These Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats take a beloved classic and elevate it into a rich, irresistible dessert that’s perfect for parties, bake sales, holiday gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic.
Browning the butter creates a deep, nutty flavor that adds remarkable complexity to every bite, transforming a simple treat into something truly memorable.
The addition of bourbon and sea salt enhances the caramel-like notes of the browned butter and melted marshmallows, creating a perfectly balanced sweet-and-salty combination.
Finished with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these chewy, buttery cereal bars are easy to make yet impressive enough to become a requested favorite wherever you serve them.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Additional Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 (16-ounce) package miniature marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 8 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt, such as Maldon®, for topping
Directions
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter turns golden brown and develops a rich, nutty aroma, about 5 minutes.
- Add the miniature marshmallows to the browned butter. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the bourbon and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Add the crispy rice cereal and gently fold until all of the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Place a sheet of parchment paper over the top and press the mixture evenly into the pan.
- Remove the parchment paper and sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the surface.
- Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Chefs Notes
- For a family-friendly version, substitute the bourbon with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Avoid overpacking the mixture into the pan to keep the treats soft and chewy.
- Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture and meltability.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled treats before slicing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.