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Gooey Marshmallow Rice Squares

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

This fancy twist on cereal squares takes the basic snack to incredible heights by using two game-changing tricks: golden-browning the marshmallows and cooking the butter until nutty. The marshmallows go under the broiler until golden, adding a hint of caramel taste, while the cooked butter brings a deep, toasty flavor that turns these simple squares into something wonderful. The cereal gets warmed too, making everything taste better. They're still fast to put together, needing only 20 minutes total, but these little changes create treats that are super gooey with rich, caramel-like flavors. A touch of sea salt on top perfectly cuts through the sweetness.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:35:46 GMT
A large cake is sitting in a pan, ready to be served. Pin it
A large cake is sitting in a pan, ready to be served. | pinchofyummy.com

When toasty marshmallows meet nutty brown butter, these Rice Krispies squares become something magical. Taking a kid's classic and jazzing it up with golden butter, perfectly browned marshmallows, and a touch of sea salt makes treats that are super gooey, packed with flavor, and totally addictive.

I've whipped these up so many times for family get-togethers, and they always vanish right away. The mix of textures and tastes has everyone grabbing for another piece.

Key Ingredients Overview

  • Rice Krispies cereal : Gives that perfect light, crisp base that maintains its crunch.
  • Marshmallows : Deliver that signature sticky texture we can't resist.
  • Salted butter : Turns into a gorgeous amber liquid when browned.
  • Vanilla extract : Boosts the buttery caramel flavors.
  • Flaked sea salt: Offers a grown-up balance to the sweetness.

Crafting Your Delicious Squares

Setting Up Your Base:
Scatter your cereal on the baking sheet and let it toast until you smell that wonderful nutty scent. This change happens fast, so watch closely as the cereal gets golden-brown.
Transforming Marshmallows:
Place marshmallows evenly on your lined baking sheet, watching them expand and turn golden under the broiler's heat. This step builds those deep, sweet flavors that make these treats stand out.
Creating Brown Butter:
See your butter change as it bubbles and foams until it reaches a lovely amber shade, filling your kitchen with an amazing nutty smell. This golden liquid forms the heart of your treats' complex taste.
Putting It All Together:
Mix your toasted items with care, folding everything until well combined. Press lightly into your prepared dish, then let the mixture cool down and set up.
A tray of gooey marshmallow and cereal squares ready for serving. Pin it
A tray of gooey marshmallow and cereal squares ready for serving. | pinchofyummy.com

My family goes crazy for the toasted marshmallow part. My daughter always wants these instead of cake for her birthday, saying they beat any cake hands down.

Tasty Companions

Enjoy these fancy squares with a cold glass of milk for the best throwback snack. They're also great with hot chocolate on cold nights or alongside coffee for an afternoon treat. Making a dessert platter with these squares in the middle, surrounded by fresh berries and chocolate-covered strawberries, looks amazing at parties.

Tasty Variations

Make a chocolate fan's favorite by mixing in dark chocolate chips while everything's still warm. For added crunch, throw in some toasted pecans or almonds. If you like a bit of spice, try sprinkling some cinnamon sugar on top. During autumn, add a dash of pumpkin pie spice to your brown butter for a seasonal twist that'll have everyone asking what your secret is.

Storing Your Treats

Keep these goodies in a sealed container with wax paper between the layers so they don't stick together. They'll stay just right for three days if left out. To bring back their gooey goodness, warm them up for 10 seconds in the microwave. If you want to save them longer, wrap single pieces in parchment and freeze them for up to two months.

A tray of marshmallow treats sits on a table. Pin it
A tray of marshmallow treats sits on a table. | pinchofyummy.com

Smart Kitchen Tricks

  • Cool your brown butter a bit before adding the marshmallows so they don't split apart.
  • Cover your hand with parchment when pressing the mix into the pan to avoid a sticky mess.
  • For smooth cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it off between slices.

After trying countless Rice Krispies square recipes, this version tops them all. The combo of toasting the cereal, browning the butter, and adding just enough salt creates something you won't forget. Whether you're making a batch for a party or just want something sweet, these treats show that simple things, when given a little extra love, can turn out amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why brown the butter for Rice Krispies treats?
Cooking the butter until golden gives a toasty, nutty taste that makes these squares taste fancier than regular ones.
→ How do I know when my butter is properly browned?
Your butter will look golden-brown and smell toasty and nutty. This usually happens after 5-7 minutes of stirring without stopping.
→ Can I make these without toasting the marshmallows?
Sure, but giving them that golden color adds a yummy caramel flavor that makes these treats really stand out.
→ How should I store these Rice Krispies treats?
Keep them in a sealed container at room temp for up to 3 days to maintain their chewiness.
→ Why are my Rice Krispies treats too hard?
You might've pushed them down too hard in the pan. Just use light pressure when flattening them to keep them soft and chewy.

Buttery Crispy Marshmallow Squares

Transform ordinary cereal squares with golden marshmallows and nutty melted butter for an amazingly chewy, caramel-like sweet treat.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Sweet Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main components

01 5 ½ cups of Rice Krispies
02 One 10-ounce package of large marshmallows
03 1 stick of salted butter (½ cup), cut into 8 chunks
04 ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

→ Garnish

05 Flaky sea salt (if desired, for finishing)

Instructions

Step 01

Warm your oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with foil. Scatter Rice Krispies across one sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes. Stir them once per minute until they become golden and give off a nutty aroma.

Step 02

Coat your second foil-lined sheet with cooking spray and spread marshmallows in a single layer. After your cereal cools, switch oven to broil. Brown the marshmallows for 30-60 seconds until golden on top. Don't leave them unattended.

Step 03

In a big pot, melt butter over medium heat. Continue stirring for 5-7 minutes until it changes to gold and smells nutty. Turn down heat, add the marshmallows, and mix until smooth. Stir in vanilla.

Step 04

Pour your browned cereal into the pot. With heat on low, gently fold until all cereal bits are covered with the marshmallow mix.

Step 05

Pack the mixture into a greased 8x8 or 9x9 dish. Use a greased measuring cup to flatten the surface evenly. Add sea salt sprinkle if you want. Let cool fully before slicing into squares.

Notes

  1. Mini marshmallows will brown way quicker than big ones, so watch them carefully
  2. Never step away from browning butter. It can turn from perfect to ruined in just moments
  3. Move fast when pressing the mix into your pan since it hardens quickly

Tools You'll Need

  • Two cookie sheets
  • Aluminum foil
  • Big metal pot or light-colored cast iron
  • 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cup for pressing down

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy from butter