With just three ingredients, it’s no surprise that Rice Krispie treats are a childhood favorite. Magically transform them into Brown Butter Rice Krispie treats with just 1 extra step and create an even better dessert.
There’s nothing quite like the childhood memory of biting into a homemade Rice Krispie treat. They’re now readily available in most groceries and speciality stores, but nothing is quite like a homemade one. If you didn’t think you could improve on the original, I’m here to make your day with Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats.
Why brown the butter
Adding butter that has been browned creates a nutty aromatic flavor that transforms a traditional Rice Krispie treat and it just takes an extra 2 minutes. I love the way brown butter makes the kitchen smell so incredible, and when added to cookies, blondies, banana bread, cauliflower or cornbread, it boosts the flavor profile.
You might not think that by simply browning the butter it would enhance the taste so much, but the unique flavor makes you want to savor every bite of these little treasures.
Why you’ll love them
- Brown butter makes everything better. If you’ve never tried it, this is the simplest recipe to give that theory a try!
- Each treat is crispy and gooey at the same time
- Bars are easy to freeze
- They ship well even in hot temperatures
What you’ll need
- Rice Krispie cereal – if you want to make these gluten free, you will not be able to use Kelloggs brand. Here are some other substitutions. With your left over Rice Krispies, try them in a S’more bar, or add chocolate and peanut butter, or throw them into some seven layer bars.
- Marshmallows – you’ll need a 10 ounce bag. You can use mini or regular sized. If they’re old, they will not melt as well, so try to use fresh ones. If you want to use marshmallow fluff, they’ll taste the same but won’t be as crispy.
- Butter – you’ll need a whole stick!
How do you make Best Rice Krispies Treats
Step 1:
The original Rice Krispie treat recipe calls for just 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Instead, we are increasing the butter and rather than just melting it, you’ll let it cook an additional 2 minutes or so until it’s golden brown. This only takes about 2 minutes. You need to stand over the pan as it can go from brown to burnt in seconds.
Step 2:
As soon as the butter starts to turn brown, add the marshmallows and stir until they have completely melted.
Step 3:
Add vanilla and salt and then pour the marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies. Quickly stir until the cereal is coated then place in a buttered 8 x 8 inch baking pan.
Pro tip: Use the paper the butter came in to press the mixture into the pan. It will keep your hands clean and the butter will keep the paper from sticking to the treats and if they are still warm, you won’t hurt your fingers. This also allows you to press them into a shape, making them easier to cut into squares.
It will take about 2 hours to come to room temperature and be ready to cut.
When Rice Krispies Treats Are Good For Sharing
Better question is when aren’t you in need of a good Rice Krispie treat? These brown butter Rice Krispie treats are perfect to take to the pool because they won’t melt in the heat. I think they make an excellent treat to bring along on car trips. At home, keep some in the freezer, it doesn’t take them long to thaw.
Recipe Notes
- Be careful not to burn the butter, as soon as it starts to turn brown, add the marshmallows and reduce heat.
- Avoid old marshmallows, they will not melt as well.
- You can use marshmallow fluff but the texture will be different.
- Regular or mini marshmallows work well
- If you double the recipe, use the bag the cereal came in as your parchment paper to place in the pan to make clean up easier.
- If you want to be festive, add some mini chocolate chips for the holidays.
- M&M’s make the perfect addition because they always have color appropriate chocolates available for the different holidays.
- Red hot dots are also a fun treat to mix into Rice Krispies bars!
FAQs and tips
Since rice is naturally gluten free, you might think that Kelloggs Rice Krispies are gluten free, but unfortunately, they are not.
Yes, you can use marshmallow fluff for Rice Krispie treats but the consistency will not be the same. They will not be as creamy or chewy but they will taste the same.
Rice Krispie treats will freeze perfectly. Let them come to room temperature and then place them in an air tight container with parchment paper between the layers to keep them from sticking together.
You want to make sure your marshmallows are fresh – old marshmallows can soften up in hot chocolate but don’t work well in this recipe.
Also, once you have your butter browned, you want to melt your marshmallows but you do not want to cook the marshmallows longer than them just becoming gooey.
Yes, there is such a thing as too much butter. A perfect ratio of butter and cereal makes a perfect bar but if you go over the amount in the recipe, you can expect a soggy or wet mess.
More dessert bars to try
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Brown Butter Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal ½ box
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Butter an 8 x 8 inch pan
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it begins to brown, stirring often, about two minutes. Turn the heat to low and add marshmallows. Stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla and salt, stir to combine. Add Rice Krispies, stirring quickly to combine. Place in prepared dish and with the paper from the stick of butter, flatten it into place, or butter a spatula and use it to form it in the pan.
- Let it cool until room temperature and cut into squares.
Video
Barbara’s Tips + Notes
- Be careful not to burn the butter, as soon as it starts to turn brown, add the marshmallows and reduce heat.
- Avoid old marshmallows, they will not melt as well.
- You can use marshmallow fluff but the texture will be different.
- Regular or mini marshmallows work well
- Freeze between a layer of parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Nutrition
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