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Need an easy fall dessert that will wow everyone? These Pumpkin Spiced Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats take the humble rice cereal treat from ordinary to super extraordinary!
These Pumpkin Spiced Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats are an inspiration from my daughter-in-law, Lindsay. We were leaving Nick and Lindsay’s home several weeks ago after having dinner together. We’d already enjoyed dessert, so when Nick went to the kitchen and came back with a little piece of what looked like a Rice Krispie treat, I wasn’t super interested. “Just try this.”, he said and popped the little morsel in my mouth… “Wow!” I said, “What is this and where have you been all my life?!”
“Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats” was Nick’s answer. I went home and googled it. Yikes! It turns out that I must be living under a rock. There were tons of recipes for this delightful, simple sweet treat. The New York Times has their rendition as does Epicurious, Smitten Kitchen, Pioneer Woman and a zillion other blogs and websites.
I thought that, perhaps, there might be a few of you who have also been living under that same rock and decided to come up with my own, fall-inspired version of this delicious old classic. So I’ve been playing around with the recipe for the last couple weeks and I think you’re going to love the final results.
Microwave or stovetop?
Browning butter can be kind of messy as the butter splatters and spits a bit in the process. Not being a fan of a dirty stovetop, I thought using the microwave might be easier and create less mess than making these Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats in a pot. After several trials, my final vote is using a large pot on the stovetop, which eliminates the uncontained spattering.
I also discovered that browning butter in the microwave creates a very hot bowl, even if it’s designated as “microwave-safe” and it’s never fun to get burned in the process of making dessert. So grab yourself a big pot and let’s get on with it!
Definitely not ordinary!
If you haven’t tried brown butter, you’re missing out on something wonderful. What is brown butter? Originally a French culinary technique (beurre noisette) it’s a simple, but super magical technique that’s used for both sweet and savory recipes. It involves melting and cooking butter until the water is cooked out and the milk solids turn brown.
The result is incredibly delicious, the butter takes on a beautiful, deep golden hue and a nutty, toasty, almost caramel-like aroma. Beurrre noisette (the French name for brown butter), is literally translated “hazelnut butter”. Bon Appetit describes brown butter as having a “deep, nutty, miraculous flavor that has the capacity to transform foods into better versions of themselves.”
And that’s one reason why one bite of these Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats will make you say “Wow, what is this and where have you been all my life?!”
A few other touches that take these little bars up a notch are a spoonful of pumpkin pie spice and an extra handful of mini marshmallows that are added at the end to create little pockets of melty marshmallow throughout.
Oh, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt cuts the sweetness and adds a wonderful gourmet touch.
Perfect for gifting
Because Rice Krispie Treats are a universally popular sweet treat, this delicious, gourmet version makes a fun gift to give to family, friends, neighbors, hairdressers – anyone whose day you’d like to brighten. I’ve created a little gift tag that I’m happy to share with you. Just leave a comment below and we’ll send you the PDF via email.
Make a batch today!
So, if you’ve always thought that Rice Krispie treats were for little kids, think again! A few extra little steps yields an incredibly delicious fall-inspired treat that kids of all ages go crazy over!
Café Tips for making these Pumpkin Spiced Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- This recipe calls for rice cereal. The most well known rice cereal here in the U.S. is probably Rice Krispies, but there are also lots of generic brands which will be much less expensive and will work well.
- If you don’t generally eat rice cereal and don’t want to have a large box of cereal get stale, this type of cereal freezes well so just stash the excess in the freezer for the next time you want to make these Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats. (Warning – it will probably be sooner than you think!)
- I like to use mini marshmallows for this recipe however, the small marshmallows are not always available. Regular size marshmallow will work for this recipe but for the 4 ounces that are added at the end (to create the pockets of melty, marshmallow) you can cut the larger marshmallows into small pieces. To do this, simply spray a kitchen shears with cooking spray to eliminate stickiness. You may have to repeat this a few times. After the marshmallows are cut up, toss the pieces with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to keep them from sticking to each other.
- This recipe calls for pumpkin pie spice. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of falls spices including cinnamon, ginger, allspice and sometimes cloves and nutmeg. I checked my local grocery the other day for pumpkin pie spice. They wanted $6.99 for a small jar. Yikes! You can make your own for pennies (check out one of the following sites) and use it for cookies, muffins, cakes, pies and all kinds of other fall baking.
- I like to sprinkle these bars with a bit of flaky sea salt. I use Maldon Sea Salt. Maldon is a finishing salt, used by many chefs as a final (gourmet) touch for vegetables, entrees, desserts, etc. It’s more expensive than regular salt, but it’s worth it and it lasts a long time.
- Use a large pot to make these brown butter Rice Krispie treats. This will eliminate a lot of mess on your stovetop from the spattering butter as it is cooking and being transformed to the lovely brown butter.
- I like to make these treats in an 8×8-inch square pan for pretty and tall bars. You can also use a 9×9-inch pan though the bars will be a little shorter.
Thought for the day:
The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.|
Proverbs 18:10
What we’re listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear other’s results and ideas for variations.
Need an easy fall dessert that will wow everyone? These Pumpkin Spiced Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats take the humble rice cereal treat from ordinary to super extraordinary!
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 16 ounces mini marshmallows divided, (divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 5½ cups crispy rice cereal
- flaky sea salt optional
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Spray an 8x8 square pan with cooking spray (or lightly oil it). Line the pan with heavy duty foil (or regular foil that’s been doubled) so that two ends extend over the edges of the pan. Spray the foil with cooking spray. Set aside. Also spray a large pot or Dutch oven and a large spoon or spatula with cooking spray.
