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Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie Treats sound like "little kid food", right? Wrong, if you're talking about these Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats. Kids of all ages go crazy over them but be warned - they're addictively delicious!

Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats, Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats, Rice Krispie Treats
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 166 kcal
Author Chris Scheuer

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter 1 stick
  • 16 ounces mini marshmallows divided (divided)
  • scraped seeds from one vanilla bean pod OR two teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 5 ½ cups crispy rice cereal I use Rice Krispies
  • flaky sea salt optional I love Maldon
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  1. 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. (You can also use parchment paper to line the pan.) Spray the foil (or parchment) with cooking spray. Set aside. Also spray a large pot or Dutch oven and a large spoon or spatula with cooking spray.
  2. Heat the butter in the prepared pot over medium heat. After the butter melts it will start to sizzle a bit and a white foam will develop on the top. If it’s splattering too much reduce the heat a bit. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the butter gets silent (stops sizzling) and the foam turns a deeper yellow. Start swirly the pan occasional at this point until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
  3. 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. Add the vanilla bean seeds or vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) and stir to combine.
  4. Add all of the rice cereal and stir until well combined. Then add the remaining 4 ounces of mini marshmallows and stir to distribute and just until they’re beginning to melt (you want little pockets of marshmallow).
  5. 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.
  6. Allow to cool and enjoy! You can store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They also freeze well.

Recipe Notes

See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips to ensure success.

If you prefer to use Metric measurements there is a button in each of our recipes, right above the word “Instructions”. Just click that button to toggle to grams, milliliters, etc. If you ever come across one of our recipes that doesn’t have the Metric conversion (some of the older recipes may not), feel free to leave a comment and I will add it.

Nutrition Facts
Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats
Amount Per Serving
Calories 166 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 15mg5%
Sodium 69mg3%
Potassium 11mg0%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 16g18%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 177IU4%
Calcium 3mg0%
Iron 0.3mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.