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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 8x8-inch square pan for pretty and tall bars. You can also use a 9x9-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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Marie says
I clicked this recipe b/c its interesting for sure. But you off the cuff right away put down of you DIL's recipe brought to you by your son... speaks volumes. Maybe be kinder about I-law family on such a public forum. Yes I wear my heart openly
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Marie, I think perhaps you misunderstood. Lindsay is the reason that I posted this recipe as she introduced me to this wonderful brown butter rendition of the old classic and I totally flipped over just one bite of her treat. Since this is a recipe website however, I do try to come up with original adaptations of recipes for my readers that they can't find on other websites.
Kind Regards, Chris
Anne Hawkins says
Hello Chris and Scott! I hope this note finds you both doing well and enjoying mountain life! I have made so many of the recipes and find everyone delicious! I would love a print of the Rice Krispies label.
Thanks so much! 😊
Anne
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Anne, yes we love the mountains and this area of God's beautiful creation! I'm so happy you've enjoyed our recipes. Sending off the labels now!
Barb says
I merely showed my husband the picture of the bars and he said "I want them" . Would love the PDF, too.
Blessings,
Barb
Chris Scheuer says
Haha, I love it! Thanks for making me laugh, Barb! Send the labels now!
Bobbi McMillen says
Chris, can’t wait to make this recipe too, pumpkin flavored. Yum. I do enjoy your recipes. Would love to have the PDF labels. Please and thank you
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Bobbi! Sending the labels now!
Audrey says
My cousin Mary sent me this recipe but I have never been fond of Rice Krispie squares. Decided to read the recipe thoroughly and think it would be fun to try. A new family moved in next door and I thought it might be a nice treat to take over. Please send me the labels. I did make your Queen’s Jam which is delicious. Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
Sounds like a lovely idea, Audrey! The labels should be in your email shortly!
Aileen says
I'm looking forward to trying this recipe, I love all things with browned butter. Please send me PDF labels. Thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, I'll send them now, Aileen!
Lisa Loeffler says
CANNOT WAIT TO TRY THESE! Please send me the pdf so I can make some for my friends as well as for ME!
Chris Scheuer says
Your enthusiasm makes me smile, Lisa! I'll get the labels off to you now! Enjoy!
Linda says
Hi Chris. Love all of your recipes. What a difference the brown butter makes. Yummo. May ai have the pdf for the tag. Super cute by the way. Thank you in advance.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Linda! Yes, brown butter is amazing! Sending of the labels now.
Judy Sell says
Chris, I love so many of your recipes. I’ve tried your Starbucks copy pumpkin bread, Peruvian chicken bowls, many of your salads etc. Looking forward to trying this brown butter pumpkin spice rice krispy treats . Please send me the gift tag label when you get a chance. Thanks so much!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Judy! I hope you'll love these treats too! The labels should be in your email shortly!
Lynda says
Hi Chris’
These look delicious! I would love to have the PDF.
Thank you so much!!
Lynda
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, they're on the way, Lynda!
Kevin says
These are just amazing...and A nice fall treat. Thanks Chris, please send along the PDF file. Cheers
Chris Scheuer says
Yes, they are a perfect fall treat! I'll send the labels now, Kevin!
Susan Gentry says
My mouth is watering and this solves my "What do I want to make for Thanksgiving dinner take home gift?" dilemma!
Thank you for your inspiration.
Please send me the PDF for the tags.
Chris Scheuer says
These will be perfect, Susan! I'll send off the pdf now! ENJOY!
CoCo says
So ridiculously good! I've been experimenting in the kitchen since I was 3 yrs old. My first solo meal was Thanksgiving when I was 7. I've always leaned more towards baking and desserts selling items all throughout middle and high school for extra money. February/December were very busy with my assorted shapes and flavors of rice krispies, such as my strawberries and cream heart and Hershey's kiss shaped bars. It has never crossed my mind to use browned butter and now I've become obsessed, thanks to you. I made the regular browned butter krispies, then made the pumpkin spiced ones as well. One of those with a cup of pumpkin spice latte was my 30 minutes in heaven. Thanks for sharing!! I would love to have a link to those labels as I make gift baskets every year for Christmas.
Chris Scheuer says
You are a speedster, Coco! I love that you already made two batches. That sounds just like something I would do! I'll be happy to send you the labels! From one happy baker to another! 💕
Southerner Forever says
Cannot wait to try these, Chris, and I would love the label! Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
I'll send them now!
Karen says
I would love your labels! Also, what do you use to wrap the bars with?
Thanks you helping us share your great treats!
Love everything you make! I am a better cook because of you 💕
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Karen, I will be happy to send you the labels. I use parchment paper to wrap them. You can wrap them partially like in the pictures or wrap them completely like a little package, add the label and a pretty ribbon and you're good to go.
Marilyn Foster says
I just love your website and have made dozens of your recipes....they never disappoint.
I can’t wait to make these for my grand babies and friends for Fall treats and Thanksgiving next month ( here in Canada)
I would love the PDF file for the stickers.
Keep on creating cooking and baking, as will I. The photos are always a work of art as well.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Marilyn, for all your kind words 💕 The labels will be on the way shortly!
Nanxy says
I want to make these and would love the label
Chris Scheuer says
Sure! They're on the way!
Gale Crudup says
I made the French Apple Tart! Delicious!!!
Also, please send me your cute labels for the Rice Krispies! I cannot wait to try them!
Scott and you are a dynamic duo!
Love all the recipes and Scott’s pics are candy for the eyes!
Thanks so much!
Gale Crudup
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Gale! I'm so happy you enjoyed the apple tart! I'll send these labels now!
Robin says
Oh these look yummy. Can’t wait to try them.
Thanks for the gift tag too.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Robin. I hope you love them as much as we do! I'll send the labels now!
Linda J Demler says
Hi Scott & Chris, I just couldn't wait for this recipe to show on the site, but then to my amazement, there it was, as promised! It sounds like an interesting twist on the familiar R/C treats of old. Should be good as is everything that I have tried from this site. I was thinking about the grandkids but I'm sure grandpa and I will enjoy as well. I'll just close my eyes and think about how young I really am. Thanks again,
L
P.S. The labels would be nice
Thanks again
Chris Scheuer says
These are definitely delicious for kids of all ages, Linda! I'll send the labels now!
Mary Wilson says
These look delicious and will make great Thanksgiving gifts. Please send labels. Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
That's a wonderful idea, Mary! I'll send the pdf for the labels now!
Nancy says
This will be my project for tomorrow to make with my grand daughter . The labels will be perfect for gift giving. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
How fun! I'll send them now, Nancy!
Jackie says
Please send the gift label download for the Rice Krispy Treats. Thank you.
Chris Scheuer says
Just sent them. Hope you enjoy the recipe, Jackie!
Nancy May says
These are soooooooo delicious! I would love to have the labels. I also requested the labels for the rosemary short bread but never received them. Could you please include these as well? It would be nice if there were labels for every recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Nancy, Both of them whould be in your email now! Enjoy!
Shandra Singer says
This looks amazing. And apparently I have been living under a rock 🙂
Shandra Singer says
Oh and I would love the tag pdf
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, just sent them!
Chris Scheuer says
Haha! That makes me feel better, Shandra! 💕