Get ready to indulge in a magical treat that will transport you straight to your childhood! If you’re a fan of the iconic cereal Lucky Charms, then you’re going to fall head over heels for these Lucky Charms Bars. They’re a sweet, crunchy, and colorful twist on the classic Rice Krispie Treats.
Lucky Charms Bars
Add a little magic to your dessert game with these Lucky Charms® bars! These colorful, crunchy treats are a fun and whimsical twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat. With a buttery marshmallow base, a splash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt, the mixture creates a gooey, chewy texture that perfectly complements the Lucky Charms cereal. Plus, the addition of Lucky Charms marshmallows on top gives the bars an extra boost of sweetness and crunch.
*Trademark note: Lucky Charms is a trademarked brand of cereal from General Mills Corporation. Rice Krispies is a trademark from Kellogg’s Corporation. We use these names in a generic sense because of the easily recognized names. Any similar brand of product will also work in these Lucky Charms Bars.
Quick Tip
Have leftover Lucky Charms? Put them to use in this St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn or Leprechaun Bait!
Ingredients in the Lucky Charms Bars
- Unsalted butter: This provides the fat needed to create a rich and smooth texture for the marshmallow mixture. We like to use unsalted butter so we can perfectly control the amount of salt in these treats.
- Marshmallows: This is the main ingredient that binds everything together and creates the sticky, gooey texture of the bars. In this recipe, the bag of marshmallows is divided into two portions, with the second portion used to deliver a contrasting texture to the cereal in the bars.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla extract adds a subtle sweet flavor to the marshmallow mixture.
Ingredients, Continued
- Fine sea salt: Just a pinch of salt is added to enhance the overall flavor of the bars and balance out the sweetness.
- Lucky Charms cereal: The star of the recipe! Lucky Charms is a popular cereal that’s made up of oat-based cereal pieces and colorful dehydrated marshmallows in various shapes, including hearts, stars, horseshoes, clovers, and more.
- Lucky Charms marshmallows (Optional): We use a small extra amount of Lucky Charms marshmallows that are added on top of the mixture for extra color, texture, and flavor. Some stores feature packages of just the marshmallows–since they’re the favorite part of the cereal. If you can’t find these marshmallows locally, check online. Be sure to look for dehydrated marshmallows, not the regular puffy ones.
How To Make Lucky Charms Bars (Tips)
To ensure that your Lucky Charms Bars turn out delicious and easy to eat, here are some tips to follow:
- Keep the heat low: High heat can cause the marshmallows to harden, which will result in hard and unenjoyable bars. Keep the heat as low as possible and remove the marshmallows from the heat as soon as they’re melted. Remember to stir the mixture constantly as the marshmallows melt down and become a gooey mass.
- Use fresh marshmallows: Marshmallows can get stale over time, which can affect their ability to melt properly. So, make sure to use fresh marshmallows for the best results. When purchasing marshmallows, feel the bags to find the softest ones available.
- Mix the cereal in carefully: When you add the Lucky Charms cereal to the marshmallow mixture, mix it in gently so that you don’t crush the cereal pieces too much.
- Use a well-greased pan: To prevent the bars from sticking to the pan, make sure to grease your baking dish well before adding the mixture.
- Use a sturdy and heat-resistant spatula: We’ve found this to be the best tool for making Lucky Charms Bars!
- Press the mixture in evenly: Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly into the pan, making sure to spread it out evenly.
- Let the bars cool completely: Allow the Lucky Charms Bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will help them set properly and prevent them from falling apart.
How Do You Keep Lucky Charms Bars From Sticking To Your Hands?
The answer is simple: cooking spray! After pouring the mixture into the pan, give a quick spritz with cooking spray to either your hands or a rubber spatula. Then, gently press the bars into place and watch the magic happen — nothing will stick!
How Long Does It Take For Lucky Charms Bars To Harden?
It typically takes about 30 minutes. While it can be tempting to dig into the bars immediately, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. Once the marshmallow mixture has cooled and melted with the cereal, the bars will be much easier to cut and won’t fall apart. So be patient and let them set before diving into these tasty treats!
Variations
Looking for a chocolate twist on the classic Lucky Charms bars? Try using Chocolate Lucky Charms instead!
Storage
How To Store Lucky Charms Treats
These bars are best enjoyed on the same day they are made. After that, the marshmallows in the bars can become hard and stale, which affects the texture and flavor of the bars.
If you do need to store the bars, it’s best to place them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid putting them in the refrigerator or freezer, as the moisture can cause the bars to become soggy and lose their texture even faster.
More Tasty No-Bake Treats:
- No-Bake Cookies chocolate and peanut butter
- No-Bake Granola Bars with a chocolate drizzle
- Peanut Butter Bars with a chocolate topping
- No Bake Brownie Bites coated in chocolate
- Chocolate Covered Oreos with a white chocolate drizzle
Lucky Charms Bars
Equipment
- 9x13-inch pan
- Cooking Spray
- Sturdy heat-resistant spatula
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 1 pkg. (10 oz.) soft marshmallows, divided (Note 1)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 6 cups Lucky Charms cereal
- Optional: ½ cup Lucky Charms Marshmallows
Instructions
- PREP: Generously grease a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- MARSHMALLOW MIXTURE: In a large non-stick pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, reduce heat to low and add in 6 cups of marshmallows. Use a sturdy, heat-resistant spatula to stir the mixture until completely melted. This takes a bit of time and you may be tempted to bump up the heat, but don't! (This will create harder bars--See Note 2.)
- FINISH MIXTURE: Once melted, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Add in the Lucky Charms cereal and stir gently to incorporate. Finally, add in the remaining marshmallows (approximately 1⅓ cups) and stir until combined. (It's not intended for these marshmallows to completely melt.)
- ALLOW BARS TO SET: Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it into the edges. I spray the spatula (or my hands) with cooking spray and gently compress into an even layer. Sprinkle the optional Lucky Charms marshmallows on top of the mixture for a prettier look and extra crunch. Gently press these marshmallows in. Allow the bars to cool completely, about 30 minutes, before using a sharp knife to cut them into squares.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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