These Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats are an elevated version of the classic dessert, combining the nuttiness of browned butter with a touch of sea salt. The result is a sweet and salty balance that takes this simple treat to a new level. Perfect for snacking, parties, or a quick dessert, these treats are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon sea salt
10 ounces mini marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt, followed by the marshmallows. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated in the marshmallow mixture.
Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish using a spatula or your hands, making sure it’s even and compact.
Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 150 kcal per serving

Variations:

Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the cooled treats for an extra layer of flavor.
Peanut Butter Mix: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture for a nutty twist.
Extra Marshmallows: Stir in an additional 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows at the end for pockets of gooey goodness.
Cereal Substitutes: Swap Rice Krispies for other cereals like Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles for a colorful variation.
Sprinkles: Add sprinkles on top for a festive touch, especially during holidays or birthdays.

Storage and Reheating:

Storage: Store these Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the treats for up to 6 weeks by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: To freshen them up, microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQs:

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, just reduce the amount of sea salt by half if using salted butter.

2. How can I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?

Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the pan.

3. Can I add extra marshmallows to make the treats gooier?

Yes! Add an additional 1/2 cup of marshmallows to the mixture for extra gooeyness.

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan marshmallows.

5. Why did my Rice Krispie treats turn out too hard?

Overheating the marshmallow mixture can make the treats hard. Melt the marshmallows slowly over low heat to keep them soft.

6. Can I use other types of cereal?

Yes! You can swap Rice Krispies with cereals like Cocoa Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, or Cheerios for different flavors and textures.

7. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra mixture or prepare two 9×13-inch pans.

8. What can I use instead of a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use any pan with similar dimensions. For thicker treats, use a smaller pan, or for thinner treats, use a larger one.

9. How do I know when the butter is browned enough?

The butter is ready when it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!

10. Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips at the end for a chocolatey addition.

Conclusion:

These Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect balance of salty and sweet, with a rich depth of flavor from the browned butter. They are quick and easy to make, offering endless opportunities for customization. Whether enjoyed fresh or frozen for later, these treats are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!