Craving a quick treat? These Brown Butter Rice Cereal Squares are a fantastic no bake dessert recipe that comes together in minutes. You’ll love the elevated nutty flavor and chewy texture of this classic.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Butter: Unsalted is best to control saltiness. You can use salted butter, but reduce added salt.
- Marshmallows: Regular-sized or mini marshmallows work perfectly. Avoid stale marshmallows.
- Crisp Rice Cereal: Any brand of puffed rice cereal will do.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows (about 6 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 squares
- Tools needed: Large saucepan, 9×13 inch baking pan, parchment paper, rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This makes cutting much simpler.
2. Brown the Butter
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and smells nutty. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
3. Melt the Marshmallows
Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth. The residual heat will finish the job.
4. Add Flavorings
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined. These additions enhance the overall taste of your no bake dessert.
5. Combine with Cereal
Add the crisp rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated. Work quickly before the mixture sets.
6. Press into Pan
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Using a buttered spatula or your hands (lightly greased), press the mixture evenly into the pan. Don’t press too firmly, or your squares will be too dense.
7. Chill and Cut
Let the squares cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Once firm, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 12 squares. Now you have a delightful no bake dessert!
Variation Ideas:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled squares.
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the mixture before pressing into the pan for a festive touch.
- Nut Butter Swirl: Swirl in a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter with the marshmallows.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Brown Butter Rice Cereal Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they start to get a bit hard, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them. These no bake dessert recipes are best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Why brown the butter? Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty, and toasted flavor that elevates this classic no bake dessert recipe.
- Can you use old marshmallows? For best results, use fresh, soft marshmallows. Old, hard marshmallows may not melt smoothly.
- How do you prevent sticking? Greasing your pan well and using a buttered spatula or hands when pressing helps prevent sticking. Parchment paper also works wonders.
- Can you cut them sooner? While you can cut them sooner, allowing them to cool and set fully makes for cleaner, less sticky squares.
- Are these gluten-free? As long as you use a certified gluten-free crisp rice cereal, these squares are naturally gluten-free.
- What if the mixture is too stiff to press? If the mixture becomes too stiff, you can gently warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it more pliable.