These Roasted Marshmallow Rice Krispie Squares are made with browned butter, resulting is a square that tastes richer than the traditional favorite.
We've already discussed how browned butter makes anything better. And who doesn't like roasted marshmallows? Seriously, I don't think I've met anyone that doesn't. It's one of those things that brings us back to our childhood, sitting around the campfire with not a care in the world.
When I first saw this recipe, I knew it was genius. Simply preparing the same ingredients to something so familiar in a slightly different way could make a treat we all know and love so much better.
I made them immediately and loved them. Yes, it's true, browning the butter takes a little more time than simply melting it. But trust me, it's worth it.
How to Make Roasted Marshmallow Rice Krispie Squares:
The ingredients in these extra-delicious rice krispie squares are the same as for traditional ones - marshmallows, butter, Rice Krispies (aka puffed rice cereal), and vanilla. I used the Rice Krispies made with brown rice (the gluten-free ones) and they turned out great. What makes this recipe different is what you do with the ingredients.
Instead of just melting the butter, you brown it. It adds a rich, toasted flavor that is just so, so good. After it's done, pour it into a bowl that is large enough to mix all the ingredients in. Add the vanilla to the butter - it won't really mix, but that's okay.
Now the other curveball that makes these squares so much better - instead of just melting the marshmallows, roast them under the broiler. Put the oven rack to the very top, line a baking sheet with parchment, and put the marshmallows on the sheet.
Roast the marshmallows under the broiler. Don't even think about multitasking and starting to do something else, because these roast very quickly, and if they do get burnt, there is no saving them.
Fun aside: a friend of mine told me that once she first tried this recipe, she has not made her rice krispie squares any other way. But one time, she DID take her eyes off of the marshmallows in the oven, and they started on fire. WATCH YOUR MARSHMALLOWS!
When the marshmallows are done, scrape them off the parchment and add them to the bowl with the butter and vanilla, and mix everything together. When it is fairly uniform, add the Rice Krispies and keep mixing.
You'll need to work quickly because the marshmallows start setting up faster than if they were just melted in the microwave. Then, just like regular Rice Krispie squares, press into a greased baking pan. I used 9x9" and the squares were quite tall. If you want flatter ones (they're easier to bite this way), use a 9x13" pan.
These still taste like Rice Krispie squares, but a little more special. Throughout the squares, you can see little flecks of the dark brown parts of the marshmallows that became caramelized when roasting. Try them and you'll never go back to making them the regular way.
Roasted Marshmallow Rice Krispie Squares Ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter (or use salted butter and skip the pinch of added salt)
- Vanilla extract
- Salt (skip this if using salted butter)
- Mini marshmallows - regular-sized marshmallows will work too in a pinch, but are a little harder to mix in
- Rice Krispies or any type of crisp rice cereal (Use Gluten-Free crisp rice cereal to make this recipe Gluten-Free)
Want more Rice Krispie Squares Recipes?
Roasted Marshmallow Rice Krispie Squares Nutrition Notes
Note that the portion size for these squares is quite small - 1/12 of a recipe. The nice thing about these squares is that while they taste so much richer than regular rice krispie squares, the ingredient list is actually identical, so they are no less healthy (or no more healthy for that matter) than the regular version.
Keep in mind that regular Rice Krispie brand puffed rice cereal is not gluten-free, but the brown rice version is gluten-free.
Roasted Marshmallow Rice Krispie Squares
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies (Use Gluten Free crisp rice cereal to make this recipe Gluten Free)
Instructions
- Generously grease a 9x9" baking pan with softened butter or neutrally flavored oil (like canola). Set aside.
- Brown 4 Tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Pour into a large, heat-proof bowl. Allow the butte to cool slightly and stir in ½ teaspoon (2.46 ml) vanilla extract and a pinch salt.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Adjust oven rack to top position. Spread 10 ounces (284 g) mini marshmallows evenly over baking sheet. Roast marshmallows under broiler, watching carefully. Remove from oven when golden brown.
- Working quickly, scrape marshmallows into bowl, mix with butter and vanilla, then add 6 cups (168 g) Rice Krispies and mix well.
- Lightly press into prepared baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to set.
Nat says
Wow, C! These are amazing. Just ate bowl scrapings . . . Can't wait for our dessert for Father's Day!
Carissa says
Glad you liked them! I really don't think I'll ever go back to making rice krispie square the "regular" way. Hope you had a great Father's Day!