15-Minute No-Bake Corn Chex Marshmallow Bars

Prep: 5 minCook: 3 min16 barsmediumAmerican
No-Bake Corn Chex Marshmallow Bars with Peanuts

Crispy cereal bars made with melted marshmallows, butter, and Corn Chex cereal, studded with peanuts and white chocolate chips. No baking required. These quick no-bake bars have a satisfying crunch and set up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for snacks or lunchboxes.

Ingredients

Yield: 16 bars
  • ¼ cup light butter
    regular butter1:1neutral

    same texture and flavor

  • 6 cups mini marshmallows
    regular marshmallows0.75:1neutral

    use fewer as they are larger

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 7 cups Corn Chex cereal
    Rice Chex cereal1:1neutral

    lighter flavor, similar crunch

  • 1 ½ oz chopped peanuts
    chopped pecans1:1neutralpeanuts-freeadds tree_nuts

    richer, buttery flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup no-sugar-added white chocolate chips
    semi-sweet chocolate chips1:1neutral

    more pronounced chocolate flavor

    Full guide →
  • flaked sea salt(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray.

  2. 2

    Melt butter in a large nonstick pot over medium-low heat.

  3. 3

    Add marshmallows and vanilla extract, cooking and stirring until marshmallows are fully melted, about 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Remove from heat and add cereal, peanuts, and chocolate chips, stirring until everything is well coated.

  5. 5

    Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer using a spatula sprayed with nonstick spray or lightly sprayed hands.

  6. 6

    Cool until set, about 25 minutes, then cut and serve.

Tips

Tip 1

Spray your pressing tool generously with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make spreading easier.

Tip 2

Work quickly after adding cereal to the marshmallow mixture, as it begins to set as it cools.

Tip 3

For easier cutting, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts.

Good to Know

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Make Ahead

Prepare bars up to 2 days in advance and store covered.

Serve With

Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. Optional sea salt topping adds brightness.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Overheat marshmallows to avoid burning and creating a gummy texture.

Watch

Don't skip the nonstick spray on pressing tools to avoid sticking and tearing.

Watch

Mix quickly after adding cereal so the marshmallow sets evenly throughout.

Substitutions

Nut-Free Alternatives

peanuts
chopped pecans1:1neutralpeanuts-freeadds tree_nuts

richer, buttery flavor

Full guide →
peanuts
omitnullneutralpeanuts-free

removes peanut allergen

Full guide →

General Alternatives

light butter
regular butter1:1neutral

same texture and flavor

white chocolate chips
semi-sweet chocolate chips1:1neutral

more pronounced chocolate flavor

Full guide →
Corn Chex cereal
Rice Chex cereal1:1neutral

lighter flavor, similar crunch

no-sugar-added white chocolate chips
regular white chocolate chips1:1neutral

adds sugar content

mini marshmallows
regular marshmallows0.75:1neutral

use fewer as they are larger

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →