Pistachio Halva Tahini Rice Krispie Treats
Transform your favorite childhood treat into an elegant, Middle Eastern-inspired dessert with these Pistachio Halva Tahini Rice Krispie Treats. Rice krispie treats are a fantastic creative base to try out new flavors! This unique recipe combines the nostalgic taste of homemade rice krispies with the rich, nutty flavors of tahini and halva. Plus, they are topped with pistachios for an extra layer of texture. With a hefty bit of a salt and all that nuttiness these are an impressive no-bake treat. Did I mention these are brown butter rice krispie treats? Brown butter Rice Krispies are already a great way to elevate an easy dessert and these take that to the next level. If you are looking for more cereal desserts make sure to check out my lucky charms blondies with a cereal milk frosting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t your ordinary Rice Krispie treats. The addition of tahini and crumbled halva creates a complex, nutty flavor profile that elevates this simple dessert into something truly special. The combination of tahini and halva adds richness without overwhelming sweetness, while the pistachios provide the BEST crunch, plus they looks beautiful.
What is Halva?
Halva is a cherished sweet delicacy that spans from the Middle East through North Africa, across the Mediterranean, and into South and Central Asia, with each region crafting its own unique version of this sugary treat. This recipe uses Halva made with tahini (sesame paste) and sugar, with a unique crumbly-yet-creamy texture. When incorporated into these Rice Krispie treats, it adds depth and richness while maintaining that characteristic fudgy consistency we all love.
Is pistachio paste the same as pistachio cream?
No! These are two different ingredients. Pistachio butter does not have any added sugar where as pistachio cream is often made with white chocolate. Pistachio cream has a very smooth, creamy and green appearance. I get mine from Amazon! This is the one I prefer.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results for Pistachio Halva Tahini Rice Krispie Treats
- Don’t compress the mixture too firmly when pressing it into the pan – this keeps the treats from becoming too dense
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, no need to refrigerate
- For easier cutting, lightly grease your knife with butter
Video
Equipment
- 1 8X8 pan
Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter 98 grams
- 8 cups mini marshmallows + 2 cups mini marshmallows put to the side for folding in later
- 4 tablespoons tahini
- 3 tablespoons pistachio creme if you want to do a layer in the middle, you will need these 3 tablepoons AND 1/4 cup EXTRA
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 6 cups rice krispies
- 1 cup chopped pistachios + 1/3 cup more for topping
- 2 ounces crumbled halva
Instructions
- Line an 8X8 square pan with parchment paper
- In a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium heat, add the butter. Let melt and turn the heat to medium high until butter starts to sputter and brown. Mix with a nonstick spatula. Butter will begin to foam, smell nutty and change color, keep an eye on it and once butter is browned turn the heat to medium-low
- Add in the 8 cups of marshmallows. You want the marshmallows to melt COMPLETELY before moving on to the next step. The mixture should look smooth and almost liquid
- Add in the tahini, pistachio paste and salt and mix until mixture is smooth
- Add in the rice krispies and the chopped pistachios and mix again
- Remove from heat and continue mixing until thoroughly combined
- Add in halva crumbles and extra 2 cups of mini marshmallows
- Press into prepared pan
- *If you choose to add the extra pistachio layer, add 1/2 mixture to the prepared pan and then top with pistachio paste. Use the spatula to smooth paste into an even layer and add the other 1/2 of the rice krispie mixture on top*
- Sprinkle tops with extra chopped pistachios and flakey salt!
- Slice and enjoy!
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