Gooey Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Melting marshmallows and brown butter dulce de leche create a symphony of sweet, nostalgic flavors in these irresistible rice krispie treats.
Childhood memories collide with gourmet indulgence, turning a classic snack into a decadent dessert.
The brown butter adds a nutty depth that perfectly complements the rich caramel notes of dulce de leche.
Each bite promises a crispy, chewy texture that dances between comfort and luxury.
These treats strike the perfect balance between simple and sophisticated, making them ideal for any occasion.
Drizzle with extra dulce de leche for an added touch of indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Let’s find out this delightful twist on a beloved classic that elevates the humble rice krispie treat to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 185 kcal
Servings: 13
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients
For Base Ingredients:
Butter: Creates rich, nutty flavor through browning process, select high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
Mini Marshmallows: Provides sticky binding and sweetness, choose fresh marshmallows for optimal texture and melting.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex undertone to dessert, select pure vanilla for most authentic taste.
Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor, fine-grain ensures even distribution.
For Binding and Texture:
Rice Krispies Cereal: Delivers crispy, crunchy foundation, cinnamon sugar variety adds extra warmth and depth.
Dulce de Leche: Introduces caramel-like richness and smooth sweetness, select thick, creamy version for best consistency.
Tools to Whip Up These Fancy Rice Krispies
9×9-inch pan: Essential for shaping and setting the treats.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy removal.
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining Rice Krispies and marshmallow mixture.
Pot or saucepan: Ideal for browning butter and melting marshmallows.
Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for stirring and folding ingredients smoothly.
Nonstick spray: Ensures easy release from pan and prevents sticking.
Sharp knife: Needed for cutting treats into clean, even squares.
How to Create Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
Pan Preparation A cozy 9×9 baking dish gets ready for the magic, with a light coating of cooking spray and a soft parchment paper blanket.
Butter Transformation Butter dances in a pot, slowly changing from pale yellow to a rich golden hue, releasing nutty whispers of flavor that promise something special.
Marshmallow Magic Fluffy white marshmallows melt into the brown butter, creating a silky smooth canvas that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Cereal Embrace Crispy rice puffs tumble into the marshmallow mixture, getting completely coated in sweet, sticky goodness.
Caramel Layer A generous river of golden dulce de leche stretches across the first layer of treats, adding a luxurious surprise in the middle.
Final Touch Gently press the remaining cereal mixture on top, sealing in the caramel secret and creating a perfect treat that will make taste buds dance.
Patience Reward Allow the bars to rest and set, letting flavors mingle and texture become perfectly chewy before slicing into irresistible squares.
Tips for Golden Brown Butter in These Treats
Master the art of browning butter by swirling the pan and watching for golden amber color and nutty aroma, which adds incredible depth to these treats.
Use low heat when melting marshmallows to prevent burning, stirring constantly for smooth, glossy texture that binds Rice Krispies perfectly.
Warm dulce de leche slightly for easier spreading, creating gorgeous swirls and ensuring even distribution throughout the treats.
Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
Experiment by adding chopped nuts, drizzling melted chocolate, or sprinkling sea salt on top for unexpected taste twists that elevate these classic treats.
How to Serve This Sticky Sweet Favorite
Sweet Dessert Pairing: Complement these rich treats with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.
Party Presentation: Arrange the squares on a rustic wooden board, drizzle extra dulce de leche on top, and sprinkle with sea salt flakes for a stunning dessert centerpiece.
Gifting Idea: Wrap individual squares in wax paper with a cute ribbon for a homemade gift that friends and family will adore – perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or casual gatherings.
Flavor Adventure: Experiment by adding chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for a delightful crunch that elevates the texture and brings a nutty dimension to these irresistible treats.
Tips for Keeping These Treats Chewy
Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delectable treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispy texture and delightful softness.
Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to keep fresh for 2-3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the Rice Krispie treats a day before your event or gathering. They actually taste better after the flavors have melded together overnight.
Portion Control Pro: Cut treats into smaller bite-sized squares for easy sharing at parties, potlucks, or quick grab-and-go snacks. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise cuts.
Brown butter dulce de leche rice krispie treats blend nostalgic comfort with luxurious caramel notes. Gooey marshmallows and crisp cereal create an irresistible dessert you cannot stop eating.
Preparation: Coat a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray, line with parchment paper, and spray again for easy release.
Brown Butter Creation: Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, swirling continuously until it reaches a golden-amber hue with a nutty fragrance, then immediately remove to prevent scorching.
Marshmallow Fusion: Add sea salt and mini marshmallows to the browned butter, stirring constantly until completely dissolved into a smooth, glossy mixture, then incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
Cereal Coating: Pour the marshmallow blend over crispy rice cereal in a large mixing bowl, gently folding until every piece is uniformly enrobed, then fold in remaining marshmallows to create delightful molten pockets.
Layering Technique: Press half the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared pan, spread dulce de leche evenly across the surface, then carefully top with remaining cereal mixture, smoothing the surface with clean hands or a spatula.
Setting and Serving: Allow treats to stabilize at room temperature for approximately 1 hour until firm, then slice into square portions using a sharp knife and serve.
Notes
Precision in Browning: Watch butter closely during browning process to achieve golden-amber color without burning, which can create bitter taste.
Marshmallow Melting Technique: Stir constantly while melting marshmallows to prevent scorching and ensure smooth, glossy consistency.
Pan Preparation Matters: Double-spray parchment paper ensures effortless removal and prevents treats from sticking to pan or paper.
Temperature Control: Let treats set at room temperature for exactly one hour to achieve perfect texture and easy cutting.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.