Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
If you’re a fan of classic Rice Krispie treats but want to take them to the next level, these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats are just what you need. The nutty richness of browned butter combined with the sweet, creamy decadence of dulce de leche creates a treat that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Plus, the added cinnamon sugar flavor in the Rice Krispies cereal brings a subtle warmth that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 cups mini marshmallows, divided
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (cinnamon sugar flavored, see note)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, fine grain
- 1/2 can dulce de leche
Directions
1. Prepare the Pan:
Start by prepping your pan to ensure easy removal of the treats later. Spray a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray, then line it with a foil or parchment paper sling. Spray the lining again with non-stick spray to make sure nothing sticks.
2. Brown the Butter:
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking it until the butter turns a golden brown color and you can smell a nutty aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once browned, remove the pot from the heat immediately to avoid overcooking the butter.
3. Melt the Marshmallows:
Quickly add the sea salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows to the pot with the browned butter. Stir until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. If the marshmallows aren’t melting completely, return the pot to low heat, but be careful not to let the butter burn.
4. Add the Vanilla:
Once your marshmallow mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
5. Mix in the Cereal:
In a large mixing bowl, measure out the Rice Krispies cereal. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal, and mix until all the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
6. Incorporate Remaining Marshmallows:
While the mixture is still warm, gently fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows. This will add extra pockets of gooey marshmallow throughout the treats.
7. Layer the Treats:
Lightly press about half of the Rice Krispies mixture into your prepared pan, flattening it out so it’s even. Next, spread the dulce de leche evenly over this layer, ensuring every bite has a bit of that rich, caramel-like flavor.
8. Finish and Set:
Top with the remaining Rice Krispies mixture, pressing it down gently to create an even layer. Allow the treats to set at room temperature until they are fully cooled and firm, which will make them easier to cut.
9. Serve:
Once the treats are set, use the parchment or foil sling to lift them out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, where the dulce de leche remains soft and the marshmallows stay gooey.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Notes
- Rice Krispies Cereal: If you can’t find cinnamon sugar flavored Rice Krispies, you can use regular Rice Krispies and add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of sugar to the marshmallow mixture.
- Dulce de Leche: For an even richer flavor, you can use the entire can of dulce de leche, but be aware that this will make the treats sweeter and gooier.
Tips for Success
- Browning the Butter: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns. It can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly, so don’t step away from the stove.
- Layering: When layering the Rice Krispies mixture and dulce de leche, press the layers down lightly. Pressing too hard can make the treats too dense.
- Storage: Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to keep them in the fridge to prevent the dulce de leche from getting too soft.
These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on a classic that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. With their perfect balance of sweet, salty, and rich flavors, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Enjoy!
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Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats take the classic treat to a whole new level with the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter and the sweet, creamy decadence of dulce de leche. The combination of the crispy, cinnamon-sugar Rice Krispies, gooey marshmallows, and smooth caramel creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy, making these treats a hit for any occasion.
Ingredients
5 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 cups mini marshmallows, divided
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (cinnamon sugar flavored, see note)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, fine grain
1/2 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 ensure easy removal.
Brown the Butter: Place a large pot on the stove over medium heat and add the butter. Allow the butter to melt and then continue cooking until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once browned, remove the pot from the heat.
Melt the Marshmallows: Immediately add the sea salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows to the pot with the browned butter. Stir until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. If necessary, return the pot to low heat to finish melting the marshmallows, but be careful not to burn the butter.
Add the Vanilla: Once the marshmallow mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in the Cereal: Measure out the Rice Krispies cereal in a large bowl. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cereal and mix well until evenly coated.
Incorporate Remaining Marshmallows: While the mixture is still warm, gently fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows.
Layer the Treats: Lightly press about half of the Rice Krispies mixture into your prepared pan, flattening it down so it’s even. Spread the dulce de leche evenly over this layer.
Finish and Set: Top with the remaining Rice Krispies mixture, lightly pressing it down to create an even layer. Let the treats set at room temperature until fully cooled and firm.
Serve: Once set, use the parchment or foil sling to lift the treats out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220