Candy Cereal Treats

24 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 15 m Total: 30 m Beginner
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Candy Cereal Treats
A different take on the classic Rice Krispies treat with a buttery cookie crust, fluffy marshmallow layer, and a peanut butter chip topping loaded with rice cereal, peanuts, and M&M’s. Always a hit with kids and adults at parties and potlucks.

Ingredients

24 servings
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Topping
  • 3 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 2/3 cup corn syrup (Karo)
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 (10 oz) package peanut butter chips
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups rice cereal
  • 1 cup salted peanuts
  • 1 cup plain M&M's

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a large glass bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamy mixture. Do not over mix; they should end up looking like coarse crumbs.
  2. Press into a greased 13x9 baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Immediately sprinkle with the marshmallows and bake 2 to 3 minutes longer or until the marshmallows are fluffed. Cool on a wire rack.
  4. For the topping: Mix the corn syrup, butter and peanut butter chips in a saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until chips are melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla, cereal, nuts, and M&M’s. Spread over the crust and cool before cutting.

Tips and Techniques

Work quickly when adding the topping over the marshmallow layer while it’s still slightly warm—this helps everything stick together better. Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean edges.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • peanut butter chips: butterscotch chips or chocolate chips
  • plain M&M's: chocolate chips, Reese's Pieces, or any candy-coated chocolate
  • salted peanuts: chopped pecans, cashews, or omit for nut allergies

Equipment Needed

  • 13x9 inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Electric mixer or wooden spoon