Irresistible Brown Butter Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats: The Ultimate Gooey Dessert Recipe
Forget everything you thought you knew about classic Rice Krispie Treats. These aren’t your average childhood snack; they are a sophisticated, yet incredibly simple, dessert that will redefine your expectations. We’re talking about the softest, most gloriously gooey, and utterly delicious Brown Butter Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats you’ve ever tasted. By combining the rich, nutty aroma of browned butter with the decadent sweetness and subtle saltiness of homemade salted caramel, we elevate a humble cereal treat into an irresistible masterpiece.
If your quest is for a cereal treat that is genuinely out of this world, bursting with flavor and unmatched in texture, then you’ve absolutely landed in the right place. These Brown Butter Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats might sound a little extravagant, but every single ingredient plays a vital role in creating a balanced and addictive flavor profile. They are, without a doubt, my most beloved cereal treat creation.
This recipe is particularly convenient if you happen to have a little extra caramel sauce patiently waiting in your fridge. However, if you’re starting from scratch – and I highly recommend it for the freshest flavor – I’ve included a comprehensive caramel recipe below. Don’t be intimidated; making homemade caramel is a rewarding experience that adds an unparalleled depth to these treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need for These Ultimate Rice Krispie Treats
Crafting these extraordinary treats requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each contributing to their exceptional flavor and texture:
- Unsalted Butter: The star ingredient for browning, which imparts a nutty, complex flavor that elevates the entire treat.
- Marshmallows: Fresh, soft marshmallows are key to achieving that signature gooey texture. Older, stale marshmallows can result in harder treats.
- Caramel Sauce: Whether you opt for homemade caramel (highly recommended!) or a high-quality store-bought variety, this is where the “salted caramel” magic happens.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note.
- Crispy Rice Cereal: The classic base that provides the perfect crunch and structure.
- Flaky Salt (Optional, but highly recommended): A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top is crucial for balancing the sweetness and adding a delightful textural contrast.
Baking Tip: How to Make Perfect Salted Caramel Sauce
Homemade caramel often intimidates home bakers, but I promise you, it’s far simpler than it seems. The rich, deep flavor of homemade caramel is truly unmatched and worth the little extra effort. While exact measurements might vary between recipes, the fundamental steps for creating a luscious, smooth caramel remain consistent:
- Cook the Sugar: Begin by cooking granulated sugar (with a little water, if using the wet method) in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. The key is to avoid stirring while the sugar melts and caramelizes. Watch carefully as it transforms from clear syrup to a beautiful, dark amber color. This deep color indicates a rich flavor; don’t stop too soon, but also don’t let it burn!
- Add Heavy Cream: Once the sugar reaches that perfect amber, immediately remove it from the heat. This is the exciting part! Gradually add warm heavy cream in small increments, whisking constantly. Be prepared for the mixture to bubble violently and steam – this is normal! The sugar and cream will emulsify to form the caramel.
- Melt Any Lumps: After all the cream has been incorporated, return the saucepan to very low heat. Continue to stir gently until any hardened sugar lumps have completely dissolved and the mixture is silky smooth. This ensures a perfectly uniform caramel.
- Flavor It Up: Finally, remove from heat and whisk in your vanilla extract and salt. The salt is crucial for a “salted caramel,” enhancing the sweetness and adding complexity. Taste and adjust the salt level to your preference.
For visual guidance and even more detailed caramel-making wisdom, consider checking out my full caramel tutorial.
How to Make Brown Butter Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these sensational cereal bars is a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few key details will ensure the best possible outcome:
- Prepare Your Caramel Sauce (if homemade): If you’re making caramel from scratch, start here. Combine sugar and water in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook without stirring until it reaches a deep amber color. Remove from heat, then carefully stir in the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Set aside to cool slightly. (If using store-bought or leftover caramel, you can skip this step and ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.)
- Brown the Butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (this helps prevent burning and ensures even browning), melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter foams, then begins to turn golden brown, and finally a rich, nutty, amber color. You’ll smell a delightful toasted aroma. Keep a close eye on it, as brown butter can quickly turn to burnt butter!
- Melt the Marshmallows: Once your butter is beautifully browned, immediately add all the marshmallows to the pot. Stir continuously over low heat until the marshmallows are almost completely melted and form a smooth, gooey mixture. A few small lumps are acceptable, as they’ll melt with the residual heat.
- Combine Caramel and Cereal: Remove the marshmallow mixture from the heat. Stir in almost all of your prepared caramel sauce (reserve a few tablespoons for drizzling later). Mix well until the caramel is fully incorporated. Then, add the crispy rice cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of cereal is evenly coated in the rich, caramel-marshmallow mixture. It will be thick and sticky, so work quickly!
- Press into Pan: Transfer the warm mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Using a piece of parchment paper or buttered hands/spatula, gently and evenly press the mixture into the pan. The key here is to press lightly! Over-compacting the mixture will result in dense, hard treats instead of soft, gooey ones.
