creamy caramel.
- Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Using cinnamon sugar flavored Rice Krispies or adding cinnamon sugar powder gives a cozy, warming note that you’ll love.
- Simple Yet Fancy: Despite the gourmet flair, this recipe stays quick and approachable, so you can whip it up any time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispies Treats Recipe plays a star role. The combination of browned butter, marshmallows, and dulce de leche adds layers of flavor and texture that make the treat feel indulgent but still familiar.
- Butter: Browning it develops a gorgeous nutty flavor that’s the secret sauce here.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- Mini Marshmallows: Melt into that irresistible gooey texture binding everything together.
- Cinnamon Sugar Rice Krispies Cereal: Adds extra warmth and spice; if you can’t find these, adding cinnamon sugar separately works wonders.
- Sea Salt (fine grain): Helps balance the sweetness and enhances those deep browned butter notes.
- Dulce de Leche: That creamy caramel layer is pure indulgence and takes these treats over the top.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is. You can easily tweak the spices, swap out the cereal, or even sneak in some extras to suit whatever mood you’re in.
- Variation: Once, I swapped the cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies for classic ones and added a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice — it gave the treats a cozy fall vibe that everyone raved about.
- Dietary Twist: If you want to keep it dairy-free, try substituting vegan butter and a dairy-free marshmallow brand — just be sure to brown the butter substitute gently.
- Texture Add-Ins: Sometimes I toss in chopped toasted pecans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a crunchy, salty-sweet kick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Step 1: Brown Your Butter Like a Pro
Start by melting your butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat. Stir gently and watch as it foams, sizzles, and then starts to develop those little golden brown flecks on the bottom. That’s the magic happening. Remove it immediately to stop browning, or you risk bitterness. This step brings such a beautiful, rich aroma to your treats—don’t rush it!
Step 2: Melt Marshmallows and Season
Take your browned butter off the heat and stir in the fine sea salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows melt completely into a smooth, gooey mixture. If needed, return briefly to the heat to finish melting, but watch closely so nothing burns. Stir in the vanilla extract last for that little flavor boost.
Step 3: Combine with Cereal and Layer
Now measure your Rice Krispies cereal into a large bowl. Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over and stir until the cereal is evenly coated. Fold in the remaining marshmallows while everything is still warm. Press about half of the mixture into your prepared pan — I like to use a buttered spoon to keep things neat and avoid sticky fingers! Spread it out so it’s even.
Step 4: Spread the Dulce de Leche and Finish
Next, spoon on a generous, even layer of dulce de leche over the first crispy layer. This step is where the magic sweet creaminess happens. Top this with the remaining Rice Krispies mixture, pressing gently to seal it all together. Let these set at room temperature until firm—patience pays off for a perfect chewy bite.
Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Watch the Butter Color: Browned butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so remove it just as you see the brown specks.
- Use a Buttered Spoon to Press: This tiny trick saves your hands from sticky mess and helps get an even layer without squishing out the airiness.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: That pinch of sea salt makes all the sweetness pop and keeps the flavors balanced.
- Layer Dulce de Leche While Warm: Spreading the caramel while the base is still warm helps it meld better without making it runny.
How to Serve Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple and sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after pressing the final layer—that little salt crunch just takes every bite to a new level. Sometimes I dust with a whisper of cinnamon or even drizzle a bit more dulce de leche for extra decadence.
Side Dishes
These treats pair beautifully with an ice-cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a lightly brewed chai tea. If you’re serving at a party, fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait keeps things fresh and balances the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like cutting these into fun shapes with cookie cutters — hearts for Valentine’s Day or stars for holidays. Wrapping each piece in parchment and tying them with twine makes a charming gift! You could also layer them in clear jars for a clever dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay perfectly chewy for 2-3 days. Make sure to keep them away from heat or humidity to avoid gooey mess. I’ve found that removing them from the fridge helps restore chewiness if they get too firm.
Freezing
Freezing leftovers works great for longer storage—just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They keep well up to 6 weeks. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature and enjoy just like fresh.
Reheating
If you want a warm treat, I microwave a single bar for 10-15 seconds. It softens the caramel and marshmallow beautifully without melting everything apart. Just be careful not to overdo it or you’ll lose that satisfying chew.
FAQs
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Can I use regular Rice Krispies cereal instead of cinnamon sugar flavored?
Absolutely! If cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies are hard to find, you can use regular cereal and stir in about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cinnamon sugar before mixing with marshmallows. This adds that warm spice dimension without the hassle.
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What’s the best way to brown butter without burning it?
Use a light-colored pan so you can see the color changes clearly. Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring gently to encourage even browning. Watch for foaming and sizzling, then brown flecks forming at the pan’s bottom—remove immediately to prevent burning.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! These treats hold up well for 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or you can freeze them for weeks. This makes them perfect for prepping before gatherings or just having a sweet stash handy.
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Is there a dairy-free alternative for browned butter?
You can try browning a plant-based butter substitute gently, but the flavor might vary. Make sure your marshmallows are vegan-friendly too, as many traditional brands contain gelatin. The dulce de leche layer would need a non-dairy caramel alternative to keep things dairy-free.
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How do I prevent the Rice Krispies treats from sticking to my pan?
Spray your pan with non-stick spray and line it with foil or parchment paper “slings,” then spray the paper as well. This makes lifting the treats out so much easier and helps with clean edges when cutting.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is one of my top go-to sweets when I want something quick but special. The way the buttery caramel notes marry with the crispy, chewy texture is pure satisfaction. Whether you’re making it for a casual snack or a festive treat, you’ll love how it impresses with very little fuss. Give it a try — I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy every luxurious, crispy bite!
Print
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with sweet cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies and luscious dulce de leche for an irresistible twist on the 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 Pan: Spray a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray and line it with a foil or parchment paper sling. Spray again to ensure easy removal.
- Brown the Butter: Place a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt gently. Stir often until it foams and little brown flecks form, indicating browned butter, then remove from heat.
- Melt Marshmallows: Add sea salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows to the browned butter. Stir continuously until completely melted and smooth. Return to heat briefly if needed, but avoid burning the butter.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract into the melted marshmallow mixture until well combined.
- Mix with Cereal: Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies in a large bowl. Stir well to coat all the cereal evenly.
- Add Remaining Marshmallows: Quickly fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows while the mixture is still warm.
- Layer in Pan: Lightly press half of the cereal mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a buttered spoon to avoid sticking.
- Spread Dulce de Leche: Evenly spread the half can of dulce de leche over the pressed cereal layer.
- Top Layer: Spread the remaining cereal mixture over the dulce de leche layer and lightly press to evenly distribute and compact.
- Set and Serve: Allow the treats to set at room temperature until completely cooled and firm before cutting and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use cinnamon sugar flavored Rice Krispies or add ¼ to ⅓ cup of cinnamon sugar to plain Rice Krispies to mimic the flavor.
- To brown butter, melt over medium heat and watch carefully for foaming and brown flecks to avoid burning.
- Use a spoon with butter on it to press the cereal mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze up to 6 weeks for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
