Description
Homemade Crunch Bars are a quick and delightful treat combining the crunchiness of rice cereal with a rich, melty chocolate and marshmallow mixture. Perfect for an easy dessert or snack, these bars are made by melting butter, chocolate chips, and marshmallows together, then mixing in rice cereal and pressing the mixture into a pan to set. Optional toppings like nuts or sprinkles add an extra touch of fun and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups rice cereal
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Optional Toppings
- Nuts (such as chopped peanuts or almonds)
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars later.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter and chocolate chips together, stirring frequently until you have a smooth, combined mixture without lumps.
- Add Marshmallows: Stir in the mini marshmallows to the melted chocolate and butter. Continue stirring over low heat until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is creamy and homogeneous.
- Combine with Rice Cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in the rice cereal, making sure all the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate-marshmallow mixture without crushing it.
- Press into Dish: Pour the sticky mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to press it down firmly, creating an even and compact layer.
- Add Toppings: While the mixture is still warm, sprinkle your chosen optional toppings like nuts or sprinkles evenly on top and gently press them to adhere.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the dish for about 30 minutes, allowing the bars to firm up completely. Once set, slice into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, but milk chocolate can also be substituted.
- Make sure to melt the ingredients over low heat to avoid burning or seizing the chocolate.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together well when cut.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, omit any nut toppings and use allergy-friendly sprinkles.
