Take your classic Rice Krispie treats to the next level with this irresistible twist—Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss! These gooey, crispy treats are elevated with the nutty richness of brown butter and the sweet, creamy decadence of dulce de leche. A sprinkle of sea salt adds just the right balance of flavors, making each bite a perfect mix of sweet, salty, and buttery goodness. They’re a gourmet treat that’s as easy to make as they are delicious, sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bars are a true game-changer. The nutty flavor of brown butter adds depth and richness, while the dulce de leche gives the bars a silky, caramel-like sweetness. Combined with the crispy texture of Rice Krispies and a pinch of sea salt, this treat is an elevated take on the childhood favorite we all know and love. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make—no baking required—and can be ready to serve in just 20 minutes!
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter
-
10 oz mini marshmallows
-
1/2 cup dulce de leche
-
1/4 tsp sea salt
-
Optional: flaky salt for topping
directions
-
Brown the Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
-
Melt the Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the browned butter and stir until completely melted and smooth.
-
Add the Dulce de Leche: Stir in the dulce de leche and sea salt, mixing until fully combined.
-
Coat the Rice Krispies: Pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and stir gently to coat the cereal evenly with the marshmallow mixture.
-
Press and Set: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan and press it down evenly with a spatula to set.
-
Cool and Serve: Let the Krispies cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares and top with a sprinkle of flaky salt, if desired.
Servings and timing
-
Servings: 12 bars
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
No Cooking: No baking required
-
Total Time: 20 minutes
-
Calories per serving: 210 kcal
Variations
-
Nutty Version: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the mixture for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
-
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or white chocolate over the cooled bars for a rich and sweet finish.
-
Caramelized Banana: Top the bars with sliced caramelized banana for an extra indulgent, tropical twist.
-
Peanut Butter: Stir in a few tablespoons of peanut butter for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
storage/reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 1 week if you prefer them to stay firmer. If you want to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but I recommend reducing the amount of added salt to adjust for the saltiness of the butter.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these Krispie bars a day ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious.
Can I use store-bought dulce de leche?
Absolutely! Store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly, or you can make your own by simmering sweetened condensed milk if you prefer a homemade version.
Can I use other cereals besides Rice Krispies?
You can try using other crispy cereals, like Cornflakes or Special K, but Rice Krispies are the traditional choice for their texture and flavor.
How do I know when the butter is browned?
The butter should turn a deep golden brown and develop a nutty aroma. Be sure to watch it closely, as it can go from browned to burnt quickly.
Can I add more marshmallows for extra gooeyness?
Yes, you can increase the marshmallow amount for a gooier texture. Just be mindful that it may make the bars a bit more sticky.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Rice Krispies are typically gluten-free, but be sure to check the packaging for certification if you’re concerned about cross-contamination or gluten sensitivity.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make these bars vegan, simply swap the butter for a plant-based butter substitute and use vegan marshmallows instead of regular marshmallows.
Can I top these with frosting?
Yes, you can top these bars with a thin layer of frosting (chocolate or vanilla) for a richer, more decadent dessert.
Can I make this recipe without the dulce de leche?
While dulce de leche adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with caramel sauce for a similar taste, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Conclusion
These Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss bars are a sweet, gooey treat that takes a childhood classic to a whole new level. The nutty brown butter, rich dulce de leche, and crispy Rice Krispies come together for a flavor-packed dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a special treat for a gathering, or just something indulgent to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are sure to please. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and ready in just 20 minutes!
Print
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss takes the classic Rice Krispie treat to the next level with nutty brown butter and the sweet richness of dulce de leche. A sprinkle of sea salt adds the perfect touch to these gooey, crispy treats. Simple to make, yet indulgently delicious, these bars are the ultimate sweet snack or dessert.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
½ cup unsalted butter
10 oz mini marshmallows
½ cup dulce de leche
¼ tsp sea salt
Optional: flaky salt for topping
Instructions
-
Brown the Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
-
Melt the Marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows to the browned butter and stir until completely melted and smooth.
-
Add the Dulce de Leche: Stir in the dulce de leche and sea salt, mixing until fully combined.
-
Coat the Rice Krispies: Pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and gently stir to coat evenly with the marshmallow mixture.
-
Press and Set: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch pan and press it down evenly with a spatula to set.
-
Cool and Serve: Let the Krispies cool completely, then cut them into squares and top with flaky salt if desired.
Notes
-
-
Nutty Version: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
-
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or white chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent finish.
-
Caramelized Banana: Top with sliced caramelized banana for an indulgent, tropical twist.
-
Peanut Butter: Stir in a few tablespoons of peanut butter for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
-
-
Storage/Reheating: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for firmer texture. Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: No baking required
- Category: Dessert, Snacks, Sweet Treats
- Method: Stovetop & Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
