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Salted Brown Butter Rice Crispy Bars

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Salted Brown Butter Rice Crispy Bars

When I first saw this recipe by Smitten Kitchen, I didn’t know how I felt about tampering with the classic Rice Krispie Treat (one of my childhood favorites).  Several weeks later, I decided to test the recipe at a dinner party (appropriately, a modern spin on the classics dinner party).  A perfect balance of gooey, crispy and salty, the final product was a smash hit and definitely the favorite dish of the night.  Since then, I have made these Salted Brown Butter Rice Crispy Bars numerous times.  With only four ingredients and minimal effort, these treats are a top “go to” dessert in my repertoire.  Continue reading for the recipe.

Marshmallows, Rice Krispies and Sea Salt

Salted Brown Butter Rice Crispy Bars

Salted Brown Butter Rice Crispy Squares
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Salted Brown Butter Rice Crispy Bars

Slightly adapted from Smitten Kitchen.
Servings 12 bars
Author Brandon Matzek

Ingredients

  • 1 stick (4 oz.) unsalted butter, plus extra for the baking dish
  • 1 10 oz. bag marshmallows
  • Heaping ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus extra for topping)
  • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Instructions

  1. Butter a 9″ x 13″ baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, warm butter over medium low heat. The butter will melt, then foam and bubble, then start to brown. You will notice little brown bits forming at the bottom of the pan. Stir frequently during this process and keep your attention on the pot. The butter can go from wonderfully brown to burnt in just a few moments. You will know the butter is done when it gives off a nutty aroma and turns a golden brown (check out this great resource for how to brown butter).
  3. Turn off the heat and add the marshmallows, stirring until smooth. Add half of the cereal and stir to incorporate. Sprinkle in the flaky sea salt and remaining cereal and continue stirring until everything is fully mixed together.
  4. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a silicon spatula (or piece of parchment paper), press mixture into the dish in an even layer. Sprinkle with additional flaky sea salt to taste (I added almost another ¼ teaspoon).
  5. Let cool, cut into bars and enjoy!
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Comments

  3. Kristen says

    Rice Crispy Treats have long been my cooking nemesis. Why I have trouble making one of the most simple desserts known to man is a mystery. I might just be able to handle browning butter and adding the marshmallows after the heat….the more complicated the instructions, the better my chances of success for some reason. Adding salt sounds wonderful…like adding salt to caramels. YUM!

    Reply

  17. Brandon Matzek says

    @Kristen Good luck! These are guaranteed to taste good 🙂

    @Becky Brown butter is really delicious and can be used in both sweet and savory ways. Sizzle in some sage for a few moments for and you have a savory sauce that works well with ravioli or squash (or ravioli stuffed with squash!).

    @Kim My mother always made rice krispie treats when I was younger. She would later send them in care packages while I was away at college. I think I am going to send her a batch of these over the Holidays. It’s always nice to return the love 🙂 Enjoy!

    Reply

  21. Kocinera says

    What a cool take on rice crispy bars! I’ve just recently discovered all the wonders that is browned butter and I can’t get enough. I’ll bet these taste amazing!

    Reply

  22. Lisa says

    I could bathe in brown butter while eatuing rice crispy treats. Combining the two is brilliant. Everything is better with butter, but even better with brown butter. Definitely trying these!

    Reply

  24. Pam @ Sticks Forks Fingers says

    My 70-year old mother still makes rice-crispy treats for every occasion and hauls them to everyone she knows who needs a pick-me-up. I love them for that very reason, but I think you’ve provided me with new reason to love them! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  32. Gree says

    Salty and sweet..is there really any better combination? I don’t think so, thanks for sharing this, i am thinking of using it for my upcoming dinner party!

    Reply

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