There’s a whole new world waiting inside a pan of Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats: layers of nutty, caramelized butter, gooey swirls of rich dulce de leche, and classic marshmallow crispiness get together for the ultimate nostalgic-but-grown-up dessert. Each square is soft, chewy, and just a touch salty, bringing an impossibly elevating twist to the classic childhood snack. If you’re ready for a treat that’s both comfortingly familiar and impossibly sophisticated, keep reading!

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats lies in the balance of just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, each one bringing its own magic. These simple staples transform into something deeply flavorful, packed with wonderful contrast in every bite.

Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter unlocks an irresistible nuttiness and golden hue that sets the whole treat apart from the classic.
Sea Salt: Just a dash tightens up all the sweet notes and balances out the richness, making each bite memorable.
Vanilla Extract: Adds sweet warmth and rounds out the flavors with that cozy, bakery-fresh aroma.
Dulce de Leche: Swirled in and drizzled on top, this creamy caramel gives depth, chew, and an indulgent touch (save a spoonful for extra drizzling!).
Mini Marshmallows: For maximum melt-ability and that classic ooey-gooey texture we crave, mini is the way to go.
Rice Krispies Cereal: The essential crunch! Lightly toasting before mixing isn’t necessary, but it absolutely turns up the flavor and texture dial.
Flaky Sea Salt (optional): Just a sprinkle catches on the dulce de leche drizzle and adds gentle, sparkly crunch.

How to Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by placing the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Let it melt, then keep cooking and stirring—it’ll foam, then begin to smell nutty and turn golden. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes; don’t wander away! Those brown bits at the bottom? That’s flavor gold and the reason Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats are legendary.

Step 2: Add Salt and Vanilla

Immediately lower the heat, then stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. The aroma right now is everything. Mixing them in while the butter is still warm releases those beautiful fragrances and ensures they infuse every corner of the treats.

Step 3: Melt the Marshmallows

Tumble in your bag of mini marshmallows and stir constantly over the low heat until everything is completely smooth and glossy. The mixture will get sticky and beautiful. Don’t fret if there are a few slowpokes—just keep stirring.

Step 4: Swirl in the Dulce de Leche

Take the pot off the heat and quickly spoon in the dulce de leche. For that dramatic marbled effect, don’t fully combine—just a few gentle folds is plenty. This is where Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats get their signature gooey, caramel-streaked look.

Step 5: Fold in Cereal

Add the Rice Krispies and gently stir until every crispy piece is coated in marshmallow-goodness. If you toasted the cereal, the smell is going to be incredible right now.

Step 6: Press, Drizzle & Chill

Scrape the mixture into a buttered or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Use a buttered spatula or wax paper to gently press the mixture in—don’t pack it down too hard if you want that light, chewy bite. Drizzle extra dulce de leche over the top, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and let cool for at least 1 hour. Slice into squares and marvel at what you’ve created!

How to Serve Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Take your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats from delicious to irresistible by drizzling more dulce de leche over the top and showering them with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Crushed toasted nuts (like pecans or hazelnuts) or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips can also add extra texture and flair.

Side Dishes

These treats shine on their own, but if you want to create a celebratory dessert spread, pair them with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or a cold glass of milk. The richness of Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats plays beautifully off tart fruit and creamy, cool flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Cutting the treats into playful shapes using cookie cutters or stacking them in a trifle-style dessert with whipped cream and berries will wow at parties! For gifting, wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with twine, or layer slices in a pretty tin for a heartfelt homemade surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly chewy and flavorful for up to 3 days—if you can resist eating them all at once!

Freezing

Want to make a batch ahead of a busy event? Once cooled, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let them thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving.

Reheating

While these treats are meant to be eaten at room temperature, you can restore their gooeyness in a flash! Briefly microwave a square for about 5 to 8 seconds—just enough to perk up the marshmallows and bring back that just-made softness.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of minis?

Absolutely! If using large marshmallows, chop them into smaller pieces so they melt quickly and evenly. The texture and flavor of your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats will still be fantastic.

Do I have to swirl the dulce de leche, or can I mix it in fully?

For that gorgeous marbled look and pockets of creamy caramel, try folding the dulce de leche in just until streaky. However, if you prefer an even, caramel flavor throughout, go ahead and mix it in fully—delicious either way!

What’s the best way to get even, neat squares?

Let the treats cool completely before slicing—this helps them hold their shape. Use a sharp, buttered knife, wiping clean between cuts for the best results.

Can I use store-bought dulce de leche, or should I make my own?

Store-bought dulce de leche is perfect and makes these treats quick and easy. If you have homemade, absolutely use it! Either way, that caramel richness is what makes Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats truly special.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Just use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal and check your marshmallows for gluten-free labeling. Dulce de leche and the other ingredients are generally safe, making this recipe easy to adapt for gluten-sensitive friends!

Final Thoughts

Once you take your first bite of Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats, you’ll see just how easy it is to turn a childhood favorite into a showstopper. Gather up your simple ingredients and treat yourself—you (and anyone lucky enough to snag a square) deserve this kind of bliss!

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats. These no-bake treats are elevated with the nutty aroma of brown butter, swirls of sweet dulce de leche, and a hint of sea salt for a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rice Krispie Treats:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dulce de leche (plus extra for drizzling, optional)
1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat until golden brown and nutty.
Add Flavor: Stir in sea salt and vanilla. Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
Swirl Dulce de Leche: Fold in dulce de leche for a marbled effect. Mix in Rice Krispies until coated.
Press Into Pan: Press mixture into a pan, drizzle with dulce de leche, and sprinkle with sea salt.
Cool and Slice: Let cool for 1 hour, then slice into squares.