The Ultimate Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Brown butter dulce de leche rice krispie treats craft a childhood classic into an irresistible adult indulgence.

Nutty caramelized butter elevates this simple dessert with sophisticated depth and complexity.

Soft, sticky dulce de leche weaves richness through each marshmallow-coated morsel, creating unexpected layers of flavor.

Crisp cereal provides delightful textural contrast against the creamy, sweet backdrop.

Nostalgic yet refined, these treats blur the line between comfort food and gourmet experience.

Home cooks can craft this impressive dessert with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Every sweet, crunchy bite promises pure culinary magic.

Why Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Treats Are Next Level

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Transform traditional Rice Krispie treats into a gourmet dessert with brown butter's nutty depth and dulce de leche's rich caramel swirl.
• Textural Playground: Enjoy a delightful contrast between crispy Rice Krispies, soft marshmallows, and creamy dulce de leche layers that dance on your palate.
• Quick Culinary Magic: Whip up this indulgent treat in just 20 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings, sweet cravings, or unexpected dessert emergencies.

What You’ll Need for These Buttery, Caramel Squares

• Butter: Rich, nutty flavor from browning, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
• Sea Salt: Enhances overall sweetness and balances flavor, provides subtle depth to the treats.
• Mini Marshmallows: Provides sticky binding and sweetness, crucial for classic Rice Krispie texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rounded flavor, use pure extract for best taste.

• Rice Krispies: Primary crunchy base, classic crispy cereal that gives signature texture and lightness.

• Dulce de Leche: Creamy caramel-like sauce, adds rich indulgent layer between Rice Krispie layers, choose thick, high-quality version.
• Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy removal from pan, helps prevent sticking.
• Parchment Paper: Provides clean removal and prevents sticking, makes cutting and serving easier.

How to Make Them Chewy, Sweet, and Irresistible

Step 1: Prepare Pan

Grab a 9×9-inch pan and coat it thoroughly with nonstick spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, then spray again to ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Brown Butter Perfectly

Place butter in a pot over medium heat. Watch carefully as it transforms into a golden-brown liquid with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat the moment it turns rich and fragrant.

Step 3: Create Marshmallow Base

Add sea salt and mini marshmallows to the browned butter. Stir continuously until marshmallows melt completely, creating a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor

Splash in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to infuse the marshmallow base with extra deliciousness.

Step 5: Combine Cereal

Pour the marshmallow mixture over Rice Krispies in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every single crisp is coated evenly.

Step 6: Add Extra Marshmallow Chunks

Fold in the remaining of mini marshmallows, creating pockets of gooey sweetness throughout the treats.

Step 7: Layer and Fill

• Press half the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared pan
• Spread dulce de leche evenly across the first layer
• Top with remaining Rice Krispies mixture

Step 8: Set and Serve

Allow treats to set at room temperature until firm. Cut into squares and enjoy the ultimate sweet, crunchy, caramel-filled indulgence.

Tips for Browning Butter Just Right

• Brown Butter Carefully: Watch the butter closely while browning to prevent burning, swirling the pan occasionally for even color and nutty flavor.
• Marshmallow Melting Technique: Use low heat when melting marshmallows to create a smooth, silky texture without scorching.
• Dulce de Leche Distribution: Warm the dulce de leche slightly to make spreading easier and ensure even coverage across the treats.
• Pressing Perfection: Use slightly damp hands or a spatula sprayed with nonstick spray to press the mixture evenly without sticking.
• Cutting Cleanly: Let treats cool completely and use a sharp knife sprayed with nonstick spray for clean, precise squares.

Storage Hacks for Keeping That Gooey Center

• Storage: Keep these delightful treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their irresistible texture.
• Refrigeration: If you want to extend their life, store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore their soft, gooey consistency.
• Freezing: Wrap individual treats tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

What Tastes Great with These Crispy Treats

• Craft a Sweet Wine Companion: Pair these indulgent Rice Krispie treats with a late harvest Riesling, whose honeyed notes complement the caramel-like dulce de leche and enhance the buttery richness.
• Brew a Complementary Coffee Match: Choose a smooth cold brew or a caramel macchiato to mirror the treat's sweet, toasty brown butter profile and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create a Dessert Wine Harmony: Select a Pedro Ximénez sherry, whose intense raisin and molasses flavors beautifully intertwine with the dulce de leche's creamy sweetness and the marshmallow's soft texture.
• Design a Nutty Beverage Pairing: Try an almond milk latte or hazelnut-infused coffee to add depth and nutty undertones that elevate the treat's caramelized butterscotch elements.

Variations That Take These to the Next Level

• Chocolate Caramel Crunch: Swirl melted dark chocolate over the dulce de leche layer and sprinkle crushed pecans for added texture and rich flavor complexity.
• Salted Coconut Fusion: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes between layers and drizzle with sea salt caramel for a tropical-inspired treat with a salty-sweet profile.
• Nutella Marshmallow Swirl: Replace dulce de leche with warm Nutella and incorporate chopped hazelnuts throughout the mixture for a decadent chocolate-forward version.
• Berry Cream Indulgence: Layer homemade raspberry compote between Rice Krispie layers and garnish with white chocolate drizzle for a fruity, creamy alternative.

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats deliver nostalgic comfort with a gourmet twist. Luxurious brown butter and creamy dulce de leche elevate this classic dessert, promising irresistible sweetness you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 6 cups rice krispies cereal (cinnamon sugar flavored)
• 10 cups mini marshmallows

Butter and Flavor Enhancers:

• 5 tablespoons (2.5 ounces) butter
• ½ can dulce de leche
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon sea salt, fine grain

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9 x 9-inch (23 x 23 centimeters) baking pan by thoroughly coating with nonstick cooking spray, then lining with parchment paper, and spraying the parchment again to ensure easy removal.
2. Create brown butter by melting unsalted butter in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, continuously swirling and watching until the butter transforms to a rich golden-amber color with a nutty aroma, then immediately remove from heat to prevent burning.
3. Introduce sea salt and of mini marshmallows into the browned butter, stirring constantly until the marshmallows completely dissolve and create a smooth, glossy mixture.
4. Incorporate pure vanilla extract into the marshmallow blend, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly.
5. Transfer the marshmallow mixture over crispy rice cereal in a spacious mixing bowl, gently folding and stirring until every cereal piece is uniformly coated with the sweet marshmallow mixture.
6. Gently fold the remaining of mini marshmallows into the mixture, creating pockets of unmelted marshmallow throughout.
7. Carefully press half of the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even base layer, then generously spread dulce de leche across the surface in a uniform layer, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Delicately layer the remaining Rice Krispies mixture over the dulce de leche, using clean hands or a spatula to create a smooth, even top.
9. Allow the treats to set at room temperature for approximately 1 hour until firm, then slice into square portions using a sharp knife and serve.

Notes

• Dulce de leche transforms ordinary treats into a luxurious dessert with its rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Browning butter develops deep, nutty flavors that elevate the classic Rice Krispie recipe beyond childhood memories.
• Extra marshmallows create pockets of gooey texture, ensuring each bite remains soft and indulgent.
• Parchment paper allows for easy removal and clean cutting of perfectly shaped squares.
• Sea salt balances the intense sweetness, adding a sophisticated layer of complexity to the nostalgic treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg