Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats are what happen when the nostalgic childhood classic gets a sophisticated makeover. The familiar snap, crackle, and pop of Rice Krispies cereal is elevated with the nutty depth of brown butter and the caramelized sweetness of dulce de leche, creating a dessert that bridges the gap between playful and elegant.
These treats strike the perfect balance between chewy and crispy, with swirls of dulce de leche adding a creamy richness that transforms this simple dessert into something truly special. In just 45 minutes, you can create a dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds—and asking for your recipe.
Why You’ll Love This
- Elevated flavor profile with minimal extra effort—brown butter adds a nutty complexity that takes these treats from good to extraordinary
- Perfect balance of textures with the chewy marshmallow base, crispy cereal, and creamy dulce de leche swirls
- No baking required—just a stovetop and a pan
- Make-ahead friendly—these treats stay fresh for days when properly stored
- Crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults with sophisticated palates
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 cups mini marshmallows, divided (8 cups melted, 2 cups whole)
- 6 cups cinnamon sugar flavored Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- 1/2 can dulce de leche
Instructions
- Spray a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray, line with foil or parchment paper creating a sling, then spray again.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and continue cooking until it starts to foam and develops golden-brown flecks at the bottom. Remove from heat as soon as you see these flecks.
- Add salt and 8 cups of marshmallows to the browned butter. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies in a large bowl and mix well. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of marshmallows while the mixture is still warm.
- Press half the mixture into the prepared pan. Spread dulce de leche evenly over this layer, then top with remaining Rice Krispie mixture. Let set at room temperature until cooled.
Tips & Variations
- Watch the butter carefully as it browns—it can go from perfectly nutty to burnt very quickly
- For extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before the treats set
- Try using cinnamon-flavored Rice Krispies for a Mexican-inspired variation
- Make your own dulce de leche by simmering a can of sweetened condensed milk (in a water bath) for 2-3 hours
- For a less sweet version, use mini marshmallows and reduce the quantity by about 1/4 cup
- Press the mixture into the pan gently—compacting too firmly will result in dense, hard treats
Serving Suggestions
These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats are perfect on their own, but for an extra-special dessert experience, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of the cold, creamy ice cream against the chewy, warm treat creates a delightful sensory experience.
For a coffee break pairing, serve these treats alongside a cappuccino or café con leche to complement the caramel notes in the dulce de leche.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking
- For the best texture, don’t refrigerate these treats as they can become too firm
- If your treats seem too hard, you likely overcooked the marshmallow mixture or pressed too firmly when forming
- For clean cuts, lightly coat your knife with cooking spray between slices
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly in this recipe and saves significant time.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative that browns well (like Miyoko’s) and use a dairy-free caramel sauce instead of dulce de leche.
Why did my Rice Krispie treats turn out hard?
Hard treats usually result from overcooking the marshmallow mixture, pressing too firmly into the pan, or using stale cereal. Try cooking the marshmallows just until melted and press the mixture gently.
Can I freeze these treats?
Yes, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
[recipe_card]
