Rice Krispie Treats (with Vanilla Brown Butter)

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If it is possible to make a Rice Krispie treat elegant, this is how you do it. Brown Butter Vanilla Bean Rice Krispie Treats — consider these grown-up versions of the snack that defined your childhood.

flour brown butter vanilla bean rice krispie treats

I was flipping through one of my newest cookbooks, Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston’s Flour Bakery + Cafe, and I saw this recipe. I immediately knew that this was the recipe I would christen my cookbook purchase with. I’ve done a Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats recipe specifically for kids and Candied Rice Krispie Treats you can eat with a fork. Now, if it is possible to make a Rice Krispie treat elegant, this is how you do it.

Why You Will Love This Recipe //

This takes the dessert you’ve loved your entire life and gives it a sophisticated spin. It will delight the adult and the child in you.
Not only is the flavor amazing, from the browned butter and vanilla bean, but the marshmallow-Rice Krispie ratio is perfect. One of my peeves is a weak marshmallow-to-cereal ratio. I like heavy marshmallow, and this recipe delivers.
If you have never browned butter before, do not let it scare you. It is really easy, but is a lot like caramel. You have to pay attention. You cannot leave it to fold a load of laundry or step away to get the mail. It goes from perfect to I-need-throw-away-two-sticks-of-butter-and-start-over-this-stinks in about 2 seconds flat.

Ingredients //

1 cup butter
1/2 vanilla bean
2 (10-ounce) bags marshmallows
1/2 tsp kosher salt
9 cups Rice Krispies

How To // The Steps

Step 1: Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray. Find a really big bowl and measure out 9 cups of cereal. Set aside.

Step 2: Melt butter in a large saucepan over LOW heat.

Step 3: Cut the vanilla bean in half, and scrape the seeds with the back of a knife.

Step 4: Add the vanilla to the melting butter.

Step 5: The butter will foam and make some noise. It will bubble and crack.

Step 6: It will start to turn a golden brown color. Watch it carefully because it can burn very quickly.

Step 7: When the butter is ready, the bubbling will stop and will be brown. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 8: Add the marshmallows and salt.

Step 9: Stir over LOW heat until marshmallows have completely melted.

(See the flecks of brown butter and vanilla bean? Who knew a Rice Krispie treat could be this good!)

Step 10: Pour the marshmallow over the Rice Krispies. Coat completely.

Step 11: Press into the prepared 9×13 pan. Let sit for 2 hours at room temperature before slicing.

Variations //

If you’ve never tried this recipe — a variation on a classic treat — I recommend you do so before attempting any of the following. Once you have tried them — and still want a bit of a change — why not experiment with these?

Chocolate chip Rice Krispie treats: There’s nothing that can’t be improved with a bit of chocolate, so add chocolate chips to the mixture.

Peanut butter Rice Krispie treats: Mix in peanut butter with the marshmallow and brown sugar mixture for a rich and nutty flavor. If you want to go all in on the PB, top with chopped peanuts for extra crunch.

Fruity Rice Krispie treats: Add some dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins. The only thing I love more than the sweetness of this one is the chewy texture.

S’mores Rice Krispie treats: Pretend you’re around the campfire and mix in some crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.

Nutella Rice Krispie treats: Swirl in some Nutella to the Rice Krispie treats mixture for a hazelnut-flavored twist. Top with chopped hazelnuts for extra crunch.

Cinnamon Roll Rice Krispie treats: Mix in some cinnamon and brown sugar to the Rice Krispie treats. Before sitting by the fire, you could perhaps drizzle with vanilla icing for an extra treat.

FAQs //

Is there an easy way to pack the mix into the pan?

A trick: I always have disposable gloves on hand. I use them for everything. Spray your gloved hand with cooking spray and press the treats tightly in the pan.

I would rather have too much cereal than not enough. How should I adjust the recipe?

I am the opposite! I like more marshmallow than cereal. If you make this one, I would halve the amount of butter and use 1 bag of marshmallows if you prefer that ratio.

I have kind of an airhead question. Are you using the seeds from bean?

Yes, you get the seeds out from the pod.

Your squares are so perfectly square – I never cut mine that prettily.

They cut really well when they have sat for a few hours. Also a really sharp knife helps.

How To Store Rice Krispie Treats //

Let the treats cool completely. Cut into the serving portions then store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. You can store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature until the desired consistency has been reached.