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Heat the butter in the prepared pot over medium heat. After the butter melts it will start to splutter a bit and a white foam will develop on the top. If it’s spluttering and splattering too much reduce the heat a bit. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the butter turns a deeper yellow. Start stirring at this point until the butter turns a deep golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
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Turn down the heat to the lowest setting and add 12 ounces (about ¾) of the marshmallows to the butter. Stir (with the oiled spatula or spoon) until the marshmallows melt and the mixture is smooth. then add the vanilla and pumpkin pie spice and stir to combine.
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Add all of the rice cereal and stir until well combined. Then add the remaining 4 ounces of mini marshmallows and stir just until they’re beginning to melt (you want little pockets of marshmallow).
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. With slightly wet fingers, press the mixture lightly into the pan. Don’t pack it in or the bars will be dense. Sprinkle the top lightly with flaky sea salt, if desired. Allow to cool and enjoy! You can store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips.
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Hellin says
My daughter sent me this recipe and the rosemary shortbread recipe. They are both so easy and sooo delicious, I would like to make them for friends for the holidays. Would you kindly send the labels for both to my email… hellinpa@aol.com.
Thank you and I am excited to try the rosemary bread next!
Hellin
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, we’ll be happy to send you the labels, Hellin! Enjoy!
Valery Eberhardt says
I cannot wait to make these for my family. I am sure they will be a big hit! Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes and beautiful photos of your food creations! I would also love to make these rice krispies as a gift to give friends as well. please send me the label.
Thank You!
Val
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Vaery! The labels should be in your inbox! Enjoy!
Shelly says
I wanted to send a few baked goods to my kids since we can’t be together this year. I think these pumpkin spice treats will be perfect. I would love to use your labels.
Thanks for all your yummy recipes.
Shelly
Chris Scheuer says
These will be a fun surprise, Shelly! Just sent the labels!
Denise says
Great idea adding the pumpkin pie spice. I’ve been browning my butter for a long time now and I also toast my rice cereal in a large pot (or wok) till they’re just a shade or two toastier than straight out of the box prior to making my rice treats & it makes a huge difference in flavor. Give the pre-toasting a try – I think you’ll really like it!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Denise! That sounds wonderful!
Tonya says
Wow! I ate way too many of these on Halloween night. You definitely took an old favorite and kicked it up a notch. The pumpkin spice was just right. I made again this morning to take to a Browns football party today.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, for sharing your review, Tonya! I’m so happy you enjoyed them. I know what you mean about eating too many. They’re quite addictive!
Tonya says
My husband took them to an outdoor football party. I individually wrapped them to keep everyone safe. He said the word was going around the party, “Try the rice krispies, they’re amazing!” He came home with an empty tray!
Chris Scheuer says
I love it! Thanks for sharing this, Tonya!
Karen says
Just made these to leave as surprise Halloween treats for my neighbors in my condo. These are delicious! Thank you Chris for sharing.
Chris Scheuer says
How fun! I’m so happy you enjoyed them, Karen!
Donna says
Hi!!! Just found your amazing site. Double wow. Tried to leave a message this morning but it didn’t take wing and fly off. How could it be that with all my surfing for cooking inspiration that I totally missed you. So want to sign up for more good news from your generous invitation to receive your posts. Gonna make the krispie treat and will love to get your labels. Thanks ever so much. Take care——be well.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Donna, welcome to The Café! Hope you enjoy the recipes you try! I’ll send you these labels now!
Diana Efta says
I’m going to make these for my granddaughter’s birthday dessert. She’s turning 25 but loves anything pumpkin!
The labels are such a nice touch, presentation is everything !
Chris Scheuer says
Happy birthday to your granddaughter! Hope she enjoys these treats! Send the labels now.
Vicki Bushey says
I can’t wait to make this version of an old favorite! I would LOVE the beautiful labels pdf! You are kind for your willingness to share. Thanks so much
Chris Scheuer says
You’re welcome, Vicki! The labels should be in your inbox!
Katrina O says
Loved this recipe. So easy and so delicious. Love the flavor variation on a family classic
Chris Scheuer says
It is a fun variation! Thanks so much for sharing your results, Katrina!
MaryAnne says
These bars are amazing and make such a lovely gift…this recipe will definitely be a new favorite.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, MaryAnne! 💕
Geraldine says
What a great twist on a classic treat! The entire family loved and they were gobbled up so quickly. Appreciated the tips and how easy they were to make. Thank you for all of the delicious memories you bring to my family 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Geraldine! I’m so happy you all enjoyed these treats! 💕 Thanks for your kind words too!
Vicki V says
These are a creative riff on an old favorite. Next time I may add a little salt to offset all the sweetness but these blow the original recipe outta the water!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Vicki! Yes, I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on the top too!
Erma Linn says
I love pumpkin and this hits the pumpkin taste buds. Grandkids also loved it.
Chris Scheuer says
That’s awesomme, Erma! If you like pumpkin and fall flavors, these are hard to resist! Thanks for sharing your results 💕
Valerie Reimer says
Rice Krispie Squares have always been a favorite and I am looking forward to trying this recipe.
I have tried many of your recipes over the last 5 years! In 2015 I went thru a breast cancer journey and spent alot of time in the hospital in quarentine as I had no immunity and i found your website during that time and haven’t stopped cooking and trying your recipes! They never disappoint ❤️
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Valerie, thanks for sharing this really sweet comment. I’m so happy that you’ve enjoy our recipes and appreciate you taking the time to share this comment. I hope you’re in good health now and remain that way 💕
Jan Price says
Planning these as one of the treats at each door in the house as the grands (ages 4 and 6) trick or treat in the family bubble this year.
Please share the label.
Thanks for your wonderful recipes and photos.
Jan
Chris Scheuer says
That’s such a fun idea, Jan! They should be in your email shortly!