Lucky Charms bars are the magically delicious treat that are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, or any time of the year!
These sweet, chewy treats are chock full of buttery, homemade flavor and colorful marshmallow charms from the breakfast cereal by the same name!
Make a big batch for your wearin’ o’ the green celebration!
Best Marshmallow Cereal Bars
- Lucky Charms treats are a quick and easy dessert recipe that requires no baking!
- They are the perfect kid-friendly after-school snack or lunchbox surprise.
- Serve them for dessert for a holiday-themed dinner that starts with corned beef and cabbage with a side of Irish soda bread.
- This variant of Rice Krispie squares adds extra fun to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration along with frosty shamrock shakes!
- Don’t leave the adults out of the festivities! Serve them a minty after-dinner Irish flag shooter!
Ingredients & Variations
Lucky Charms Cereal – The charms add colorful and visual appeal, while the cereal provides just the right amount of crunch and neutral flavor to balance out the sweetness.
Marshmallows – Use mini marshmallows for best melting. Lucky Charms marshmallows will bump up the color and fun. If you can’t find them, substitute colored mini marshmallows.
Butter – Salted butter will add the ever-popular sweet-salty combo. You can also use margarine or another butter substitute.
Vanilla – Real vanilla extract is preferable to imitation, but use what you have or are accustomed to.
Variations – Try different toppings or cookie shapes such as a shamrock cookie on each bar. Add in mini chocolate chips, M&Ms, chopped walnuts, pecans, cashews, or macadamia nuts.
How to Make Lucky Charms Bars
This simple recipe is ready in a snap! Begin by prepping a 9×13-inch pan by lining it with foil, and buttering the bottom and sides.
On the Stove Top:
- In a large pot, melt butter and marshmallows, as directed in the recipe below.
- Remove pot from heat and stir in the vanilla.
In the Microwave:
- In a large bowl, melt the butter on high power, for about 45 seconds. (Cover the bowl to prevent spatters).
- Stir in the mini marshmallows, then microwave for another 45 seconds.
- Remove the bowl and stir. If the marshmallows are still not melted, microwave in 10-second increments, stirring in between.
To Complete:
- Stir in the Lucky Charms cereal and Lucky Charms marshmallows or other optional add-ins.
- Butter a spoon or spatula, and load the hot mixture into the pan, pressing into the sides to flatten. A silicone spatula, and/or a sheet of plastic wrap on top can also help this process.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
How to Store Leftovers
- Store treats in a cool dry spot in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze Lucky Charms, but they taste best when fresh. To freeze, individually wrap in plastic and store in a freezer bag for up to 6-8 weeks.
Tips & Tricks for Soft Squares
- Be sure to store leftovers in a sealed, airtight container at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.
- Be careful not to overcook the marshmallows. They should be just melted and removed from the heat immediately.
- If freezing, be sure to squeeze out as much air from the zip bag as possible, and don’t store it for more than a couple of months.
Easy Hand Held Treats!
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Homemade Lucky Charms Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 10 ounces miniature marshmallows 6 cups (1 small package)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 13 ounces Lucky Charms Cereal 8 ½ cups
- 2 cups Lucky Charms Marshmallows reserve a handful for the top (or use miniature colored marshmallows), optional
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 inch pan with foil and grease with butter or cooking spray.
To Melt Marshmallows – Stovetop Method:
- In a large pot on medium low, melt butter. Add miniature marshmallows and stir until marshmallows are completely melted.
- Remove from heat. Add vanilla and stir well.
To Melt Marshmallows – Microwave Method:
- In a large microwavable bowl, microwave butter on high for 45 seconds, or until melted. Add miniature marshmallows and stir.
- Microwave 45 seconds and stir. Microwave for an additional 45 seconds and stir again. If marshmallows are not melted, microwave in 10 second increments, stirring after each interval until fully melted.
- Add vanilla and stir well.
To Complete Process (either method)
- Add cereal to melted marshmallow mixture and combine. Gently stir in the Lucky Charms marshmallows (if using).
- Add mixture to the prepared pan and press down slightly (using the back of a greased spoon or measuring cup if needed).
- Cool. Using foil, remove squares from the pan and cut.
Notes
- Nutrition calculated with ordinary mini marshmallows.
- If using a 13 ounce package of mini marshmallows, remove 1 ½ cups. These can be used for add-ins.
- Use a 7-ounce jar of marshmallow crème (AKA ‘fluff) instead of the colored mini marshmallows if desired.
- Use a 9×9 inch pan for taller squares
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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