Elevate rice krispie treats like never before with this unique and flavorful Brown Butter Chai Rice Krispie Treats recipe! Browned butter and our legendary homemade chai spice mix add a warm and comforting flavor to these classic treats — perfect for the fall weather.

PS: I’m also sharing a protein-packed version that uses a whole cup of whey protein powder, and it’s so dang delicious!

I can’t help but put our homemade chai spice on everything from these Chocolate Chai Overnight Oats to this cozy Chai Tea Latte. Our next victim is the brown butter chai rice krispie treats recipe, and woo wee, it’s a flavor party up in here!

You’ll make this recipe just like any other rice krispie treat recipe, except you’ll add in some brown butter and our chai spice mix. It’s the perfect addition to classic rice krispie treats!

1. Salted butter: Adds a savory richness to the treat and pairs perfectly with the warm chai spices.
2. Homemade chai spice: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, and cloves screams fall and adds a warm and comforting flavor to this recipe.
3. Marshmallows: We used a regular 12 oz. bag of large marshmallows for this recipe.
4. Rice Krispy cereal: You can’t make rice krispie treats without the classic Rice Krispy cereal!

We used our homemade chai spice, but you’re welcome to use a store-bought version. Just know that the flavor of the chai will determine the flavor of the rice krispie treats!

How to Make Homemade Chai Spice

Not sure where to start when it comes to making your own chai spice blend? Well, whaddya know, we’ve got our own Homemade Chai Spice Mix recipe right here! Here’s the basics on how to make it:

Ingredients

• 2 tsp. ground cardamom
• 2 tsp. ground allspice
• 2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp. ground cloves
• 6 tsp. ground ginger

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Then add it to your brown butter rice krispie treats recipe!

These rice krispie treats are best when enjoyed within 3-4 days, but can last up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Chai Spiced Apple Butter Muffin Bread. Better than anything you’ll find at a coffee shop, this bread is such a cozy fall treat! It’s a simple muffin-style loaf made with my homemade chai spice blend, apple butter, and brown sugar, then swirled with chai-spiced Honeycrisp apples. What makes it really special are the ribbons of cream cheese baked inside and the sweet, spiced chai crumble on top. Fresh out of the oven or toasted with a smear of butter, this bread is truly irresistible.

I’ve spent the past week in New York, and while the weather has been perfect, you can definitely feel fall in the air. The markets are overflowing with autumn scents, fresh figs, and the most beautiful apples. New York really does have the best apple selection—so many varieties! My favorite will always be Honeycrisp, but it’s so fun to see all the options.

It’s the perfect reminder that it’s apple season, and the perfect time to bake. This bread is just right for a cozy fall weekend, especially on a chilly day when you’re craving something warm from the oven. No pumpkin yet—just all the autumn apples!

These are the details

Ingredients

The Chai Spice

• cinnamon
• ginger
• cardamon
• nutmeg
• all-spice
• cloves

Muffin Batter

• salted butter
• brown sugar
• plain Greek yogurt
• apple butter
• eggs
• vanilla extract
• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• Honeycrisp apples – I never peel them!
• cream cheese

Chai Swirl CRUNCH

• brown sugar
• whole wheat or all-purpose flour
• salted butter

Steps

Step 1: Mix the chai spice

This one’s easy—just mix all the spices together in a small bowl. That’s it! If you have leftovers, save them for sprinkling into your coffee. So yummy!

Step 2: Make the batter

Start with melted butter. I don’t use a microwave, so I melt mine on the stove until it reaches a lightly browned stage for extra flavor.

Whisk the butter with yogurt, apple butter, eggs, and vanilla. Then stir in the dry ingredients: whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose), a little of the chai spice, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Add the apples and cream cheese swirl

I like to leave the skin on my apples—it gives more flavor and fiber. Slice and chop the apples, then toss them with brown sugar and chai spice before folding them into the batter.

Swirl in the softened cream cheese gently. Don’t overmix—just a light stir gives you those pretty ribbons of cream cheese throughout.

Step 4: Make the chai swirl topping

Mix brown sugar, chai spice, flour, and butter together until clumps form. Sprinkle the clumps evenly over the batter.

Bake the bread for about 1 hour, until golden on top and cooked through. It’s a long wait, but worth it!

Serve

Enjoy the bread warm or cooled, though it’s hard to resist cutting into it fresh from the oven. I love it with a pat of European-style butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Cozy, spiced, and the perfect way to welcome autumn!

Pro Tips

• Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

• Freezing: Slice and wrap individually, then freeze. Warm slices in the oven or toaster oven when ready to enjoy.

• Apples: Honeycrisp are my favorite, but use what you love—Gala, Fuji, or even Pink Lady all work great.

• Flour: Whole wheat pastry flour gives a light, nutty flavor. All-purpose flour is a perfect substitute if that’s what you have.

• Extra Chai Spice: Sprinkle leftovers into coffee, over oatmeal, or onto baked apples—it’s delicious anywhere.

Looking for apple recipes? Here are a few ideas: 

Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Haunted Pumpkin Patch Margarita

Cinnamon Crunch Apple Butter Soft Pretzel Knots

Salted Maple Apple Tarte Tatin with Cinnamon Pumpkin Seeds

Cinnamon Spiced Apple Fritters with Vanilla Coffee Glaze

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cider Doughnut Holes

Lastly, if you make this Chai Spiced Apple Butter Muffin Bread, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!