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
Scale
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.
