This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
The Café Sucre Farine is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Program. The Amazon Affiliate Program is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon. The price you pay as a consumer does not change.
Betty says
Can't wait to try !!
Would love the labels, Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
They're on the way, Betty!
Lea says
Thanks for sharing the verse and song too! Can’t wait to try these💞
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Lea! Hope you enjoy them!
Nancy says
MMMM! Can't wait to try this and share with family. I'd love to had the PDF labels please. Thanks so much.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure! I'll send them now, Nancy!
Cheri says
Yay! These look delicious! (& a great bible verse too!) I’d love the labels, please!
Thanks for always posting such great recipes and info. Blessings!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Cheri! The labels have been sent!
Linda Leyba says
I plan to make these for our neighbors as a special Halloween treat. Please forward the PDF labels to make them extra-special for gift giving! Thanks so much. I read all your blogs and have tried many of your fabulous recipes!
Chris Scheuer says
This will make such a fun gift for your neighbors, Linda! I'll send the labels now.
Penny Thomas says
Chris, my family LOVED this recipe and I'm making more today! Thank you for all of your great recipes! I am wondering why I would spray a pan and then put foil in the pan. Should I be putting the foil in and then spraying the foil with oil so the marshmallows won't stick to the foil? I'm confused.
Chris Scheuer says
Yay! I'm so happy you enjoyed them, Penny!
Regarding your quesion, I'm glad you asked. It should have said to also spray the foil lightly with cooking spray. I like to spray the pan first, so if any of the goopy marshmallow mixture seeps under the foil, it won't stick. But the foil should also be sprayed for easy release of the treats. I have corrected the recipe, thanks to you!
Penny Thomas says
Oh, that makes sense now! Thank you for clarifying. Off I go to my kitchen - a second batch of pumpkin rice krispie treats on the way!
Jacki says
Hi Chris, Thank you for this wonderfully quick, easy and tasty recipe. I brought the squares to my coffee group today (outside and socially distanced) - they were a hit, everyone wants the recipe! I’m definitely going to make more and would love to have the beautiful PDF that you have graciously offered to share with us. Thanks. I always look forward to your emails and recipes.... a bright spot in these days of Covid isolation.
Chris Scheuer says
I'm so happy you all enjoyed these treats, Jacki! Just sent you the labels. Thanks for your kind words! 💕
Linda Gray says
I love so many of your recipes!! These look so good! Guess what I will be making tomorrow? Thanks Chris.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Linda! Hope you enjoy these treats too!
Terri Nunn says
Chris!
Can’t wait to make this yummy treat for my son! I so love your creative recipes. Works of art💗
I’d so love the labels.
Thank you!
Terri Nunn
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Terri 🥰 We'll send the labels now!
Dee says
Would love to have the PDF file as well. These look amazing! So enjoy your recipes! Ciao, Dee
Your ex-colleague and nurse friend, Debbie and I recently made your Almond Croissants together recently. We’ll have to make these together.
Chris Scheuer says
How fun that you guys are cooking together! I'll be hapy to send you the labels, Dee!
Rose says
Chris please. I’m begging you. Stop. I made your pumpkin toffee cookies, which were amazing And today I made these. Omg, sooooo yummy. As someone else said, what a great spin on an old classic. But please, my waistline can’t take much more! 😉 Thank you...I think...!
Chris Scheuer says
Haha, Rose, you made me laugh! Probably because I totally get it. But it's even a worse problem for me because I test the recipe 3-4 times before posting it. I'll say to Scott the 3rd or 4th time around (if I'm just working on the technique), "We CANNOT eat these! We KNOW they are good! They have to be given to family, friends, neighbors, etc!" 😂
Lynda says
Thank you Chris for another great, “fun” recipe!! My husband and I both loved them, and they were so easy! A new spin on an old classic!
Thanks for all of your wonderful recipes! You make cooking so much fun!
Lynda
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Lynda! 💕💕💕
Sharon Gilmore says
I second that ditto on Jennie's comment! I'm so pleased I found you! I have a terrible 😁 habit of hoarding recipes and you've made it wonderfully worse lol! I can't wait to make these treats for my friends and the labels are so delightful! Please share them with me too! Thank you Chris, for a lovely place to enjoy in the midst of all the craziness in the world.
Joyce wright says
oh my word! They are amazing!
