Growing up, my siblings and I would race to the kitchen whenever the sweet scent of melted chocolate filled the air. Our favorite treat? These irresistible Chocolate Marshmallow Crunch Bars.
I remember accidentally using rice cereal instead of graham crackers once, and it turned out to be the best mistake ever. That happy accident became our new tradition, and this version has been a family staple ever since. Gooey, crunchy, and deeply chocolatey, this recipe is my nostalgic twist on the classic.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Chocolate Marshmallow Crunch Bars Recipe stands out with its no-bake ease, golden toasted marshmallows, and the perfect crispy rice crunch.
Equipment List
- Large saucepan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Knife for slicing
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients List
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate for a sweeter taste)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (substitute with almond butter if desired)
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional for flavor balance)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish
- Extra marshmallows for topping
- Melted white chocolate drizzle
Step-by-Step Guide
Line your pan:
Start by lining your 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes removing and cutting the bars a breeze.
Melt the chocolate base:
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt together the chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter. Stir continuously until silky smooth.
Add vanilla and salt:
Once melted, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. The salt balances the sweetness perfectly.
Mix in the cereal:
Fold the crispy rice cereal into the warm chocolate mixture until every bit is evenly coated. Work quickly before it firms up.
Add the marshmallows:
Gently stir in the mini marshmallows so they stay mostly intact. This creates gooey pockets inside every bite.
Transfer and press:
Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and press it down firmly with a spatula. For neater edges, use a second sheet of parchment to smooth the top.
Optional topping:
Sprinkle a handful of mini marshmallows on top and lightly toast them with a kitchen torch for a beautiful, golden finish.
Chill and set:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until completely firm. Once set, lift the block from the pan and slice into 12 even bars.
Serve and enjoy:
Your Chocolate Marshmallow Crunch Bars are ready to serve! Perfect for parties, potlucks, or late-night cravings.
Chef’s Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate for a richer, smoother base flavor in each bite.
- Lightly toast marshmallows on top with a torch for a s’mores-like finish.
- For a nut-free version, skip peanut butter or use sunflower seed butter.
- Press down bars firmly to avoid crumbling when slicing.
- Store in fridge for firmer texture, or room temp for a chewier bite.
Sides & Pairings Suggestions
Planning a cozy dessert spread? These Chocolate Marshmallow Crunch Bars pair beautifully with creamy or fruity accompaniments.
- The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the chewy, crunchy texture of the bars.
- A warm, spiced drink brings out the rich chocolate flavor even more.
- Their tartness helps cut through the sweetness, creating a balanced dessert plate.
- The bold bitterness of espresso elevates the chocolatey goodness of each bite.
- Adds a sweet-salty element to enhance the overall flavor complexity.
Store & Leftovers
Store these bars in an airtight container. They’ll last up to a week at room temperature or two weeks in the fridge.
For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to two months.
To enjoy leftovers, try crumbling a bar over vanilla yogurt or chopping into chunks for a quick ice cream topping. They’re just as good repurposed!
Nutritional Breakdown
Per Serving (1 bar):
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
These values are approximate and may vary depending on brands and substitutions used in the Chocolate Marshmallow Crunch Bars Recipe.
Encouragement to Share
Loved making this Chocolate Marshmallow Crunch Bars Recipe? Don’t keep it to yourself! Snap a pic, share it on Instagram or Pinterest, and tag me—I’d love to see your gooey creations.
Drop a comment below with your favorite twist or how your kids reacted (if you shared, that is!). Let’s spread the crunch bar love!
Chocolate Marshmallow Crunch Bars Recipe
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Knife for slicing
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate for a sweeter taste 2 cups
- Unsalted butter 3 tablespoons
- Creamy peanut butter substitute with almond butter if desired 1/2 cup
- Crispy rice cereal 3 cups
- Mini marshmallows 2 cups
- Sea salt optional for flavor balance 1/4 teaspoon
- Vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon
Optional Garnish
- Extra marshmallows for topping
- Melted white chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Start by lining your 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes removing and cutting the bars a breeze.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt together the chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter. Stir continuously until silky smooth.
- Once melted, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. The salt balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Fold the crispy rice cereal into the warm chocolate mixture until every bit is evenly coated. Work quickly before it firms up.
- Gently stir in the mini marshmallows so they stay mostly intact. This creates gooey pockets inside every bite.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and press it down firmly with a spatula. For neater edges, use a second sheet of parchment to smooth the top.
- Sprinkle a handful of mini marshmallows on top and lightly toast them with a kitchen torch for a beautiful, golden finish.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until completely firm. Once set, lift the block from the pan and slice into 12 even bars.
- Your Chocolate Marshmallow Crunch Bars are ready to serve! Perfect for parties, potlucks, or late-night cravings.
