Gourmet Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats with Sea Salt & Spice
These Gourmet Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats elevate the classic childhood favorite into a sophisticated dessert that grown-ups will adore. Inspired by Smitten Kitchen, this recipe features the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter, balanced by a hint of coarse sea salt and a subtle kick from cayenne pepper. Each bite is a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and spicy, making it the perfect treat for parties, gatherings, or a personal indulgence. With crispy textures and a luxurious finish, these treats are sure to impress both friends and family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
marshmallows
1 (10 ounce) bag (miniature or regular size)
rice krispies cereal
6 cups (not prepared)
coarse sea salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats?
These are an elevated version of the classic childhood dessert, featuring browned butter, sea salt, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a sophisticated flavor profile.
What makes this recipe 'gourmet'?
The use of browned butter provides a deep, nutty flavor, while the addition of coarse sea salt and cayenne pepper creates a complex sweet, salty, and spicy balance.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary creations of Smitten Kitchen.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe uses 5 main ingredients: butter, marshmallows, rice krispies cereal, coarse sea salt, and cayenne pepper.
Why use brown butter instead of regular melted butter?
Browning the butter toasts the milk solids, which adds a rich, toasted, and nutty aroma that regular melted butter lacks.
Is the cayenne pepper very spicy?
No, a single pinch provides a subtle warmth or 'kick' that enhances the other flavors without being overwhelming.
Can I omit the cayenne pepper?
Yes, if you prefer a traditional sweet and salty treat without the heat, you can leave it out.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Coarse sea salt is recommended to provide distinct bursts of saltiness that contrast with the sweet marshmallows.
Can I use large marshmallows?
Yes, you can use either miniature or regular-sized marshmallows as long as you have a 10-ounce bag.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, these treats are prepared on the stovetop and do not require an oven.
How much cereal do I need?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of rice krispies cereal.
What is the texture of these treats?
They are crispy, gooey, and luxurious due to the high marshmallow-to-cereal ratio and the richness of the brown butter.
Are these treats suitable for adults?
Absolutely; the flavor profile is specifically designed as a sophisticated 'adult' version of the classic snack.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of butter.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of coarse sea salt, but you can adjust it to taste.
Are these treats gluten-free?
They can be if you ensure your rice cereal and marshmallows are certified gluten-free, as some brands use malt flavoring derived from barley.
How should I store them?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness and gooey texture.
Can I freeze brown butter rice krispie treats?
Yes, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why did my treats turn out too hard?
Treats usually become hard if the marshmallows are melted over too high a heat or if the mixture is pressed too firmly into the pan.
How do I brown the butter?
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a golden brown color and smells nutty.
What occasions are these treats good for?
They are perfect for parties, gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or as a personal indulgence.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the additional coarse sea salt slightly to ensure it doesn't become overly salty.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, greasing the pan with butter or parchment paper will prevent the marshmallows from sticking and make the treats easier to remove.
Can I add other spices?
While this recipe uses cayenne, you could experiment with cinnamon or cardamom for different flavor profiles.
How many servings does this make?
While the exact count depends on how you slice them, a standard batch typically yields 12 to 16 gourmet squares.
How long do they take to set?
They usually take about 30 minutes to 1 hour to cool and set completely at room temperature.
Can I use generic puffed rice cereal?
Yes, any toasted puffed rice cereal will work for this recipe.
Is there a specific way to cut them?
Use a sharp, greased knife to slice them once they have cooled completely for the cleanest edges.
Can I add vanilla extract?
Yes, adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the marshmallows can add another layer of flavor.
What is the main appeal of this recipe?
The appeal lies in the contrast between the nostalgic texture of rice krispie treats and the complex, modern flavors of brown butter and salt.