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Home » Recipes » Brownies, Blondies, & Bars

chocolate brown butter rice krispie treats

May 31, 2023 Leave a Comment

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Chocolate Rice Krispies are thick and chewy, and full of rich chocolate flavor! These no-bake treats come together in just 20 minutes, with just 5 basic ingredients. Stir in extra chocolate chips and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a no-bake dessert chocolate lovers won’t be able to resist.

A stack of chocolate rice krispie treats. this recipe

Classic cereal treats are upgraded in this easy chocolate version. Let’s make ’em!

Why you’ll love these Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats:

  • Packed with Flavor & Texture â€“ Each bite is full of gooey marshmallow, crunchy chocolate cereal, and chocolate chocolate chips and marshmallows. Classic rice krispie treats are upgraded with rich chocolate flavor!
  • Easy Dessert â€“ This easy recipe uses minimal ingredients and comes together in about 20 minutes! It’s easy enough for kids to help out with, too.
  • Customizable – You can easily swap in other cereals, or make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free!
Sliced rice krispie treats on a vintage rack.

Ingredient Overview:

As always, the full recipe with measurements & directions can be found in the recipe card below.

  • Brown Butter â€“ Browning the butter takes just a few extra minutes and adds so much flavor! It also adds a more nutty depth of flavor that compliments the chocolate perfectly. I always use salted buter for the best flavor, but feel free to use unsalted butter if you prefer.
  • Marshmallows â€“ Use mini marshmallows!
  • Cocoa Krispies Cereal â€“ You can find cocoa rice krispies cereal (or an off-brand version) at most grocery stores. See alternate cereal ideas below.
  • Vanilla – Use real vanilla extract for best results.
  • Salt – A pinch of salt also helps balance the sweetness!

Ingredient Substitutions:

  • Dairy-free – Use your favorite dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make this recipe dairy-free.
  • Gluten-free – Use your favorite gluten free cereal to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Vegan – Use your favorite vegan marshmallows and dairy-free butter to make this recipe vegan.
  • Brown Butter – You can skip this step if you like.
  • Alternate Cereals – You can use regular rice krispies if you can’t find chocolate, or try another chocolate cereal like chocolate frosted flakes.

How to Make this Chocolate Rice Krispies Recipe Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Melt & Brown the Butter. Brown the Butter and Melt the Marshmallows. Melt the butter in a large pot, then continue cooking it, stirring lazily, for about 5 minutes or until it turns foamy and a deep golden brown color.

Brown butter in a pot.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows. Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir until they’re completely melted.

The butter and marshmallow mixture being stirred.

Step 3: Add the Cereal and Mix-Ins. Pour the chocolate cereal in to the marshmallow mixture, and stir to combine. Then, stir in the chocolate chips.

A pot of the chocolate mixture.

Step 4: Spread in Pan. Spread your mixture into a greased and lined 9×9 or 8×8 pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top. Let set up for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set before digging in.

A pan of the chocolate rice krispies.

Serving + Storing this Chocolate Crispy Treats Recipe:

Let the chocolate marshmallow treats set up for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before slicing and serving. You can speed this up in the fridge if desired, but they’ll have a more gooey texture if you let them sit at room temperature. Store sliced treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. This will keep them from drying out better than simply covering with plastic wrap or foil will.

Expert Success Tips:

  • Melt the Marshmallows – Make sure to melt the marshmallows all the way, so you can no longer see any individual marshmallow pieces outlined in the pot.
  • Buttered Spatula – Use a buttered spatula (or give it a quick spritz with nonstick spray) to easily press the treats into your pan without making a mess.
Sliced chocolate crispy treats on a vintage rack.

FAQs:

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double it and use a 9×13 pan.

Can I halve this recipe?

Yes! You can halve it and use a loaf pan.

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes! See recommendations in the recipe substitutions area towards the beginning of the post.

Recipe Variations:

  • Other Cereals – See options for other cereals in the recipe substitutions section at the beginning of this post.
  • Chocolate Chips – Try milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, if that’s your preference. Use mini chocolate chips, if you have some you need to use up. You can also melt some chocolate and dunk a corner of each rice krispie square in it, or drizzle melted chocolate over the tops of the bars.
  • Microwave Directions – If you’re a college student or don’t have access to a stovetop, you can make this in the microwave! Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl – you can still brown it if desired, by microwaving in 30 second bursts, for 3 to 6 minutes total. Then, add the marshmallows and microwave on high for 1 minute, remove and stir, then microwave for 1-2 more 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until marshmallows are fully melted into the butter. Proceed with the recipe as directed!
A close-up on a stack of the chocolate rice krispie treats.

Special Tools:

  • 9×9 Pan â€“ A ceramic or metal 9×9 square pan is ideal for this recipe.
  • Dutch Oven – A dutch oven is the workhorse of the kitchen! I use mine multiple times a week for baking and cooking.
A close-up on a chocolate square.

More Rice Krispie Treats to Love:

  • Brown Butter Fruity Pebbles Treats
  • Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

More No-Bake Desserts to Try:

  • No-Bake Cookie Dough Bites
  • No-Bake Black Forest Pie
  • Amazing No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
  • No-Bake Nutella Tart
  • Mini No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecakes

Did you make this recipe? Snap a photo and leave a comment! 

Be sure to follow bluebowlrecipes on instagram and tag #bluebowlrecipes with your photo! You can also post a photo of your recipe to the bluebowlrecipes Facebook page. I’d love to see what you make!


A stack of chocolate rice krispie treats.

Brown Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats are thick and chewy, and full of rich chocolate flavor! These no-bake treats come together in just 20 minutes, and are ready to eat in about 1 hour! Stir in extra chocolate chips and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a no-bake dessert chocolate lovers won't be able to resist.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy Desserts, Rice Krispie Treat Recipes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 9 to 18 squares
Calories: 304kcal
Author: Stephanie Simmons

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp salted butter 198 grams
  • 4 and 1/2 cups + 1/2 cup extra mini marshmallows This is almost a full 10-ounce bag – 234 grams, plus 26 grans
  • 4 and 1/2 cups cocoa krispies cereal 184 grams
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Prep: Spray a 9×9 baking dish with cooking spray and/or line with parchment paper. Get all your ingredients out.
  • Make the Chocolate Krispie Treats: Add the butter to a large dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter over medium-low heat, stirring lazily. The butter will get bubbly, then turn golden, then start to foam and turn brown and develop a nutty, caramely aroma. Once it reaches a deep golden color (about 5 mins), add 4 and 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows, and stir until they are completely melted into the butter. Stir in the vanilla & salt. Immediately add the cereal, and stir until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips, and the last 1/2 cup of mallows, letting them get melty. Press into your prepared pan. Let rest 1 hour before slicing and serving.
  • Serve + Store: Slice into squares and enjoy! You can speed up the setting time with these by popping them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, but I prefer mine at room temp.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 1040IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg
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