Rice Krispie Treats with Brown Butter and Sea Salt
Brown butter changes everything about basic Rice Krispie treats. You get this nutty, caramel-like flavor that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.
The sea salt on top isn’t just trendy – it actually balances out all that sweetness.
Why Brown Butter Matters Here
Regular melted butter tastes flat compared to brown butter’s deep, nutty complexity. Cook your butter until it turns golden and smells like toasted hazelnuts. Those brown bits at the bottom? Keep them – they’re pure flavor. This step takes an extra five minutes but transforms the entire treat.
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Marshmallow Timing Gets Tricky
Brown butter runs hotter than regular melted butter, so your marshmallows will melt faster than usual. Stir constantly once you add them or they’ll scorch. The mixture should look smooth and glossy, not grainy or separated. Work quickly but don’t panic – you’ve got about two minutes before it starts setting up.
Press Gently Into the Pan
Heavy-handed pressing creates dense, tough treats instead of light, chewy ones. Use a buttered spatula or your damp hands to gently coax the mixture into an even layer. The cereal should hold together without being compacted. Think of it like tucking in a blanket, not pounding with a hammer.
Getting the Brown Butter Right
- Use a light-colored pan to see the butter browning properly – dark pans make it hard to judge when it’s ready.
- If mixture seems too stiff, add one tablespoon of brown butter back to loosen it up before pressing into pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these keep longer than regular treats?
Actually yes – brown butter acts as a natural preservative. Store covered at room temperature for up to one week versus five days for regular treats.
What happens if I burn the butter?
Start over. Burnt butter tastes bitter and acrid, not nutty. Watch for the color change and trust your nose – it should smell toasty, not harsh.
Should I use coarse or fine sea salt?
Flaky sea salt like Maldon works best. It provides little bursts of saltiness without being overwhelming. Table salt dissolves too quickly and disappears.
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Rice Krispie Treats with Brown Butter and Sea Salt
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Rubber spatula
Instructions
- Prepare pan: Butter your 9×13 inch pan thoroughly and set aside. Line with parchment paper if desired, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Brown the butter: Place butter in large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 4-6 minutes until butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. You’ll see brown bits forming at the bottom.
- Melt marshmallows: Immediately add marshmallows to the brown butter. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine cereal: Quickly stir in vanilla extract, then add Rice Krispies cereal. Fold gently until all cereal is evenly coated with marshmallow mixture.
- Press into pan: Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Using buttered hands or spatula, gently press into an even layer. Don’t pack down hard.
- Add salt and cool: Immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the surface while treats are still warm. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes, before cutting into squares.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1 square)
