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Delicious Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Caramel Swirl

brown butter rice krispie treats - featured image

A quick and easy twist on classic Rice Krispie treats featuring nutty brown butter and a rich caramel swirl for a gooey, flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 10 oz (283g) mini marshmallows
  • 6 cups (150g) Rice Krispies cereal
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) caramel sauce
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk until the butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
  2. Add marshmallows and vanilla: Quickly stir in 10 oz mini marshmallows and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir until marshmallows are completely melted and smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Lower heat if mixture looks too thick.
  3. Mix in cereal: Remove from heat. Pour in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal and fold gently with a rubber spatula until evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep crispy texture.
  4. Prepare pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper with butter or non-stick spray.
  5. Transfer mixture: Pour half of the cereal mixture into the pan and press down gently but firmly with a buttered spatula or clean hands to create an even layer.
  6. Add caramel swirl: Drizzle 1/2 cup caramel sauce in thin lines over the pressed layer. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel without mixing it fully.
  7. Top layer: Immediately add the remaining cereal mixture on top and press down gently to seal the caramel swirl inside and create a smooth surface.
  8. Cool and set: Allow treats to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour or refrigerate for 30 minutes for quicker setting. Use parchment overhang to lift the block out for slicing.
  9. Slice and serve: Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried for clean cuts.

Notes

Do not wait too long to add the caramel swirl after pressing the first layer as the marshmallow mixture sets fast. Use medium heat and stir constantly when browning butter to avoid burning. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil, use vegan marshmallows and dairy-free caramel. Press mixture gently to maintain crispy texture. Warm knife under hot water for clean slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, Rice Krispie treats, caramel swirl, easy dessert, homemade treats, quick snack, kid-friendly, gooey treats