Espresso Rice Krispie Treats | Crisp and Crumble

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Rice Krispie treats don't really need any improvements. However, you might think twice about eating plain rice krispie treats after trying these espresso Rice Krispie treats with Baileys Irish Cream.

These espresso Rice Krispie treats with Baileys are a great last-minute treat for St. Patrick's Day. They don't require any real baking and take less than an hour to make. The hardest part? Getting everything together to make the espresso.

Basic rice Krispie Treats are pretty easy to make on their own. All you really have to do is melt some butter and marshmallows and mix them into the rice cereal. Even if you can't bake, you can make these!

Espresso Rice Krispie Treats With Baileys Irish Cream Recipe

So what goes in with the marshmallows? A large espresso shot and a few tablespoons of Baileys. The Baileys liqueur gives it a fun St. Patrick's Day twist. Also, it pairs seamlessly with the espresso. To balance out the sweetness of the Baileys/marshmallow combo, I used puff brown rice cereal to hold everything together.

The brown rice cereal definitely cuts down on the sweetness and isn't super sugary like the classic cereal. It's not a necessary switch, but it helps out so everything isn't super sweet and overpowering. The butter also gets browned before it mixes in with the cereal for a nice toasty flavor.

These rice crispy treats are definitely a grown-up version of your favorite sweet treat. Between the Baileys, the coffee, and the brown rice cereal, they are probably better suited for an older crowd anyway. Since these treats don't go through a full cooking process, you are going to want to measure out the Baileys (or don't if you want to go full in on celebrating the holiday!). I would suggest going with around three tablespoons of the liqueur. Three is a good amount where you can taste the alcohol, but it isn't overpowering in any way. The coffee also enhances the flavor of the Baileys, so if you want a stronger flavor, add more espresso if anything.

Once you've got the mix-in sorted, it's time to focus on the marshmallows. The marshmallows make it or break it when it comes to the treats. Too much and they are just too gooey. Not enough and they are just dry. For this recipe, I would recommend using one and a half to two bags of large marshmallows. I know I just said having the right ratio is important, but if you like them on the gooey side, use the two bags. If you are using the brown rice cereal, I would suggest using up to two bags of marshmallows. They are a little drier and less sweet, so the extra marshmallows don't offset the recipe.

Ingredients Needed For Espresso Rice Krispy Treats

Unsalted butter
Marshmallows - Use the large marshmallows
Freshly brewed espresso
Baileys Irish Cream
Vanilla
Brown rice puffed cereal - Adds a deeper flavor than plain puffed cereal

How To Make Espresso Rice Krispy Treats

Prepare: Prepare an 8x8 baking dish with parchment and grease. Set the dish to the side.
Melt the butter: In a medium or large-sized saucepan, melt the butter until it browns on medium-low heat. Allow the butter to melt into a golden brown color. It will foam and then turn brown, which will take about 3-6 minutes.
Make the espresso: Make the espresso according to the machine or package you have.
Combine the ingredients: In the pot with the brown butter mix in the espresso and Bailey's cream. Quickly mix everything together and place the pot back on the heat and continue to mix slowly. Slowly add in the marshmallows and mix while they melt. Be patient, or else everything will burn.
Add in the cereal: When the mixture starts to look soupy, add in the cereal using a rubber spatula. You'll have to work quickly, as everything will start to get pretty sticky.
Add to the dish: Add the cereal mixture to the prepared dish and use a spatula to make an even layer.
Cool and enjoy: Let the cereal mixture sit in the pan and cool for about 30 minutes. When they are ready, cut them into large square pieces and enjoy.

How To Store Espresso Rice Krispy Treats

The espresso Rice Krispy treats will last about 2-3 days. Store them in an airtight container. This will help them stay fresh and keep them from going stale.

FAQs

Can I use regular puffed rice instead of brown puffed rice?

Yes! You can use typical puffed rice to make these treats. It will not have as deep of a flavor as the puffed brown rice does.

Can you freeze espresso Rice Krispy treats?

The espresso Rice Krispy treats will last about 3 months in the freezer. Wait until they are fully cooled and wrap them in an airtight container to store.

Why are my espresso Rice Krispy treats so hard?

If your espresso Rice Krispy treats are hard, it may be because you melted everything on too high of a heat. Melt everything on a medium-low heat to make sure everything comes together evenly.

Check out the recipe below and have a great St. Patrick's Day!

Espresso Rice Krispie Treats With Baileys

Recipe by Margo Gothelf Course: DessertCuisine: dessertDifficulty: easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

These Espresso Rice Krispie Treats With Baileys take what you love about a classic sweet treat and add a bit of St Patrick's Day flavor to them.

Ingredients

8 tablespoons, (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 10 oz bags of large marshmallows
¼ cup freshly brewed espresso
3 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
3-4 cups brown rice puffed cereal

Directions

Prepare a square 8x8 baking dish with parchment and grease. Set aside.
In a medium or large-sized saucepan, melt the butter until it browns on medium-low heat. The butter will melt like normal, turn a golden color, slightly foam, and then brown. This process will take about 3-6 minutes. Stir the butter periodically, but keep a close watch on it. Once it gets to the browning process, it happens fast and can burn quickly.
While the butter is browning prepare the espresso however you would like. I use a small Moka pot to make the fresh shot, but instant would work as well.
When the butter is brown, remove it from the heat and add in the espresso and the Baileys. Add the mixture in carefully as it might spatter when it hits the butter. Mix it quickly to combine and set it back on the heat. Slowly add in the marshmallows, starting with 1 and ½ bags. Mix until melted over medium heat. Don't rush the process and up the heat. Be patient, otherwise, everything will burn.
When the marshmallows look soupy, fold in the cereal. You'll have to work quickly in this process before the cereal starts to harden from the marshmallows. If there is too much marshmallow mixture add in more cereal if needed. You can also add in more marshmallows if needed.
Add the cereal mixture into the dish and use a spatula to make an even layer. Use your hands or a sheet or parchment to make a flat and even layer. If everything is sticking to the spatula, spray it with some cooking spray. It will help everything make a smooth transition from the pot to the dish without everything sticking to each other.
Let the treats sit in the pan and cool completely, about 30 minutes. When ready, cut into large square to serve. The treats will last 3-4 days in an airtight container. They will last longer but they will just start to go stale.