There is nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a crispy, chewy treat that delivers a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, and this Chocolate Caramel Cereal Bars Recipe does exactly that. Combining the rich creaminess of peanut butter and butterscotch with the gooey sweetness of melted marshmallows and a crunchy oat cereal base, these bars are crowned with a luscious chocolate topping sprinkled with a hint of salt. Whether you’re making a quick snack for yourself or a delightful dessert to share, these bars promise an irresistible experience with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Chocolate Caramel Cereal Bars just right starts with a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one serves a purpose, whether adding creaminess, sweetness, or crunch, and they create the recipe’s unforgettable texture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base and helps bind the mixture.
- 1/2 cup Peanut butter: Adds a deliciously nutty depth and creaminess.
- 1/2 cup Butterscotch chips: Infuses a sweet, caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate.
- 2.5 cups Marshmallows: The star ingredient for that gooey, chewy texture everyone loves.
- 5 cups Oat cereal: Gives a hearty crunch and helps hold everything together.
- 2/3 cup Milk chocolate chips: For a smooth, creamy chocolate topping that melts perfectly.
- 1/3 cup Dark chocolate chips: Adds rich, intense chocolate flavor with a slight bitterness.
- 1/4 cup Butter: Used in the topping to create a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Sprinkled on top to balance sweetness with a subtle savory kick.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Cereal Bars Recipe
Step 1: Create the Base Mixture
Start by gently melting 1/2 cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once fully melted, add the peanut butter and butterscotch chips. Stir continuously until everything has combined into a smooth, luscious mixture. This will be the sweet, buttery glue that holds your bars together, and that butterscotch flavor will add a subtle richness you won’t want to miss.
Step 2: Melt in the Marshmallows
Next, toss in the marshmallows and keep stirring to prevent sticking or burning. Watch as they melt down and blend seamlessly with the butter, peanut butter, and butterscotch, transforming your mixture into a glossy, sticky foundation. This gooey goodness will provide the chewy texture that makes these bars so addictive.
Step 3: Combine with Cereal
Pour your oat cereal into a large bowl, then pour the warm, sticky mixture over it. Stir everything gently but thoroughly with a wooden spoon, ensuring each oat piece is coated evenly. This step is key to achieving that perfect balance between crunchy and soft textures.
Step 4: Press into the Pan
Line a baking pan with parchment paper, then transfer your mixture into it. Using the back of your spoon, press and smooth the bars down firmly so they set properly and hold their shape. This helps create a uniform thickness and makes cutting the bars easier later on.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
For the finishing touch, place your milk and dark chocolate chips along with 1/4 cup butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely melted and silky smooth. This topping will provide a luxurious chocolate layer that beautifully contrasts the chewy cereal base.
Step 6: Coat the Bars with Chocolate
Immediately pour the melted chocolate mixture over your packed cereal bars, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula. Working quickly is important here to create an even layer before the chocolate begins to set.
Step 7: Chill and Salt
Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes until the chocolate starts to firm up but is not completely set. At this point, sprinkle kosher salt over the top to enhance the sweet and savory harmony. This salt sprinkle is a wonderful touch that elevates the flavors dramatically.
Step 8: Set Completely and Serve
Return the pan to the refrigerator and let the chocolate fully harden before cutting the bars into squares. This waiting time ensures every piece holds together perfectly and delivers that delightful crunch and chew.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Cereal Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are delightful all on their own, topping them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate can add a lovely finishing touch. For a festive occasion, try sprinkling with crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles to make them even more appealing.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chocolate Caramel Cereal Bars with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfectly balanced snack. They work wonderfully as an after-school treat or an energizing pick-me-up alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a more complete snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and stacking them on a decorative platter for parties or gatherings. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a cute gift or lunchbox surprise. You could also layer pieces between wax paper to create a fun treat jar that friends and family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them fresh and chewy. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge will help prevent the chocolate from melting but may make the bars firmer.
Freezing
To enjoy these bars later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Reheating
If you want to warm them up slightly, especially if refrigerated, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the chocolate just enough to bring out the gooey texture without making them too melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Absolutely! While oat cereal is great for texture and flavor, you can substitute with other sturdy cereals like rice crisps or cornflakes. Just keep in mind that softer cereals may result in less crunch.
Is it possible to make these bars nut-free?
Yes, you can replace the peanut butter with a seed butter such as sunflower seed butter to keep it nut-free while maintaining the creamy consistency that binds the bars.
Can these bars be made vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like using vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and marshmallows that are free from gelatin, you can create a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.
Why do I need to refrigerate the bars?
Refrigerating helps the chocolate topping set firmly and allows the bars to hold their shape when cut. It also prevents the chocolate from melting at room temperature, especially on warm days.
Will the bars be too sticky to eat?
If prepared and cooled properly, these bars have a lovely chewy texture but are not overly sticky. Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan and chilling thoroughly are key to preventing stickiness.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a quick and delicious treat that feels both nostalgic and gourmet, this Chocolate Caramel Cereal Bars Recipe is your go-to. It’s easy to whip up, adored by all ages, and perfect for anytime snacking or gifting. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these fabulous bars—once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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Chocolate Caramel Cereal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Caramel Cereal Bars combine creamy peanut butter, butterscotch, and marshmallows with crunchy oat cereal, all topped with a luscious milk and dark chocolate layer sprinkled with kosher salt. Perfectly sweet and chewy, they’re an easy no-bake treat that sets quickly in the fridge, offering a delicious snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Mixture
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/2 cup Peanut butter
- 1/2 cup Butterscotch chips
- 2.5 cups Marshmallows
- 5 cups Oat cereal
Topping
- 2/3 cup Milk chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup Dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Mix Peanut Butter and Butterscotch: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, add the peanut butter and butterscotch chips, stirring continuously until all is melted and combined into a smooth mixture.
- Add Marshmallows and Combine: Stir in the marshmallows and continue cooking while stirring constantly until the marshmallows have fully melted and the mixture becomes uniformly blended and smooth.
- Combine with Oat Cereal: Transfer the oat cereal into a large bowl. Pour the warm melted mixture over the cereal and gently mix with a wooden spoon until all cereal is evenly coated.
- Press into Pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Press the cereal mixture firmly into the pan using the back of a spoon to create an even, smooth layer. Set this aside.
- Prepare Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, and 1/4 cup butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Pour and Spread Topping: Quickly pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the pressed cereal bars. Use a rubber spatula to gently spread the topping into a smooth layer.
- Chill and Sprinkle Salt: Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate begins to set. Remove and sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the top.
- Set Completely and Serve: Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate topping is fully set. Once firm, cut into 12 squares and serve or store for later.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal from the pan.
- Pressing the mixture firmly will help bars hold together well.
- You can substitute oat cereal with another crispy cereal if desired.
- For a nut-free version, omit peanut butter and use an alternative such as sunflower seed butter.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
