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4.5 from 12 votes

Browned Butter Rice Krispies Treats

These are the best Rice Krispies Treats I've ever had, thanks in large part to the butter. It's both browned and the quantity compared to most other recipes is doubled. Between the nutty and aromatic browned butter, the melted sweet marshmallows, and using less cereal most recipes, these Treats are the most gooey, buttery, flavorful, and richest I've ever had. They're hits with both kids and adults, and If the classic favorite cereal bar could be improved upon, this is how. Vegan and gluten-free options included.

Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 9
Calories: 157 kcal
Course: Baked Goods
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 5 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • ½ cup unsalted butter browned
  • ¼ teaspoon salt optional
  • 10- ounce bag miniature or large marshmallows

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, add 5 cups cereal; set aside.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed large pot or skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat, stirring nearly continuously or swirling the pan. Butter will melt, foam, turn clear, golden, turn brown, and will then smell nutty. As soon at the butter begins to turn brown, take the pan off the heat, and continue to stir for about 1 minute, to ensure carryover heat doesn't continue to cook and subsequently burn the already browned butter. Optionally stir in salt for salted browned butter Treats.
  3. Add the marshmallows and the residual heat should be enough to melt them, but if not, heat pan over low heat for about 1 minute, or just until they melt, taking care not to cook them; just warming to melt. Stir to combine the marshmallows and butter. Pour mixture over cereal and toss to coat. 5 cups cereal will yield very gooey bars, but if less gooey bar are preferred, stir in up to 3/4 cup additional cereal. Mixture will be very gooey and buttery. Transfer mixture to prepared pan, and using a spatula or your greased hands, press it firmly and evenly into the pan, making sure to really pack it down well and push it into the corners and edges. Allow bars to set up at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving, or place pan in the refrigerator to expedite cooling. Store Treats in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  4. To keep recipe vegan, use vegan marshmallows, vegan-friendly butter and vegan crispy rice cereal. I recommend simply melting the vegan butter rather than trying to brown it. To keep gluten free, use gluten-free Rice Krispies or other crispy rice cereal such as Erewhon Organic Gluten Free Crispy Brown Rice Cereal. Take care that all ingredients used are suitable for your dietary needs.
  5. Adapted from the The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Calories 157kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 15g (5%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 27mg (9%) Sodium 150mg (6%) Sugar 2g (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 9Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 157

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 157kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 15g 5%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Cholesterol 27mg 9%
Sodium 150mg 6%
Sugar 2g 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.