I would love the label to gift.
Thank you!!
Chris Scheuer says
Haha! I know what you mean, Joyce! We'll send the labels now.
Lucy says
The Easy French Apple Tart was great. I have already made the shopping list for these treats; most everything is in the pantry and I'm going to DIY the pumpkin pie spice since that's something I rarely use and don't want leftover. Thanks for all the fabulous easy recipes.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Lucy! Enjoy these bars!
Debra says
My grandson and I will be making these today, along with our third batch of your granola! I’ve yet to be disappointed with any of your recipes, and I’ve made many. My favorite food site, to be sure!
I would love the label PDF, when you have the time! Thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
That's awesome, Debra! We'll send them now!
Jennie says
These are wonderful treats! I cannot begin to tell you how I look forward to your posts. The beauty of your photography, the lovely items you use to display the food, the delicious recipes that you share, and the inspirational messages you leave. This sets you apart from other talented chefs. I so look forward to your posts and am appreciative that you share Your talents and care about those who try to replicate your recipes.
Can you share the pdf label please? I’m new at label making. Do you use Microsoft word to create ? Do you use Avery sticker labels for printing? Thank you for your time in assisting me.
Ruth says
Ditto everything that Jennie said.! Your site brings me joy in so many ways —- the recipes, the photography, the spiritual inspiration .
In regards to the labels, a tutorial would be really helpful for those of us that are technology challenged. Also, for those of us who only have a black and white printer, would you suggest that we have the labels printed at some place like Office Depot? Thanks in advance for your help.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Ruth! I love that you love our site 💕
Regarding the labels, I tried to make it fairly clear in Jennie's comment below but if you have any other question, please feel free to email me. Yes, if you have a black and white printer, any office store could print them up for you. Just take your phone along with the email I sent you and they can send themself the PDF to print. If you want, they can probably print the labels up on a sheet with sticky labels although I'm not positive about that.
Hope that helps. Let me know if it's not clear.
Ruth says
Thank you so much! This is just what I needed to know.....so helpful!
Chris Scheuer says
great!
Anne says
Looks amazing! Gift tag please.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure! The labels should be in your inbox, Anne!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so... Jennie! I truly appreciate your kind and encouraging words.
Regarding your question, I use Avery to make my labels. It will come to you in the form of a PDF. Which means you can click on it and open it up. The PDF reader on your computer will open and then at the top of the screen you will have an option to PRINT (on my MAC, the printing option is under "FILE". I usually just print them up (on my home printer) and cut them out then use a glue stick to attach them to the jars or lids (for jelly) or packages. But you can definitely use the Avery stick labels.
Daphne says
This recipe sounds so festive. Love brown butter and I love Maldons on everything! Can't wait to make some little surprises for friends.
I would really like to have the PDF for the Pumpkin Spiced Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats label.
Could I also request the label file for the Rosemary Shortbread?
Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Daphne. Brown butter and Maldon are surely a match made in heaven! I'll send you both labels!
Monica F Johnson says
Thanks for the recipe...I would love to have the pdf file for your label
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome, Monica. The labels are on the way!
Dina says
Hi Chris,
I'd love to have the pdf gift labels. I will be making these soon.
Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
Sure! I'll be happy to send them to you, Dina!
Stephanie Johnson says
You can never go wrong when brown butter is involved. And, those labels are FABULOUS!
Chris Scheuer says
Agreed! I'll send you the labels, Stephanie!
LoriDee Malott says
Hello, Chris!
Thank you for such a fun variation on a tried and true recipe favorite!
I would certainly enjoy having the labels you've created to aid in gifting the bars. Thank you for the generous offer!
Warmly,
LoriDee
Chris Scheuer says
Hi LoriDee, you're welcome! I'll send the labels off to you now!
Vicki says
I like to make these in a sheet pan and cut out with large cookie cutters. They also make a nice gift.
Chris Scheuer says
Great idea! Thanks for sharing, Vicki!
Vicki says
these look so good.I would love to have the labels...thanks so much !
Chris Scheuer says
Sure! They're on the way, Vicki!
Linda says
Oh this is going to be good! May I please have the PDF for the labels as well? I ‘ll be making these for Monday’s Breaking of the Fast. Please thank Lindsay as well!
Chris Scheuer says
What a way to break the fast! 😂 I'll be happy to send you the labels, Linda!