Crunchy Rice Krispies with Condensed Milk

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When it comes to quick treats, Rice Krispies with condensed milk has become my go-to recipe. There’s something so satisfying about making these simple squares, especially when the kids are asking for something sweet after dinner. I’ve made them so many times that I can practically whip them up with my eyes closed (though I wouldn’t recommend that!).

What I love most about this recipe is how it takes the classic Rice Krispies treats we all grew up with and gives them a creamy twist. The condensed milk adds a richness that regular marshmallow treats just don’t have. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that only needs a few ingredients and one pot – perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade but don’t feel like turning the kitchen upside down.

Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, afternoon snack, or just because the sweet tooth strikes, these treats never disappoint. Trust me, once you try this version, you might not go back to the original.

What Kind of Rice Krispies Should I Use?

The classic Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal is the go-to choice for this recipe, but store-brand crispy rice cereals can work just as well. The key is making sure your cereal is fresh – older cereal can get stale and affect the final texture of your treats. If you’re looking to switch things up, you could try Cocoa Rice Krispies or even brown rice versions, though these might change the classic flavor profile a bit. Just be sure to check your cereal box when you’re shopping – you want plain, unfrosted rice cereal that’s crispy and fresh for the best results.

Options for Substitutions

Need to make some swaps? Here’s what works in this recipe:

• Rice Krispies: While Rice Krispies give the classic texture we all know, you can use other crispy rice cereals or even crushed Corn Flakes. Just avoid sugary cereals as they’ll make the treats too sweet.
• Marshmallows: Regular-sized marshmallows work just as well as minis – just use the same weight. If you’re in a bind, you can use marshmallow fluff (about 8 oz), but the texture might be a bit different.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient adds a special touch, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it. The treats will still be good, just less creamy and rich.
• Unsalted butter: Salted butter works too – just reduce the amount of fine sea salt you add. You can also use coconut oil, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Vanilla extract: Out of vanilla? Try almond extract (use half the amount) or simply skip it – your treats will still taste great.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making Rice Krispies treats is ending up with rock-hard squares instead of soft, chewy ones – this usually happens when you melt the butter and marshmallows over too high heat, so keep the temperature low and stir constantly.

Another common mistake is pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan, which compacts the cereal and creates dense, tough treats – instead, gently press the mixture using a piece of parchment paper or buttered hands with just enough pressure to hold them together.

When adding the condensed milk, make sure to drizzle it evenly and fold it in gently to create consistent sweetness throughout, and don’t forget to let the treats cool at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator, as cold temperatures can make them unnecessarily firm.

For the perfect texture, store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 2-3 days, though they rarely last that long!

What to Serve With Rice Krispie Treats?

These sweet and gooey treats are perfect on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee to balance out the sweetness. If you’re serving these at a party or gathering, try putting together a simple dessert board with some fresh berries and chocolate-covered strawberries for a nice mix of textures and flavors. For kids’ parties, I like to serve them alongside vanilla ice cream – the combination of warm, fresh-made Rice Krispie treats and cold ice cream is just unbeatable. You could also drizzle some chocolate sauce over the treats and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These sweet treats stay best at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container and layer with wax paper or parchment paper between each row to prevent sticking. I like to keep them on the counter where they maintain their perfect chewy texture.

Pack: These make great lunchbox treats or party favors! Just wrap individual squares in wax paper or plastic wrap, then pop them into a container or zip-top bag. They’ll hold their shape nicely and stay fresh for a couple of days.

Make Ahead: While these are super quick to whip up, you can make them a day before your event. Just cut them into squares once they’ve set, and store them in an airtight container. If you live in a humid climate, they might get a bit softer over time, so it’s best to enjoy them within the first couple of days.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	70-90 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2000
• Protein: 10-15 g
• Fat: 70-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 280-300 g

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 bag mini marshmallows (10 ounces), plus an extra 1 cup reserved for later
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 6 cups rice krispies cereal
• Flaky sea salt, if you like
• 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by greasing an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan with cooking spray or softened butter.

This will help ensure your treats don’t stick to the pan when it’s time to remove them.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine with Condensed Milk

Place the butter in a large pot on the stove and melt it over medium heat.

Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir continuously with a rubber spatula for about 2 minutes, until both ingredients combine and small bubbles start forming in the center of the mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate Marshmallows

Add the marshmallows to the pot and stir until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

Once melted, add in the vanilla and a pinch of salt, stirring once more to blend all flavors together.

Step 4: Mix in Rice Krispies and Extra Marshmallows

Remove the pot from heat and add the Rice Krispies, along with an optional extra cup of mini marshmallows for additional gooeyness.

Stir to combine, ensuring all the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.

Step 5: Transfer to Pan and Set

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan.

Use a sheet of plastic wrap to press down lightly on the top of the mixture, being careful not to pack it too firmly so the treats remain soft and gooey.

If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra touch of flavor.

Step 6: Cool, Cut, and Serve

Let the Rice Krispies Treats sit on the counter for at least 1 hour to allow them to set up properly.

Once set, cut them into 16 slices and serve.

Enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, although these delicious treats are likely to disappear quickly.