- Top with More Caramel and Salt: Take the reserved few tablespoons of caramel sauce and drizzle them artfully over the top of the pressed treats. For that essential sweet and salty contrast, generously sprinkle with flaky sea salt or coarse salt. Allow the bars to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to set up properly. This resting period ensures they slice cleanly and maintain their perfect texture. Alternatively, for quicker setting, you can place them in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes.
Once set, slice into squares and savor every single gooey, buttery, caramel-infused bite! These treats are best enjoyed the same day they are made, but they store well too.
Tips for the Ultimate Gooey Brown Butter Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
While the recipe is straightforward, these small tips can make a big difference in achieving perfection:
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: This cannot be stressed enough! Fresh marshmallows melt smoothly and create the softest, most pliable treats. Stale marshmallows can lead to stiff, chewy results.
- Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows: Once the marshmallows are mostly melted, remove them from the heat. Overcooking can make them too firm and result in hard treats. The residual heat will finish melting any small lumps.
- Butter Your Tools: Lightly butter your spatula, hands, and the inside of your baking pan. This will prevent the sticky mixture from adhering too much and make handling much easier.
- Press Lightly: When pressing the mixture into the pan, be gentle. You want an even layer, but compacting it too much will squeeze out air, leading to dense, hard treats. Aim for a soft, gentle press.
- Room Temperature Setting: While chilling in the fridge can speed up setting, allowing the treats to cool and set at room temperature often yields a softer, chewier texture.
- Quality Caramel: If you’re not making homemade caramel, invest in a good quality store-bought brand. The caramel flavor is prominent, so a superior product will shine through.
- Flaky Salt is Key: Don’t skip the flaky sea salt! It’s what transforms “caramel” into “salted caramel” and perfectly balances the sweetness, making each bite even more satisfying.
Variations and Customizations for Your Cereal Treats
Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to get creative! These Brown Butter Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are an excellent canvas for customization:
- Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark or milk chocolate over the set treats would be a welcome addition for chocolate lovers.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts with the cereal for an added layer of texture and flavor.
- Spiced Caramel: Infuse your homemade caramel with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of chili powder for an unexpected kick.
- Different Cereals: While crispy rice cereal is classic, experiment with other puffed cereals or even a mix for a different base.
- Mini Marshmallows: For even gooier treats, you can mix in an extra cup of mini marshmallows right before adding the cereal. They’ll melt slightly and create pockets of soft marshmallow.
Storage Tips for Freshness
For the best texture and flavor, these Brown Butter Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are ideal when enjoyed within 1-2 days of making them. To keep them fresh and gooey:
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause them to harden and lose their signature chewiness.
- If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
More Caramel Treats to Love
If you’re a true caramel enthusiast, these other recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings:
- How to Make Homemade Caramel Apples
- Soft Caramel Popcorn
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brown Butter Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats: Full Recipe
Brown Butter Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
24
squares
5 mins
15 mins
30 mins
50 mins
Rice krispie treats kicked up a notch, with brown butter and salted caramel. Irresistible!
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Ingredients
For the treats:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
- 32 oz marshmallows (Two 16-oz bags, 455 grams)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (use leftover, store-bought, or recipe below)
- 8 cup crispy rice cereal (225 grams)
- Coarse or flaky salt , for sprinkling
For the salted caramel (if making from scratch):
- ½ cup sugar (100 grams)
- 2 tablespoon water
- ⅓ cup heavy cream (68 grams)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
To make the treats:
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Grease a 9×13-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, if desired.
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In a large heavy-bottomed pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter foams, then turns golden brown, and finally a rich, nutty, amber color. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are almost completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in all but a few tablespoons of the caramel sauce. Add the crispy rice cereal and stir until thoroughly combined, ensuring all the cereal is coated.
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Press the mixture gently into the prepared baking pan. Do not press too hard, as this will result in dense treats. Drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce and generously sprinkle with coarse or flaky salt. Let the treats firm up at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving for easy slicing. Alternatively, for a quicker set, you can chill them in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes.
To make the salted caramel from scratch:
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Combine the sugar and water in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Stir briefly until the sugar is moistened and has a sand-like consistency. Stop stirring and allow the sugar to dissolve and cook. Watch carefully as it caramelizes, swirling the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking, until it becomes a deep amber color (about 8-10 minutes). Do not let it burn.
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Remove the pan from the heat. Very gradually add the heavy cream while whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble violently at first, which is normal. Once all the cream is incorporated, return the pan to very low heat and stir until any sugar clumps have melted and the mixture is completely smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let cool slightly before using.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 206kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 57mg, Potassium: 13mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 26g, Vitamin A: 167IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 1mg
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These Brown Butter Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. They bring together comforting nostalgia with sophisticated flavors, creating a treat that is both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, prepare to fall in love with their unparalleled gooey texture and rich, complex taste. Give this recipe a try, and let these elevated cereal bars become your new favorite indulgence!