Gooey S'mores Cereal Treats - we're taking the classic Rice Krispies and turning it into their campfire cousin! Tons of TORCHED marshmallows melted over Golden Grahams cereal, nutty browned butter, Hershey's chocolate squares folded in, and the final touch of flaky sea salt. The result - sweet and salty, extra gooey, and absolutely addictive! The kids will love them, adults will sneak extras, and you'll be making another batch in no time.
I've made a few variations of Rice Krispies Treats over the years and I can confidently say THESE are my absolute favorite. Ask my friends - they will wholeheartedly agree. Who says Rice Krispies are the only ones who can make marshmallow-y treats, right? Not only are these better than the original, but the process of making them is exactly the same. 5 simple ingredients, no baking involved - easy peasy.
If you enjoy the classic rice cereal version yet want to add a lil' something to elevate it, be sure to check out Torched Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats recipe - no extra ingredients but insanely good. For all my Reese's lovers, don't miss my Easy Reese's S'mores Dip!
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Why Is Brown Butter Amazing?
Known as beurre noisette in French which translates to "hazelnut butter," brown butter is truly ELITE. It's a staple ingredient in classic French cuisine that made its way into American cookbooks in the 20th century. As you melt butter, the milk solids begin to separate from the fat. These milk solids are heavier, so they begin to fall to the bottom of the pan and caramelize from the heat, creating the most amazing depth of nutty flavor to elevate any simple dessert recipe.
How Do I Torch The Marshmallows?
There's a few ways to toast them - my favorite indoor method is of croouse a kitchen blowtorch. It has quickly become my favorite kitchen tool! Once you understand how to use it safely, you can elevate so many foods - caramelizing sugar on top creme brûlée, searing meats, roasting vegetables, meringues, and so much more.
You can char your marshmallow using your oven broiler as long as you use an oven-safe pan. However, if you wanted to torch the marshmallow pieces you added as toppings, a blowtorch would work best.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Butter: Salted or unsalted - use what you prefer.
- Golden Graham cereal: The graham crackers of your s'mores creation.
- Mini marshmallows: Any size works, but grab the minis if you want to add extras later on.
- Chocolate: I used classic Hershey's Bar, but feel free to use your favorite.
- Flaky sea salt: Optional, but highly recommended.
How To Make Gooey S'mores Cereal Treats
Prepare your pan. Grease and line with parchment paper where the sides overhang. This makes removing the treats later much easier.
Melt and brown your butter on med-low heat.. Stir or swirl to keep butter moving. You'll see bubbles start to disappear and turn into foam. Do not walk away from the stove. Butter can go from browning to burnt in a quick second.
The moment you see amber specks at the bottom, turn off the heat.
Torch marshmallows using a kitchen blowtorch or oven broiler.
Turn heat back on med-low and stir marshmallows until almost fully melted. Who else loves the slightly burnt pieces?
Add cereal and mix until well coated. Turn off the heat.
Working quickly, transfer cereal into lined pan. Press down firmly, but avoid crushing the cereal.
Plan how many squares you'd like to slice, and add a chocolate in the center for each piece.
Add more mini marshmallows. Allow to set on counter or chill in fridge for 20 minutes.
Remove entire mixture from pan by lifting the overhang parchment sides. To avoid marshmallows from sticking, apply a small amount of nonstick spray or oil to your sharp knife before slicing.
Cut into desired squares.
Remove all parchment paper and torch marshmallows with blowtorch on a metal pan. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
Suzy's Tips For Success
- Stay by the stove while browning your butter: If you've attempted this before, you know what I'm talking about! Butter will burn in an instant, so keep an eye on it until it's finished.
- Use your blowtorch cautiously: Read the manual. Be sure you're in a well-ventilated area with no flammable items (like parchment paper) near the marshmallows. Ignite and adjust the torch strength before aiming, and continuously move the flame as the marshmallows start to char. If any of them catches a flame, simply blow on it to extinguish.
- Avoid overcook the marshmallows: Torch them how you want, but if you stir and cook the marshmallows on the stove for too long, they will get extremely sticky. Don't worry - they will still be delicious, but their texture will be almost painfully chewy.
- Work quickly: Once the cereal is nicely coated with the melted marshmallow, transfer them fast into the pan before they start to harden. Be sure to have your pan greased and lined prior.
Best Way To Store Gooey S'mores Cereal Treats
Store them in an airtight bag or container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them on the counter until they come to room temperature.
FAQ
You can substitute the Golden Graham cereal for any gluten-free alternative, such as Cascading Farm Gluten-Free Honey Vanilla Crunch Cereal.
You can simply with an oven-safe pan, and broil the marshmallows in the oven. You would just have to skip torching the toppings.
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Equipment
- 8x8-inch pan (20cm)
- parchment paper
- nonstick oil spray
- oven-safe pan
- Rubber Spatula
- sharp knife
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup butter
- 10½ oz mini marshmallows
- 5½ cups golden graham cereal
- 1½-3 oz chocolate 1-2 Hershey's bars
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Spray pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides for easy gripping to remove later.
- Melt the butter in an oven-safe pan over medium-low heat. Use a light-colored pan if you have one as it's easier to gauge butter as it browns. Swirl the pan continuously or stir with a rubber spatula. Bubbles will form and start to crackle, then foam will appear. Once you see amber specks at the bottom, turn off the heat.⅓ cup butter
- Add in the marshmallows and char using a blowtorch, or alternatively broil under the oven for approx 3 minutes.10½ oz mini marshmallows
- Turn stove back on to med-low to melt down marshmallows. Stir in the golden graham cereal until evenly coated.5½ cups golden graham cereal
- Working quickly, transfer mixture to prepared pan. Gently pat down evenly using a rubber spatula. Do not press too firmly as it will crumble the cereal. Press in chocolate bars and additional marshmallows on top. Allow to cool at room temperature or chill in fridge for 20 minutes.1½-3 oz chocolate
- Lift parchment paper sides and transfer treat to a cutting board. To avoid marshmallows from sticking to the knife, spray nonstick oil spray onto a paper towel and grease knife before cutting treats into squares. Before torching marshmallow toppings, be sure to remove all parchment paper and lay treats on a metal pan. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and enjoy!flaky sea salt
Notes
Nutrition
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