If you’ve ever thought the classic Rice Krispies treat couldn’t get any better, wait until you dive into this Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bars Recipe. The magic is in browning the butter to bring out deep, nutty flavors that perfectly complement the rich, caramel sweetness of dulce de leche. The result is a chewy, buttery, and irresistibly luscious bar that’s impossible to stop eating once you start. These bars are a total crowd-pleaser and a fun twist on a nostalgic favorite you and your loved ones will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is simple yet essential, working together to create incredible flavor and texture layers. Each component plays its part whether it’s giving that crisp snap, melt-in-the-mouth softness, or a rich depth that lifts these bars beyond ordinary.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The classic crispy base that adds perfect crunch and structure.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Browned to develop a toasty, nutty flavor that elevates the whole mixture.
- 10 oz mini marshmallows: The sweet, melty glue that binds everything together with a soft, chewy texture.
- ½ cup dulce de leche: For that smooth caramel goodness with a hint of sweetness and luxury.
- ¼ tsp sea salt: Just enough salt to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
- Optional: flaky salt for topping: Adds a delightful final burst of crunch and flavor contrast.
How to Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter over medium heat in a large pot. Keep stirring occasionally and watch closely as the butter foams, then turns a beautiful golden brown color with a warm, nutty aroma filling your kitchen. This browning process adds a rich complexity to your bars — just be sure not to let it burn, which can create a bitter taste.
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows
Once your butter is perfectly browned, toss in the mini marshmallows and stir gently but continuously until they melt into a silky smooth marshmallow sauce. This step ensures that every crispy bite will be gooey and soft without any lumps.
Step 3: Add the Dulce de Leche and Salt
Next, mix in the dulce de leche and sprinkle the sea salt into the pot. Stir thoroughly until everything is fully combined into a glossy, caramel-hued mixture that’s bursting with flavor. The sea salt will enhance the dulce de leche’s sweetness and highlight the nutty notes of your browned butter.
Step 4: Coat the Rice Krispies
Pour your crispy Rice Krispies cereal into the pot and fold gently with a spatula to coat each crunchy piece with that irresistible caramel-marshmallow blend. The key is to be gentle to avoid crushing the cereal while still ensuring every morsel is coated evenly.
Step 5: Press and Set
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Press down firmly and evenly with a spatula to pack everything together. This shaping step helps the bars set perfectly without falling apart later.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once firm, cut into squares and sprinkle with flaky salt if you want that extra burst of flavor and texture that makes them truly stand out. These bars are best enjoyed fresh but also keep remarkably well!
How to Serve Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your bars with flaky sea salt adds an irresistible contrast that makes each bite pop. For a festive touch, you could lightly drizzle some melted dark chocolate or sprinkle toasted coconut on top to add extra layers of flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk to balance the richness, or you can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert. They also work well with fresh berries for a hint of tartness that complements the dulce de leche sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by cutting the bars into bite-sized squares on a decorative platter or layering them between parchment paper in a charming gift box to share with friends. You can also experiment with adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips into the mixture before setting for added texture and surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bars in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will preserve their chewy texture and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw at room temperature before serving. Freezing doesn’t affect the taste but may slightly change the texture, making them a bit firmer.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, gently microwave bars for 10–15 seconds or heat them briefly in a low oven just until soft. This warms up the dulce de leche and marshmallow goo, making them extra melty and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but keep in mind that salted butter will add more salt to the recipe. You might want to reduce or omit the extra sea salt when using salted butter to balance the flavors.
What is the best way to brown butter without burning it?
Use medium heat and stir frequently while watching the color and smell the nutty aroma. Remove from heat as soon as it turns golden brown to avoid burning.
Can I substitute dulce de leche with caramel sauce?
You can, but dulce de leche has a thicker, creamier consistency and a unique flavor that caramel sauce may not fully replicate. If using caramel sauce, try to find a thicker one for best results.
Is it necessary to use mini marshmallows instead of regular ones?
Mini marshmallows melt more quickly and evenly, which helps create a smoother mixture. If using regular marshmallows, you may need to cut them smaller or allow more melting time to ensure smoothness.
How long do the Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bars last?
When stored properly at room temperature, they stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. Beyond that, they start to lose their chewy texture and may dry out.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bars Recipe is an absolute treat you’ll want to make again and again. Its buttery richness, caramel depth, and perfect crispy-chewy texture bring new life to a classic favorite. Whether for a family gathering, a sweet snack, or a special occasion, these bars deliver comfort and indulgence in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite dessert obsession!
Print
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss recipe combines the classic crispy texture of Rice Krispies treats with a rich, nutty flavor from brown butter and a luscious sweetness from dulce de leche. Finished with a touch of sea salt and optional flaky salt topping, these bars provide a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- ½ cup dulce de leche
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Optional Topping
- Flaky salt for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, being careful not to burn it.
- Melt the Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows to the browned butter and stir continuously until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Dulce de Leche: Stir in the dulce de leche and sea salt, mixing thoroughly until fully combined into the marshmallow mixture.
- Coat the Rice Krispies: Pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold to evenly coat all the cereal with the dulce de leche marshmallow mixture.
- Press and Set: Transfer the coated cereal mixture to a greased 9×13-inch pan. Use a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly to help it set properly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Krispie bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once set, cut into squares and sprinkle flaky salt on top if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Be careful when browning butter to avoid burning it, which will make the bars taste bitter.
- To help press the mixture evenly, grease your spatula or use parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Storing the bars in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute regular marshmallows if mini marshmallows are unavailable, but adjust melting time accordingly.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and dulce de leche with a suitable caramelized coconut milk product.
