Chewy Rice Krispie Treats

Indulge in the delightful nostalgia of Soft Rice Krispie Bars, a timeless treat that never fails to bring back cherished childhood memories. With a recipe that boasts the perfect combination of sweet chewiness and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, these bars are a surefire way to bring smiles to faces of all ages. Thanks to the addition of sweetened condensed milk, these bars stay incredibly moist and soft for days, making them an ideal go-to for bake sales, potlucks, or simply as a quick homemade pick-me-up for your loved ones.

The secret ingredient that sets these Soft Rice Krispie Bars apart is the luscious sweetened condensed milk, which adds a rich and gooey texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re preparing them for a school event, a birthday celebration, or just a cozy afternoon indoors, these bars are bound to become your family’s signature sweet treat. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible bars that are guaranteed to evoke pure delight with every soft and scrumptious bite.

Quick Benefits

• Retains moisture for a softer texture even after cooling
• Stores well at room temperature for several days, maintaining softness
• Can be frozen for up to a month without compromising freshness or texture

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

• Retains Moisture: Sweetened condensed milk keeps these bars ultra moist and tender, making them a delightful treat with every bite.
• Long-Lasting Softness: These bars stay soft for days at room temperature, ensuring you can enjoy them fresh for longer periods.
• Easy and Quick: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules and last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile: You can customize these bars by adding various toppings like melted chocolate, caramel, or sprinkles to suit different occasions and preferences.
• Freezer-Friendly: By wrapping them individually and freezing, you can enjoy these soft bars for up to one month without compromising on freshness or texture.
• Nostalgic Comfort: The sweet nostalgia of Rice Krispie Bars combined with the soft and chewy texture will evoke memories of childhood and bring a sense of comfort to every moment.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for bake sales, potlucks, or family celebrations, these bars are sure to be a hit, with friends and family always asking for the recipe.
• Innovative Twist: The addition of sweetened condensed milk gives a modern twist to the classic recipe, making these bars stand out with their rich and gooey texture.
• Year-Round Appeal: From adding freeze-dried strawberries for spring to crushed peppermint candies for winter, you can adapt these bars to suit any season or occasion.
• Perfect Gift Idea: Cut them into shapes with cookie cutters, wrap them in wax paper, and share these homemade treats as thoughtful gifts for special occasions.

Ingredients for Chewy Rice Krispie Treats

Base

• 1 bag (10 ounces) miniature marshmallows
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups rice cereal
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pro Tips for Chewy Rice Krispie Treats

To ensure the softest texture, always store these Rice Krispie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them as it can dry out the bars, compromising their chewy goodness. For longer-lasting freshness, separate layers with parchment paper before sealing tightly.

When making these bars, opt for mini marshmallows as they melt more evenly and are easier to work with. If you prefer to add extra flavor, consider mixing in freeze-dried strawberries for a spring twist or crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. Remember to cut and wrap the cooled bars individually in wax paper before freezing for up to a month, ensuring they maintain their perfect texture even after being thawed.

How to Make Chewy Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Melt Butter

Melt unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat until fully melted.

Step 3: Add Condensed Milk

Add the sweetened condensed milk to the mixture and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Melt Marshmallows

Add the mini marshmallows and stir often until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Incorporate Rice Cereal

Take the pot off the heat and gently mix the rice cereal into the mixture using a rubber spatula until well coated.

Step 6: Shape and Cool

Pour the mixture into the baking dish and press into an even layer using a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature before cutting and serving.

Storage Tips

To store the soft Rice Krispie Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. The bars will maintain their soft texture for up to five days when stored properly. If you want to extend their freshness even longer, separate the layers with parchment paper before sealing the container tightly. It’s important to avoid refrigerating the bars as it can dry them out and affect their texture.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the Rice Krispie Bars by cutting them into individual portions and wrapping each bar in wax paper. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to one month. Before enjoying the frozen bars, make sure to thaw them completely at room temperature. Despite being frozen, these bars retain their freshness and texture surprisingly well after thawing. Whether enjoying them fresh or frozen, these soft Rice Krispie Bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of unsalted butter, margarine can be used as a substitute, though butter will provide a richer flavor. When melting marshmallows, cutting large marshmallows into smaller pieces can be done instead of using miniature marshmallows, but the smaller ones are easier to work with. For a dairy-free option, you can swap in coconut condensed milk and plant-based butter to achieve a similar taste and texture.

To add a twist to these soft Rice Krispie bars, consider mixing in freeze-dried strawberries for a spring flavor or crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch during the winter holidays. You can also top the bars with fruity cereal or pastel sprinkles for a colorful presentation, perfect for Easter celebrations. These bars can also be frozen for up to a month after cutting and wrapping them individually in wax paper, maintaining their freshness and texture when thawed at room temperature before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun serving suggestion, try cutting the soft Rice Krispie Bars into small squares and skewering them onto lollipop sticks for a playful and portable treat. You can even drizzle them with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.

Another creative idea is to crumble the bars and use them as a crunchy topping for ice cream sundaes or yogurt parfaits. The sweet and chewy texture of the bars adds a delightful twist to your favorite desserts, making them a versatile and delicious addition to any menu.

FAQs for Chewy Rice Krispie Treats

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter, but using butter will give you a richer result.

How should I store these Soft Rice Krispie Bars to maintain their soft texture?

To keep these bars soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can separate layers with parchment paper and seal tightly for added freshness. Avoid refrigerating them as it can dry them out.

How can I melt large marshmallows for this recipe if I don’t have miniature marshmallows?

If you only have large marshmallows, you can cut them into smaller pieces to help them melt evenly with the butter and sweetened condensed milk.

Can I add extra ingredients like freeze-dried strawberries or peppermint candies to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add extra ingredients like freeze-dried strawberries, crushed peppermint candies, or even fruity cereal to customize the flavor of these Soft Rice Krispie Bars.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Soft Rice Krispie Bars are not just a delightful treat for any occasion, but they are also a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a touch of creativity in the kitchen. The addition of sweetened condensed milk elevates these bars to a whole new level of softness and chewy goodness that will have your friends and family coming back for more.

So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert that is sure to please a crowd, whip up a batch of Soft Rice Krispie Bars. Whether you enjoy them plain or jazz them up with your favorite toppings, these bars are bound to bring a smile to everyone’s face and warm their hearts with sweet nostalgia. Embrace the softness, savor the sweetness, and enjoy every bite of these irresistible treats.

Chewy Rice Krispie Treats

Indulge in the nostalgia of childhood with these soft Rice Krispie Bars made with sweetened condensed milk for a rich, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 min

Cook Time10 min

Total Time20 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings12 Servings (12 bars)

Ingredients

Base

• 1 bag (10 ounces) miniature marshmallows
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups rice cereal
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Dish: Coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Melt Butter: Melt unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat until fully melted.
3. Add Condensed Milk: Add the sweetened condensed milk to the mixture and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Melt Marshmallows: Add the mini marshmallows and stir often until melted and smooth.
5. Incorporate Rice Cereal: Take the pot off the heat and gently mix the rice cereal into the mixture using a rubber spatula until well coated.
6. Shape and Cool: Pour the mixture into the baking dish and press into an even layer using a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature before cutting and serving.