🛒 What You’ll Need: Pantry Staples, Maximum Joy
Grab these cozy ingredients—you probably already have most:
6 cups (60g) crisped rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
1 cup (240ml) sweetened condensed milk (the glue that holds dreams together!)
½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional upgrades:
½ cup chopped pecans or almonds
¼ cup toasted coconut flakes
Sea salt sprinkle on top for sweet-salty balance
White chocolate drizzle for contrast
That’s it.
No eggs.
No marshmallows.
No corn syrup.
💡 Pro tip: Use high-quality chocolate for maximum richness!
🔥 How to Make It: Step-by-Step, Bite-by-Bite
Let’s cook this like we’re making edible confetti—one golden forkful at a time.
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper (for easy lift-out).
Lightly spray with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Melt the Base
In a large saucepan:
Melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat.
👉 This creates a rich, fudgy binder—better than marshmallow fluff!
Step 3: Add Chocolate
Stir in chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth.
Step 4: Mix in Cereal
Gently fold in crisped rice cereal until completely coated.
Don’t overmix—keep it light and airy.
Step 5: Press & Chill
Pour mixture into prepared pan.
Use a spatula or greased hands to press firmly and evenly into corners.
Optional: Sprinkle with sea salt or nuts on top.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour, until firm and sliceable.
Step 6: Slice & Serve
Lift out using parchment overhang.
Cut into squares with a sharp knife (wipe blade between cuts).
Serve cold—from the fridge or freezer.
Bonus: Leftovers keep beautifully for 2 weeks covered in the fridge—or freeze for 3 months!
💡 Pro Tips for Next-Level Success
Tip
Why It Works
✅ Don’t skip pressing down
Prevents crumbling when sliced
✅ Use fresh cereal
Stale cereal = soft texture
✅ Make ahead: Assemble 1–2 days ahead—flavors deepen overnight
✅ Freeze it: Slice first, then freeze in layers with parchment
✅ Gluten-free? Use GF crisped rice cereal
Still delicious!
🍽️ When to Serve These Golden Gems
🍪 Afternoon tea with coffee
🎉 School bake sales (label as “No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars!”)
🎁 Gift in a tin with ribbon
🫶 To someone who says, “I don’t eat sweets” —watch them ask for seconds
Because once they taste that crispy-chocolate, buttery-sweet magic?
They’ll be converted.
❤️ Final Thought: Great Food Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
You don’t need 17 ingredients or a culinary degree to make something magical.
Sometimes, all it takes is:
A can of condensed milk
A box of cereal
And the courage to say: “Today, I’m making joy.”
And when your partner says, “Did you get this from a bakery?”
Or your kid hugs you after the first bite…
You’ll know:
You didn’t just make a snack.
You made love.