Black Sesame-Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

By Kat Lieu

Black Sesame-Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a flavorful twist on a classic dessert, inspired by childhood memories and a love for black sesame flavors. This recipe is adapted from the book 108 Asian Cookies by Kat Lieu.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• One 12-ounce bag mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
• 2 1/2 tablespoons black sesame paste
• 1 teaspoon red miso
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberry slices or haw flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare a 9-inch square cake pan by lining it with crumpled and uncrumpled parchment paper, leaving some overhang. Alternatively, grease the dish with butter or toasted sesame oil.
2. For the brown butter, melt the unsalted butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it foams and golden-brown bits appear, emitting a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes).
3. Lower the heat, add the mini marshmallows, and stir until fully melted into a thick, smooth mixture resembling foamy cheese. Ensure no lumps remain.
4. Add black sesame seeds, black sesame paste, and miso, mixing well. Turn off the heat and gradually stir in the Rice Krispies cereal. Optionally, include freeze-dried strawberries or haw flakes.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Flatten it into a square using parchment paper and a fondant smoother, a greased spatula, or clean hands.
6. Allow the mixture to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.
7. Once set, cut into 12 to 16 equal pieces with a sharp knife.

Kat Lieu, the author of this recipe, is a food writer and founder of Subtle Asian Baking. She lives in Renton, Washington, and her work focuses on spreading Asian baking traditions.

Excerpt from 108 Asian Cookies by Kat Lieu. Copyright 2025 Kathleen Lieu. Published by Voracious.