If you adore classic Rice Krispie treats but crave something with a little more depth and indulgence, the Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious twist combines the nutty warmth of browned butter with the rich, caramel-like sweetness of dulce de leche, all enveloping chewy marshmallows and crispy cereal pieces. The result is a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible, delivering layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats starts with some familiar pantry staples that come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s building that signature chewy texture, adding rich creaminess, or offering a touch of sweetness and complexity.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The crunchy, crispy base that brings structure and that classic treat snap.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Essential for browning and developing a deep, nutty flavor that transforms these treats.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness that helps bind everything effortlessly.
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche: Brings a luscious, caramel richness that makes this recipe sing.
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows: Melts into gooey, chewy perfection, giving the treats their signature softness.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the buttery and caramel flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle aroma enhancer that rounds out the overall flavor profile.
- Extra dulce de leche for drizzling (optional): Adds an irresistible finishing touch for extra decadence and visual appeal.
How to Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Before the fun begins, make sure to grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This step might seem small, but it ensures your treats come out as perfectly shaped squares and don’t stick, giving you neat servings and an easy cleanup.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Here’s where the magic happens—keep stirring frequently as the butter begins to foam. Watch closely as it turns a beautiful golden brown and releases a nutty aroma in about 4 to 5 minutes. This brown butter adds a luxurious depth to the whole treat that’s truly transformative.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Dulce de Leche
Right after browning, turn the heat to low and stir in the sweetened condensed milk along with 1/2 cup of the dulce de leche. Keep stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until this mixture is smooth and fully combined. This step builds a rich, creamy base that envelops the marshmallows and cereal for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 4: Melt in the Marshmallows
Add the mini marshmallows to your buttery, caramel mixture, stirring until they have completely melted. This luscious blend gets sticky and glossy, making it easier to bind the crispy cereal while providing the classic chewy texture that everyone loves in Rice Krispie treats.
Step 5: Flavor and Combine
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. These finishing touches enhance the flavors and add just the right amount of contrast. Next, quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure each piece is evenly coated with that divine dulce de leche-infused marshmallow mixture.
Step 6: Press and Cool
Transfer your mixture to the prepared pan and press it down evenly using a greased spatula or a piece of wax paper. This step ensures your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats will hold together nicely once they’re set. Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature for about an hour before moving on.
Step 7: Drizzle and Slice
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, warm some extra dulce de leche slightly to make it easier to drizzle over the top. This final layer adds a gorgeous caramel finish and makes these treats even more irresistible. Once drizzled, cut into squares and get ready to enjoy every chewy, buttery bite.
How to Serve Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these treats even more, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. It contrasts beautifully with the sweetness and enhances the buttery and caramel notes. For a festive touch, a light dusting of crushed toasted pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add both texture and aromatic warmth.
Side Dishes
These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a rich, creamy latte to balance their sweetness. If you’re serving them at a gathering, fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can also be a refreshing complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, serve these treats as bite-sized mini squares on a decorative platter, layered with small dollops of whipped cream and a drizzle of extra dulce de leche on each piece. You could also sandwich them with a smear of cream cheese frosting for an indulgent dessert bite that surprises with each layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy without drying out or getting too hard—a perfect treat ready for whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats for longer storage. Wrap individual squares or the whole block tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature—they’ll be just as delicious as when freshly made.
Reheating
While these treats are typically best served at room temperature, if you prefer them warm and gooey, gently microwave a square for about 10 to 15 seconds. This quick heat enhances the luscious brown butter and dulce de leche flavors, making every bite melt in your mouth.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but keep in mind that using salted butter might affect the final salt balance in your treats. If you do, you may want to reduce or omit the added sea salt to avoid over-salting.
What’s the best way to brown butter without burning it?
Use a light-colored saucepan so you can see the color change easily, and stir frequently over medium heat. The butter should foam first, then turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove it from heat immediately once browned since it can burn quickly.
Is dulce de leche necessary, or can I substitute it?
Dulce de leche is key to this recipe’s distinctive flavor, but if you can’t find it, you could substitute with caramel sauce for a similar sweetness, though the depth of flavor will be different.
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Absolutely, just keep in mind that mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, helping to coat the cereal perfectly. If using regular marshmallows, chop them into smaller pieces before melting for best results.
How do I make these treats extra chewy?
Fresh marshmallows are your best bet for extra chewiness. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan and avoiding overcooking also helps maintain that perfect chewy texture you’re after.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself to something delightfully nostalgic with a gourmet twist, you simply must try the Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. Each batch is a warm hug of caramel, brown butter, and gooey marshmallow goodness, with a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more. Making these treats is not only simple, but the results are utterly worth every bite, so go ahead, dive in and share some joy one square at a time.
Print
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour cooling)
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats, a rich and chewy twist on the classic marshmallow cereal snack. Browned butter and dulce de leche infuse these treats with deep, caramelized flavors that perfectly complement the crispy Rice Krispies, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
Flavor Enhancers
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra dulce de leche for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the treats later.
- Brown the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the butter foams, turns golden brown, and emits a nutty aroma—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Dulce de Leche: Immediately lower the heat to low and stir in the sweetened condensed milk along with 1/2 cup of dulce de leche. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Melt the Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan and stir continuously until they fully melt into the mixture.
- Incorporate Vanilla and Salt: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt to enhance the flavors.
- Combine with Rice Krispies: Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal to evenly coat them without letting the mixture set.
- Set in Pan: Press the coated cereal mixture firmly into the prepared pan using a greased spatula or wax paper to create an even layer.
- Cool: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour until set.
- Optional Drizzle: If desired, warm extra dulce de leche slightly and drizzle over the cooled treats for added sweetness and presentation before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For extra chewiness, use fresh marshmallows rather than older ones.
- Warming the extra dulce de leche before drizzling makes it easier to pour and achieve an even spread.
- Store finished treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
