The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

The Gooey Brown Butter Salted Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Crafting the most delectable salted brown butter rice krispie treats requires a magical culinary twist that will revolutionize your dessert game.

Butter transforms when slowly heated, developing rich caramel notes that dance across your palate.

Marshmallows melt into a silky canvas, creating a foundation of pure sweetness.

Salt crystals sprinkle unexpected depth, cutting through the sugary landscape with precise complexity.

Crispy rice adds a satisfying crunch that makes each bite a delightful experience.

Nostalgia meets gourmet innovation in this simple yet extraordinary recipe.

Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one square of these irresistible treats.

Reasons to Enjoy The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

  • Elevate Flavor Instantly: Brown butter adds a rich, nutty depth that transforms classic rice krispie treats from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a gourmet twist on a beloved childhood favorite.
  • Super Simple Technique: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring anyone can create a delicious dessert without complicated methods.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or spontaneous sweet cravings, these treats come together rapidly and always generate excitement among kids and adults alike.
  • Customize with Ease: Sprinkle sea salt or add extra vanilla to personalize the recipe, making it adaptable to individual taste preferences and guaranteed to impress guests with minimal effort.

Components Required for The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Core Ingredients:
  • Butter: A key ingredient that adds rich, nutty flavor when browned.
  • Marshmallows: Provides sweetness and acts as a binding agent for the treats.
  • Rice Krispies Cereal: Delivers the classic crispy texture and base of the dessert.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sea Salt: Adds a savory contrast to the sweet marshmallow mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.
Preparation Support:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Helps prevent the treats from sticking to the baking dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Brown The Butter

Grab a large saucepan and place it over medium heat. Melt the butter slowly, swirling the pan occasionally. Watch carefully as the butter transforms from pale yellow to a gorgeous golden brown color. You’ll know it’s perfect when a rich, nutty aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Create Marshmallow Magic

Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle in sea salt. Pour in marshmallows and stir vigorously until they completely melt and blend into a silky smooth mixture. The salt will enhance the caramel-like flavor of the browned butter.

Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancer

Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. This will introduce a subtle depth of warmth to your treats.

Step 4: Combine Cereal

Gently fold Rice Krispies into the marshmallow mixture. Ensure every single crisp is generously coated with the sweet, buttery goodness.

Step 5: Shape The Treats

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula or clean hands to press and spread the mixture evenly. Apply gentle pressure to create a compact, uniform layer.

Step 6: Cool And Slice

Allow the treats to rest and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, slice into squares using a sharp knife. Enjoy your gourmet rice krispie treats!

Helpful Advice for Preparing The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

  • Brown the butter slowly to develop a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the classic Rice Krispie treat.
  • Use a light-colored pan when browning butter to easily monitor the color change and prevent burning.
  • Sprinkle extra sea salt on top just before serving for an added burst of flavor and textural contrast.
  • Let the treats cool completely to ensure clean, crisp cuts and prevent them from falling apart.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Creative Twists to Try with The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled treats for rich, decadent flavor.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans into the marshmallow mixture for extra texture and depth.
  • Coconut Paradise: Mix shredded toasted coconut into the Rice Krispies for a tropical-inspired treat with added crunch.
  • Berry Bliss: Fold in dried cranberries or chopped dried strawberries for a fruity, tangy element that complements the brown butter.

Suggested Pairings for The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

  • Pair with Warm Bourbon Milk Punch: Create a sophisticated adult beverage matching the nutty brown butter notes, featuring bourbon, warm milk, vanilla, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for complementary flavors.
  • Serve alongside Rich Dark Roast Coffee: Select a full-bodied, dark roast coffee with deep caramel undertones that echoes the browned butter's complex, toasty characteristics and enhances the treat's sweetness.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Elevate the dessert experience by adding a scoop of creamy salted caramel ice cream, which amplifies the brown butter's richness and provides a cool, smooth contrast to the crispy treat's texture.

How to Maintain Freshness of The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

  • Store treats in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep in fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining texture and preventing staleness.
  • Wrap individually in plastic wrap or store in sealed container at room temperature. Consume within 2 days for best flavor and crispness.
  • Layer treats between wax paper in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  • Warm briefly in microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore softness. Avoid overheating to prevent marshmallow from becoming tough or burning.

Common Questions About The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

  • What makes brown butter different from regular butter?

Brown butter (or beurre noisette) is butter that’s been heated until the milk solids caramelize, creating a deeper, nuttier flavor with a golden-brown color and rich, toasted aroma.

  • Can I use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and simply reduce or omit the additional sea salt to control the overall saltiness of the treats.

  • How do I know when the butter is perfectly browned?

Look for a golden-brown color and a nutty, toasted smell. The butter will start to foam and have small brown specks at the bottom of the pan, which signals it’s ready.

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The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

The Best Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats elevate classic childhood comfort into gourmet dessert bliss. Buttery, crisp, and perfectly balanced with sea salt, these squares promise nostalgic joy in every delectable bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces (283 grams) mini marshmallows
  • 6 cups (150 grams) Rice Krispies cereal

Butter and Seasoning:

  • 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Carefully brown butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, gently swirling until it develops a rich golden hue and releases a distinctive nutty fragrance, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  2. Immediately remove from heat and sprinkle sea salt into the browned butter, creating a deep flavor foundation.
  3. Pour marshmallows into the warm butter, stirring constantly until they completely dissolve and create a smooth, glossy mixture.
  4. Introduce vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to distribute the aromatic essence throughout the marshmallow blend.
  5. Gradually incorporate Rice Krispies cereal, gently folding until each piece becomes evenly coated with the luscious marshmallow mixture.
  6. Transfer the sticky concoction into a prepared baking dish, using gentle pressure to distribute evenly and create a uniform surface.
  7. Allow the treats to set and cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, enabling them to firm up and become easier to slice.
  8. Once cooled, cut into precise squares, revealing the golden, crispy texture and revealing the rich brown butter undertones.

Notes

  • Brown the butter slowly to develop a deep, rich nutty flavor without burning, watching the color change carefully.
  • Use high-quality sea salt for enhanced taste, sprinkling it gradually to control the saltiness and create balanced sweetness.
  • Press treats gently when spreading in the pan to prevent dense, hard squares; a light touch ensures a softer, more tender texture.
  • Allow treats to cool completely at room temperature for clean, precise cutting and optimal marshmallow binding with the cereal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 173
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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