Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

The Magic of Brown Butter: Why It Changes Everything

What Is Brown Butter?

Brown butter, or beurre noisette as it’s known in French cuisine, is regular butter that has been cooked just past the melting point until the milk solids begin to brown. This process creates an aromatic and flavorful base with nutty, caramel-like notes that can elevate even the simplest of recipes. In fact, brown butter is used in both sweet and savory dishes to add complexity and richness. In the context of Rice Krispie treats, the brown butter replaces regular melted butter, giving the treats a deeper, more nuanced flavor that lingers on your taste buds.

Why Brown Butter Makes a Difference

When you use regular melted butter in traditional Rice Krispie treats, you get that familiar buttery sweetness. But with brown butter, you’re adding layers of flavor—think toasted nuts, rich caramel, and warm spices—without needing any additional ingredients. It’s like turning up the volume on your taste experience.

The process of browning butter involves gently cooking it until it foams, sizzles, and eventually develops golden brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Those brown bits are packed with flavor, so you’ll want to scrape them up and incorporate them into the mixture. Be careful, though—brown butter can quickly turn into burnt butter if left unattended, so keep a close eye on it.

When to Use Brown Butter in Baking and Cooking

Brown butter isn’t just great for Rice Krispie treats. You can use it in cookies, like these Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, cakes, roasted vegetables, and even pasta sauces. The technique is simple but yields impressive results, making it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

The Transformative Power of Browned Butter

Browned butter is a well-loved ingredient in the culinary world, known for its rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to all kinds of dishes, from savory to sweet. The process of browning butter is simple yet requires careful attention. It’s easy to go from perfectly browned to burnt in a heartbeat. The secret lies in keeping the heat on medium-low and watching the butter closely as it foams. The golden hue signals that it’s nearly ready—once you catch the warm, nutty aroma wafting from the pan, it’s time to take it off the heat.

The Role of Sea Salt

While any salt can provide the necessary seasoning, using sea salt takes it up a notch. Its unique texture and flavor create a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallows while complementing the nuttiness of the browned butter. The result is a perfect balance that keeps you reaching for more. Even a pinch can elevate your treats, enhancing their flavor profile and leaving a lingering savor that’s simply irresistible.

A Journey with Smitten Kitchen

I first came across this amazing recipe in The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman, and I still can’t believe it took me so long to try it. This cookbook is filled with incredibly well-tested recipes, and this one is among my favorites. The simplicity of the recipe coupled with the transformative ingredients makes this a treat you’ll want to make over and over again.

The Magic of Brown Butter: Why It Changes Everything

What Is Brown Butter?

Brown butter, or beurre noisette as it’s known in French cuisine, is regular butter that has been cooked just past the melting point until the milk solids begin to brown. This process creates an aromatic and flavorful base with nutty, caramel-like notes that can elevate even the simplest of recipes. In fact, brown butter is used in both sweet and savory dishes to add complexity and richness. In the context of Rice Krispie treats, the brown butter replaces regular melted butter, giving the treats a deeper, more nuanced flavor that lingers on your taste buds.

Why Brown Butter Makes a Difference

When you use regular melted butter in traditional Rice Krispie treats, you get that familiar buttery sweetness. But with brown butter, you’re adding layers of flavor—think toasted nuts, rich caramel, and warm spices—without needing any additional ingredients. It’s like turning up the volume on your taste experience.

The process of browning butter involves gently cooking it until it foams, sizzles, and eventually develops golden brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Those brown bits are packed with flavor, so you’ll want to scrape them up and incorporate them into the mixture. Be careful, though—brown butter can quickly turn into burnt butter if left unattended, so keep a close eye on it.

When to Use Brown Butter in Baking and Cooking

Brown butter isn’t just great for Rice Krispie treats. You can use it in cookies, like these Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, cakes, roasted vegetables, and even pasta sauces. The technique is simple but yields impressive results, making it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

How to Make Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Print Recipe

Print Recipe

These Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a delicious twist on the classic treat, featuring rich, nutty brown butter, gooey marshmallows, and a touch of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The browned butter adds a deep, caramelized flavor that elevates these no-bake bars, while the extra marshmallows make them irresistibly soft and chewy. Quick to make and perfect for any occasion, these treats are ideal for lunchboxes, parties, or whenever you crave a nostalgic yet sophisticated snack!

• Author: Sofya Petrova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

See also  Easy Raspberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 10 oz bag of marshmallows
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal

Instructions

• Prepare the pan:
  Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.

• Brown the butter:
  In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to burn it.

• Add marshmallows and flavoring:
  Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the salt and 3/4 of the marshmallows, mixing until smooth and melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

• Mix in cereal and remaining marshmallows:
  Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated. Add the reserved marshmallows for extra gooeyness and stir gently to incorporate.

• Press into the pan:
  Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Lightly press it into an even layer using a spatula or wax paper. (Tip: Lightly grease the spatula or your hands to prevent sticking.)

• Finish with salt and set:
  Sprinkle additional flaky sea salt over the top. Let the treats cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

• Serve and enjoy:
  Slice into bars and savor the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors!

Notes

• Butter Browning Tip: Watch closely while browning the butter—once it turns golden and smells nutty, remove it from heat immediately to avoid burning.
• Extra Gooey Texture: Adding some unmelted marshmallows at the end keeps the treats soft and chewy.
• Pressing Tip: Don’t press the mixture too firmly into the pan; gentle pressing keeps the bars tender instead of hard.
• Salt Choice: Flaky sea salt works best for a pleasant crunch and burst of saltiness. Regular table salt is not recommended.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Flavor Boost: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or a handful of chocolate chips for a fun twist!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16 bars
• Calories: 220 kcal per bar

Keywords: Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Tips for the Perfect Rice Krispie Treats

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Old marshmallows can lose their stickiness, making it difficult to achieve the desired gooeyness.
2. Don’t Rush the Browning Process: The key to a great flavor is in the browning of the butter—patience will pay off!
3. Store Properly: Keep these treats in an airtight container to maintain their texture. They can stay fresh for up to a week, though they’re likely to disappear long before that!
4. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for additional flavor and texture.

Creative Variations You’ll Love

Chocolate Drizzle

Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the top for a rich addition.

Peanut Butter Swirl

Mix a tablespoon of peanut butter into the marshmallow mixture for a nutty kick.

Espresso Infusion

Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the butter as it browns for a coffee-flavored treat.

Holiday Spice Blend

Sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, festive version that’s perfect for holiday parties.

How to Store and Keep Them Fresh

Short-Term Storage

• Keep the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For extra freshness, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze in a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
• Let thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before eating.

🍫 Want more freezer-friendly desserts? Don’t miss these Salted Caramel Crumble Bars for a make-ahead treat option.