If you’re a fan of classic Rice Krispie treats but crave a little grown-up twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. It takes the nostalgic gooeyness we all love and elevates it with the nutty depth of brown butter plus the irresistible sweetness of dulce de leche. Trust me, once you make these, regular Rice Krispies just won’t cut it anymore.

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Why This Recipe Works

Brown Butter Magic: Browning the butter brings a rich, nutty flavor that takes these treats from simple to spectacular.
Dulce de Leche Layer: A generous layer of dulce de leche adds creamy caramel goodness that’s irresistible in every bite.
Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Using cinnamon sugar-flavored Rice Krispies adds a warm spice note that complements the butter and caramel beautifully.
Texture Balance: The gooey marshmallow mixture coats the cereal perfectly while holding everything together for the perfect chewiness.

Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats, gourmet Rice Krispie treats with brown butter, dulce de leche Rice Krispie bars, caramelized butter Rice Krispies, elevated Rice Krispie recipes - The image shows three stacked cereal bars with three clear layers each. The top and bottom layers are light beige and textured, made of puffed rice mixed with melted marshmallows, giving a soft and slightly uneven surface. The middle layer is a sticky, shiny caramel color that looks rich and gooey, slightly oozing out between the cereal layers. Each bar is separated by thin pieces of white parchment paper, and the bars are placed on a rustic wooden surface with a warm brown tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe has a role to play — from the toasty brown butter to the sweet stickiness of marshmallows and that luscious dulce de leche. Here’s why I picked each one and a few tips for nailing your ingredient haul.

Butter: Browning it develops deep, nutty flavors that give the treats an unexpected richness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant note that balances the intense sweetness.
Mini Marshmallows: They melt evenly and bind everything together for that classic chewy texture.
Cinnamon Sugar Rice Krispies Cereal: Adds both crunch and a dash of warm spice—if unavailable, homemade cinnamon sugar works perfectly.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch lifts all the sweet flavors, preventing the treats from tasting one-dimensional.
Dulce de Leche: The star of the show—this creamy caramel spread adds a luscious, gooey layer unlike anything else.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to switch up the cereal, add nuts for crunch, or go dairy-free, this base recipe is forgiving and flexible.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies for plain cereals and then sprinkling a bit of cinnamon sugar on top—still amazing and a little simpler if you can’t find the special cereal.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use a vegan butter alternative for browning and marshmallows marked vegan, and voila—dairy-free magic!
Extra Crunch: Adding chopped pecans or sliced almonds into the cereal mix gives a lovely nutty contrast to the softness.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle on top just before the treats fully set.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Brown the Butter

Start by spraying a 9×9-inch pan with non-stick spray, then line it with foil or parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides—it makes lifting the treats out a breeze. Spray again on top of the paper to make sure nothing sticks. Then, on your stove over medium heat, add the butter to a light-colored pan. Watch closely as it melts, foams, and eventually browns. You’ll notice little brown flecks and that irresistible nutty aroma—that’s your signal to take it off the heat before it burns. Browning butter might seem intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s just about patience and attention.

Step 2: Melt Marshmallows and Add Flavor

Remove the browned butter from heat and stir in the sea salt and 8 cups of mini marshmallows. Keep stirring until everything is melted and smooth, adding the pot back on the heat briefly if necessary—just watch carefully so you don’t burn your buttery mixture. Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract to round out the flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Cereal and First Layer of Marshmallows

Measure the cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies into a large bowl and pour your warm marshmallow mixture over them. Stir it all together gently so every bite will be perfectly coated. While this mixture is still warm, fold in the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows for an extra chewy surprise.

Step 4: Layer Dulce de Leche and Finish

Lightly press about half of your rice krispies mixture into the prepared pan using a spoon lightly coated with butter to avoid sticking. Flatten it evenly, then spread the dulce de leche all over the top in a thick, even layer—don’t be shy here, this is the gooey heart of your treat. Finally, top with the remaining rice krispies mixture and press gently to even it out. Let the whole thing set at room temperature until cooled and firm, which usually takes about an hour or so.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush Browning Butter: Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly to avoid burning and get that perfect golden brown color.
Use a Spoon for Pressing: Dipping a spoon in melted butter before pressing the mixture into your pan keeps your hands clean and the treats neat.
Warm Marshmallows for Extra Chew: Adding the last handful of mini marshmallows while still warm creates little pockets of chewy surprise.
Patience on Cooling: Letting the treats cool completely at room temp ensures they cut cleanly and hold their shape perfectly.

How to Serve Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and let the treats shine, but sometimes a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving can add a beautiful contrast. Occasionally, I’ve drizzled melted chocolate for a touch of elegance, especially when sharing at a party.

Side Dishes

These treats are a stand-alone star, but if I’m serving dessert at a gathering, I pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. A nice hot cup of coffee or chai tea also elevates the experience wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special holidays, try cutting these treats into fun shapes with cookie cutters or layering them in a clear trifle dish with dollops of whipped cream and caramel sauce for a show-stopping dessert. Wrapping individual squares in parchment and tying with twine makes adorable gifts too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay chewy and delicious for 2-3 days. Beyond that, they start to dry out, so I try to eat them quickly or freeze extras.

Freezing

Freezing these treats works great if you want to make ahead for a party. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 6 weeks. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want to warm them up a bit, a few seconds in the microwave makes the dulce de leche gooey again without melting the treats completely—just be careful not to overheat or they’ll get too soft.

FAQs

Can I use regular Rice Krispies cereal instead of cinnamon sugar-flavored?

Absolutely! If cinnamon sugar Rice Krispies aren’t available, use regular Rice Krispies and stir in about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cinnamon sugar into the cereal before mixing with the marshmallow mixture for that lovely warm flavor.
How do I know when the butter is perfectly browned?

When browning butter, look for it to foam, then subside, followed by tiny brown specks forming at the bottom of the pan along with a rich nutty aroma. Once you see those flecks, immediately remove the pan from heat to avoid burning.
Can I make this recipe without dulce de leche?

You can skip the dulce de leche, but it’s really what makes this recipe special. If unavailable, try caramel sauce or dulce de leche substitute, but expect slightly different flavor and texture.
How long do these Rice Krispie treats last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and chewy for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats Recipe enough if you’re looking for something nostalgic with a grown-up, indulgent twist. It’s become my go-to whenever I want to impress friends or just treat myself. You’ll love the layers of flavor and that perfect balance of chew and caramel creaminess. Give it a try—you just might find it becoming one of your favorite sweet treats too!