Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping treat that’s as easy to make as it is outrageously delicious, look no further than my beloved Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss. Imagine the childhood nostalgia of rice krispie treats, but all grown up: nutty golden brown butter, silky dulce de leche, gooey marshmallows, and a touch of vanilla—all wrapped around snappy crisp rice cereal, finished with just a kiss of sea salt. This no-bake wonder bar is dessert perfection for bake sales, potlucks, or simply satisfying your own sweet cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss is just how straightforward yet transformative the ingredient list is. Each component brings a unique flair, creating layers of flavor and unbeatable texture that make every bite memorable.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons): Browning the butter gives a rich, nutty aroma and flavor that takes these treats to a gourmet level.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and elevate all the flavors.
- Mini Marshmallows (1 package, 10 ounces): They’re the gooey backbone that holds everything together and keeps the bars irresistibly soft.
- Dulce de Leche (1/2 cup): This luscious caramel brings depth, creaminess, and a decadent twist you’ll want in every batch.
- Crispy Rice Cereal (6 cups): Provides that classic bite and light crunch, making every square snap and crackle.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the marshmallow flavor and adds warm, fragrant undertones.
- Flaky Sea Salt (optional, for topping): A sprinkle on top sharpens the sweetness and adds irresistible crunch.
How to Make Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start in a large pot set over medium heat with your unsalted butter. Let it melt and then keep swirling or stirring gently as it foams and turns golden, giving off the most mouthwatering nutty scent—about 4 to 5 minutes. Be sure to watch closely so those lovely milk solids don’t burn; this step brings the “brown butter” magic to your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss!
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows
Once the butter hits that dreamy shade of golden brown, immediately stir in your salt and all the mini marshmallows. Drop the heat to low and keep stirring; they’ll melt down into a sticky, shiny cloud, totally ready to wrap every cereal grain in sweet, buttery delight.
Step 3: Add Dulce de Leche and Vanilla
Now for the secret ingredient: dulce de leche. Pour it in along with the vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and uniform—no streaks or clumps left behind. Together, these elevate the flavor and add a gorgeous caramel color to the gooey base.
Step 4: Bring in the Cereal
Remove your pot from the heat, then gently fold in the crispy rice cereal. Patience is key here: stir just until everything is coated in that dreamy caramel-mallow butter without crushing the cereal. Every piece should glisten with the decadent mix.
Step 5: Press and Cool
Scrape the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Use a buttered spatula (or parchment paper to avoid sticky fingers) and press the mixture evenly—don’t compact too much or your bliss bars will turn dense. Let the pan cool on the counter for at least 30 minutes so everything sets perfectly before slicing into squares.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once cooled, slice into generous squares and, if you like, give them a final flourish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This little touch sparks up the sweetness, making your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss truly irresistible!
How to Serve Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss
Garnishes
For that extra “wow,” consider topping each square with a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted nuts before the bars set. The classic flaky sea salt plays beautifully against the sweet caramel notes, but a dusting of cocoa powder can add simple elegance, too. Garnishing your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss just before serving turns a humble treat into a real celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair your bliss bars with bowls of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance all the rich, gooey flavors. They’re also fantastic with a piping-hot espresso or mug of creamy hot cocoa—perfect for chilly evenings or brunch spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters or stack them Jenga-style on a colorful platter. Individually wrap squares in parchment and tie with a ribbon for adorable party favors. For a dessert board, nestle your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss between slices of seasonal fruit and bite-size chocolates to really wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any remaining bars sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and chewy, thanks to the brown butter and marshmallow, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for gatherings or lunchbox surprises.
Freezing
If you need a longer-term option, freeze individual squares by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 2 months. Just let them come to room temperature before diving in so every bite stays tender and gooey.
Reheating
While you don’t absolutely need to reheat them, if you crave that fresh-from-the-pot gooeyness, zap a square in the microwave for 5-8 seconds. It’ll bring back that dreamy texture and amplify the buttery caramel aroma in your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?
Absolutely! Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly, or extend the melting time while stirring constantly to avoid scorching.
Is caramel sauce a good substitute for dulce de leche?
You can swap dulce de leche with caramel sauce in a pinch, but consider reducing the total sweetness by 1-2 tablespoons, as caramel sauce is generally a little sweeter and thinner.
What’s the best way to brown butter without burning it?
Use a light-colored saucepan to watch the color change, keep the heat on medium, and never stop stirring or swirling the pan. The moment you see golden brown specs and smell a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat immediately.
How do I prevent my Krispie bars from sticking to my hands or spatula?
Coat your spatula, hands, or parchment paper lightly with butter or nonstick spray before pressing the mixture into the pan. This simple step makes spreading and shaping your Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss a breeze.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Simply double each ingredient and use two 9×13-inch pans, or a larger sheet pan. Just be sure to brown the butter in batches for even flavor, or use a very large pot to prevent spills.
Final Thoughts
You truly haven’t experienced dessert bliss until you’ve savored a bite of Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients, elevated with just a little extra love and creativity. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with the people you adore!
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Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Krispie Bliss squares for a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of brown butter and dulce de leche with the classic crunch of crispy rice cereal.
Ingredients
For the Brown Butter Krispie Base:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (10 ounces) mini marshmallows
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Continue cooking until butter turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 4-5 minutes.
- Melt Marshmallows: Immediately stir in salt and marshmallows, reducing heat to low. Stir until marshmallows are completely melted.
- Add Dulce de Leche: Mix in dulce de leche and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine with Cereal: Remove from heat and fold in rice cereal until evenly coated.
- Set and Serve: Press mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan, let cool, then slice into squares. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before cutting.
- If using caramel sauce instead of dulce de leche, reduce sweetness by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
