Indulge your sweet tooth with these irresistible Chocolate Cherry Marshmallow Crunch Bars! Perfectly chewy and delightfully crunchy, these bars are a heavenly combination of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and fluffy marshmallows that will leave you craving more. With just 25 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of these delectable treats that are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether for a special occasion or a simple afternoon snack, these bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Ready to discover how to make this scrumptious dessert? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 3 cups rice cereal
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup butter
Instructions
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter completely, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring between each interval until smooth and fully liquefied.
- Add chocolate chips to the melted butter and stir gently, allowing residual heat to melt the chocolate. If needed, return to microwave for 10-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth and glossy.
- Fold in rice cereal, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the chocolate-butter mixture. Mix gently to prevent crushing the cereal.
- Sprinkle dried cherries throughout the mixture, distributing them evenly to ensure each bar will have a consistent fruit flavor.
- Gently fold in mini marshmallows, being careful not to melt them completely. Some marshmallows should remain slightly intact for texture.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly and evenly with a spatula or clean hands to create a compact layer.
- Refrigerate the bars for 1-2 hours until completely set and firm. The cooling helps the chocolate solidify and binds all ingredients together.
- Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using parchment paper edges and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 equal rectangular bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for precise edges.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and dried cherries to elevate the flavor of your bars. Dark chocolate can add a rich depth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the marshmallows.
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: When melting the chocolate with butter, be careful not to overheat it. Stirring frequently will help achieve a smooth consistency without burning the chocolate.
- Press Firmly: When transferring the mixture to the baking pan, press down firmly to ensure the bars hold together well. A compact layer will make for easier cutting and a better texture.
- Chill for Best Results: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. This step is crucial for setting the chocolate and ensuring that the bars have the perfect chewy texture.
- Cut with Care: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars, and wipe the blade clean between cuts to maintain neat edges. This will give your bars a professional look!
- Storage Tips: Store your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last up to 5 days—if they last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
