Crispy Marshmallow Bars
Crispy Marshmallow Bars are an irresistible treat that combines the classic flavors of sweet marshmallows and buttery goodness with a delightful crunch. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to satisfy a sugar craving or a tasty snack for a gathering, these bars are bound to please everyone who takes a bite.
These bars are incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal time in the kitchen. The contrast of sticky marshmallows and crispy cereal creates a unique texture that not only makes them fun to eat but also allows for endless variations. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or even just a cozy night in, these Crispy Marshmallow Bars are sure to become a favorite.
Why make this recipe
The beauty of Crispy Marshmallow Bars lies in their simplicity. They’re made with standard pantry ingredients that you probably already have on hand, meaning you can whip them up in a pinch. Plus, there’s something nostalgic about the combination of marshmallows and puffed cereal that harks back to childhood treats, making them a delightful throwback. These bars can easily be customized to suit any occasion or taste preference, making them a versatile addition to any recipe repertoire.
These bars also offer an excellent opportunity for creativity. You can mix in different add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to cater to various tastes. You might even consider drizzling chocolate over the top for an extra touch of indulgence. Regardless of how you make them, the satisfaction of pulling a pan of these gooey delights out of the fridge is unmatched.
How to make Crispy Marshmallow Bars
To begin, gather all your ingredients. Preparing these bars is straightforward: the first step is to line your baking tin with nonstick paper to prevent sticking. Once that’s done, you’ll melt the butter and marshmallows together in a saucepan, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth mixture. It’s crucial to keep the heat at a medium level to avoid burning the marshmallows while they melt.
Once melted, remove the pan from the heat source and promptly fold in the puffed rice cereal. This step is important as you want to ensure every piece of cereal is coated evenly with the gooey marshmallow mixture. The final stage is to transfer the mixture into your prepared baking tin, ensuring it’s pressed down firmly for compact bars. Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, which helps it set properly, making sure each cut results in perfectly shaped bars.
Ingredients
- 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 350g (7 cups) mini marshmallows
- 170g (6½ cups) puffed rice cereal (e.g., Rice Krispies)
Directions
- Line a 20cm (8in) square baking tin with nonstick baking paper.
- Add the butter and mini marshmallows to a large saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fully melted and combined.
- Remove from the heat. Add the puffed rice cereal and fold until completely coated.
- Scoop the mixture into the prepared tin and press down firmly (use a wet glass if it’s very sticky).
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours until set.
- Cut into 16 bars and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature (not in the refrigerator) for up to 4 days.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1–2 hours
• Total Time: 1–2 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 16
How to serve Crispy Marshmallow Bars
These Crispy Marshmallow Bars are delightfully versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether served as a standalone snack or alongside a hot beverage, they are sure to please. To make serving a bit more fun, consider packaging these bars individually in wax paper tied with string for a charming homemade gift idea.
During a gathering, these bars can be showcased on a dessert table alongside other treats, inviting guests to indulge in a variety of snacks. They can even be enjoyed as a light dessert after dinner, where the sweetness pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
How to store Crispy Marshmallow Bars
Storing your Crispy Marshmallow Bars is simple. You should keep them in an airtight container at room temperature; this storage method is essential to maintain the bars’ texture, preventing them from becoming hard or overly sticky. Avoid refrigerating them, as the cold might alter their delightful chewiness.
If you happen to have any leftovers, make sure to seal them tightly to maintain their softness and prolong their shelf life. These bars will stay fresh and enjoyable for up to 4 days, making them an excellent candidate for meal prep or entertaining.
Tips to make Crispy Marshmallow Bars
For the best results when making Crispy Marshmallow Bars, consider using fresh mini marshmallows. Stale marshmallows can lead to a less satisfying texture and flavor. When melting the butter and marshmallows, ensure you stir continuously to prevent any scorching at the bottom of the pan, as burned flavors can ruin the final product.
If you find that the mixture is too sticky when trying to press it into the tin, using a wet spatula or glass will aid in evenly distributing the mixture without it clinging. Finally, feel free to customize your bars by incorporating favorite sweets, like M&M’s or crushed cookies, into the mixture before pressing it into the tin.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
A: Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, just cut them into smaller pieces to help them melt evenly.
Q: How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
A: You can mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the set bars for an added chocolate flavor.
Q: Can I make these bars in advance?
A: Absolutely! These bars can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Crispy Marshmallow Bars
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 350 g mini marshmallows Use fresh for best texture
- 170 g puffed rice cereal (e.g., Rice Krispies)
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a 20cm (8in) square baking tin with nonstick baking paper.
- Add the butter and mini marshmallows to a large saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fully melted and combined.
- Remove from the heat and add the puffed rice cereal, folding until completely coated.
- Scoop the mixture into the prepared tin and press down firmly using a wet glass if necessary.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours until set.
- Cut into 16 bars and serve.
