Casey's Brown Butter Sesame Rice Crisp Squares
Brown butter, toasted sesame, and crisp rice cereal turn into chewy dessert squares with a nutty finish.
Prep: 10 · Cook: 25 · Total: 35 · Serves: 16 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (132 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Inspired by classic cereal treats, Japanese sesame sweets, and the comfort of a pan of bars cooling on the counter.
Story
Casey wanted the kind of treat that makes a kitchen feel instantly welcoming. Brown butter brings a bakery smell, sesame adds a quiet little crunch, and chocolate chips make the top look festive without a decorating project. Cut them small because someone will absolutely come back for one more.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon flaky salt
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides.
- Toast the white and black sesame seeds in a dry pot over medium heat for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a bowl.
- Melt the butter in the same pot and cook for 4 minutes until the milk solids turn golden and smell nutty.
- Lower the heat, add the marshmallows, sea salt, and vanilla, and stir until smooth.
- Fold in the cereal and toasted sesame seeds until every piece is coated, then press the mixture into the pan.
- Scatter chocolate chips and flaky salt over the warm top, cool for 20 minutes, and cut into squares.
Chef Tips
- Press with a lightly greased piece of parchment instead of bare hands.
- Do not overcook the butter once it turns golden because it can darken quickly.
- For clean cuts, chill the slab for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Store the squares airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Cook's Notes
- **Butter:** Watch closely after it foams because the milk solids color quickly.
- **Pressing:** Compact the cereal firmly but do not crush it into a hard slab.
- **Storage:** Keep the squares covered at room temperature for the best chew.