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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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Kathleen Stevens Land says
Oh my goodness! I’ve had this recipe for two years and didn’t try it until today.
I could not have imagined what a difference the brown butter and bit of pumpkin spice would make.
They are soooo good.
May I please have the labels to go with them? They will be a special treat for the neighbour children (and parents).
Thanks as always.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Kathleen! We will send the labels.
Linda says
What a great treat for my grandsons for Halloween! I would love to use the labels, please!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Linda!
Christine Rudolph says
So delicious! Definitely 5 stars! Would love a set of the labels, please. I’m about to make a couple more batches to send to my college grandkids.
Thank you, Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Christine! Sending the labels your way.
Christina Pimental says
Love the label it would be great for the holidays too
Chris Scheuer says
Sending them your way, Christina!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Christina, the labels were unable to be delivered. Could there be an error in your email address?
Leslie says
I’m looking forward to making these and sending them to my two college-aged children. Would you please send me your cute label?
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Leslie!
Rosemary says
You never disappoint!! I would love to have the labels for the rice Kristy Treats! Thank you in advance.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Rosemary!
Dale says
Hi Chris & Scott, I am looking forward to making these for our Canadian Thanksgiving, here in New Zealand. Would love your label PDF please. Thank you, we really enjoy your recipes.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Dale!
Barbara says
My husband loves Rice Krispie treats! I’m excited to try this one! Would love to have the labels as well!!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Barbara!
Ruby Gann says
These are Ahhhh-mazing. My husband and I made this recipe in less than thirty minutes and boy howdy these were scrumptious. We give them five + stars. We will definitely be making these again and again. Thank you for sharing your recipe. I would love a copy of the free printable labels for gift giving.
Thank you,
Ruby & Charles
Chris Scheuer says
Awesome! Thank you for letting us know, Ruby and Charles! Sending the labels your way 🙂
Linda T says
Would love the labels for these rice krispie treats. Thanks again for making gift giving so easy.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Linda!
Alyce Sanderson says
Scott and Chris,
Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes! I am excited to try your Pumpkin Spiced Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats. I know it will be loved by all my grandkids--and kids!
Please send a set of labels and I'll start working on my first batch!
Thanks!!
Chris Scheuer says
So glad you're enjoying the recipes, Alyce! We will send the labels your way 🙂
JACKSON,JOANNE says
Chris, I have made this recipe for rice crispy treats before and it is a huge hit with everyone. I would love the have some PDF labels for it. Thanks for sharing.
JoAnne
Chris Scheuer says
That's great, JoAnne! We will send the labels your way.
Kathryn Gallagher says
I'm so excited to make these for my college kids who will be home for Thanksgiving! I'd love to receive the PDF for the labels. Thank you, so miuch!
Chris Scheuer says
So fun! We will send the labels, Kathryn!
Samantha George says
Please send me your pdf for the browned butter pumpkin spice Rice Krispie squares for Thanksgiving
Can't wait to try these
Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Samantha!
Rachel says
Yummy! May I please have the labels as well! You're so kind to share them! Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Of course, Rachel!
Kathleen Armstrong says
Hi Chris, Can you please send the labels for the rice krispie treats? In the photo are they wrapped in brown parchment paper? These look delicious, and I know just who I want to give them to.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Kathleen! Enjoy!
deborah a nelson says
These sound so fall and I love Rice Krispie treats! Please send the labels for the Pumpkin Spiced Brown Butter Rice Krispies treats.
Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Deborah! Sending the labels your way now.
Susan Vergara says
I don't normally like pumpkin spice but this recipe is my favorite thing about fall. Please send the PDF for the labels so I can share this treat with my friends. Thank You.
Chris Scheuer says
Yay! We will send the labels, Susan.
Lisa says
You always amaze me with your delicious, easy to make special treats. May I have the labels for the rice krispie treats?
Thanks in advance!
Lisa
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Lisa! Just emailed the labels 🙂
Patricis says
Another fall treat I want to make and share! I’d love to have the PDF for the labels.
Chris Scheuer says
We'll be happy to send them, Patricia. Enjoy!
Gina M says
Awe- Pure Joy. An adult version of a childhood fav❣️Would absolutely love the gift tags | labels.
Grateful ❣️ RM
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Gina! Enjoy!
Esther Wlliams says
I love the recipes you post, they are sooo good and cannot wait to try this one. This is the perfect gift for a friend or coworker and would love to have some labels to download. I just got my packages of sticky labels from Amazon to use all the ones I’ve downloaded so far. Thank you for keeping the ideas fresh and the recipes most excellent!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Esther! We will send the labels your way!
Elaine Harbison says
I wouId love the PDF for the labels for these delectable treats. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Elaine!
Paula Janczak says
Please send PDF for pumpkin rice krispy treat labels--thank you so much!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Paula!
Donna L Dwulet says
Can't wait to make this as gifts for my nieces and nephews. PLease send PDF for labels. They are so pretty
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Donna! Sending the labels now!
Jean says
Please send the labels for the Pumpkin Spiced Brown Butter Rice Krispies treats.
Thank you
Jean
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Jean!
Kay says
Sound delicious. Would love the label. Thanks for sharing.
Kay
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, Kay!