How to Make the Gooiest, Softest Rice Krispies Treats

With the combination of gooey marshmallow and soft puffed rice cereal, Rice Krispies treats have been making memories for kids and adults alike for decades. After all, they’re super simple to make, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. One minor problem with these easy-to-whip-up goodies, however, is that they tend to harden rather quickly.

If you want your Rice Krispies treats to stay soft for days, there’s a brilliant hack that will help you along. The right one-ingredient upgrade is really all it takes to transform the classic snack from good to great. Besides, it is something so simple that is likely sitting in your pantry right now.

What’s the Secret Behind Rice Krispies Treats That Stay Soft for Days?

In short, sweetened condensed milk is all that stands between you and the Rice Krispies treats of your dreams. While it may sound like a strange mix, adding it to the butter and marshmallow mixture results in treats that stay softer longer. Plus, it also gives them a creamy, milky flavor and a gooey texture.

How to Add Sweetened Condensed Milk to Your Recipe

Pouring a third to a half cup of sweetened condensed milk, depending on your personal preference, into the butter when you’re mixing things up is what will make your Rice Krispies treats stand out from all others. So here’s how to do it: Melt the butter for your irresistible homemade treats in a large pot over low heat. Once the butter begins to bubble, stir in sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil and cook for about a minute until it emits a fragrant aroma. From here, add the marshmallows and vanilla extract and proceed with melting them and adding cereal as you normally would.

Note that this version really does have to cool completely in the pan before you cut into it. The wait will be worth it, though, because you’ll achieve the perfect gooey texture.

This seems like an addition you could make to just about any Rice Krispies treat recipe — which is excellent because there are lots of delicious twists on this timeless classic.

Do you love Rice Krispies treats? Are there any secret ingredients in your go-to recipe? Please tell us in the comments, as we’d love to know.

Valerie

I am an English major with a love of languages and fiction, and with an incurable travel bug. In my free time, I read fantasy, drink copious amounts of coffee, and like to go see movies. Culinary art means everything to me. My main hypostasis is the taster, though. The music school has taught me to appreciate the symphony of airy meringues, to create harmonious overtures of light snacks, hard rock of meat, fish, and vegetables on the grill. Choir classes have accustomed me to hear and feel the people nearby and create perfect harmonies of sounds.