These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats are an elevated twist on the classic dessert, combining the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the sweet, creamy goodness of dulce de leche. The result is a delightful treat that's both familiar and indulgently new.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Gourmet Twist on a Classic: By browning the butter, you introduce a deep, nutty flavor that transforms the traditional Rice Krispie treat into a sophisticated dessert.
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Decadent Layers: The addition of dulce de leche creates a luscious, caramel-like center, adding a sweet and creamy contrast to the crunchy cereal.
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Quick and Easy: Despite their gourmet flair, these treats come together in about 10 minutes, making them perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
Ingredients
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5 tablespoons unsalted butter
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¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
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10 cups mini marshmallows, divided
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6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
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½ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
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½ can (approximately 7 ounces) dulce de leche
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Pan: Lightly spray a 9x9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
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Brown the Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring constantly until it turns a golden brown and emits a nutty aroma.
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Melt Marshmallows: Add 8 cups of the mini marshmallows to the browned butter, stirring until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
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Combine with Cereal: In a large bowl, combine the Rice Krispies cereal with the melted marshmallow mixture, mixing until evenly coated. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows.
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Assemble Layers: Press half of the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared pan. Spread the dulce de leche over this layer. Top with the remaining Rice Krispies mixture, pressing gently to create an even surface.
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Set and Serve: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature until set, about 30 minutes, before cutting into squares.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooling Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Cinnamon Sugar Twist: For a churro-inspired flavor, use cinnamon sugar-flavored Rice Krispies cereal. If unavailable, add ¼ to ⅓ cup of cinnamon sugar to the melted marshmallow mixture.
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the Rice Krispies mixture for added crunch and flavor.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled treats for an extra layer of indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Keep the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Freezing: These treats can be frozen for up to 6 weeks. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful of the additional salt content in the recipe.
2. Is it necessary to brown the butter?
Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor. If you're short on time, you can melt the butter without browning, but the flavor will be different.
3. Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Absolutely! They can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
4. How do I prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the pan?
Lightly spraying the pan with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper helps prevent sticking.
5. Can I use homemade dulce de leche?
Yes, homemade dulce de leche works perfectly in this recipe.
6. Are these treats gluten-free?
Yes, Rice Krispies cereal is typically gluten-free, but always check the packaging to be sure.
7. How do I cut the treats into neat squares?
Use a sharp knife sprayed with non-stick spray to cut the treats after they've cooled and set.
8. Can I add chocolate chips to the mixture?
Certainly! Fold in chocolate chips after mixing the cereal with the marshmallow mixture for added sweetness.
9. What can I use if I don't have a 9x9-inch pan?
You can use an 8x8-inch pan for thicker treats or a 9x13-inch pan for thinner ones. Adjust the serving size accordingly.
10. How do I store leftover treats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, transforming a simple snack into a gourmet indulgence. With easy preparation and the option to customize, they're sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the smooth, creamy sweetness of dulce de leche for a delicious twist on a classic dessert. Simple to make in just 40 minutes, they offer a gourmet touch to the traditional Rice Krispies treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
10 cups mini marshmallows (divided)
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
½ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
½ can (approximately 7 ounces) dulce de leche
Instructions
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pan: Lightly spray a 9x9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
-
Brown the Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring constantly until it turns a golden brown and emits a nutty aroma.
-
Melt Marshmallows: Add 8 cups of the mini marshmallows to the browned butter, stirring until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
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Combine with Cereal: In a large bowl, combine the Rice Krispies cereal with the melted marshmallow mixture, mixing until evenly coated. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows.
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Assemble Layers: Press half of the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared pan. Spread the dulce de leche over this layer. Top with the remaining Rice Krispies mixture, pressing gently to create an even surface.
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Set and Serve: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For variations, you can add cinnamon sugar, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate to elevate the flavor.
- The treats can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Freezing is an option if you want to keep them for up to 6 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
