Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious treat that will excite both kids and adults? These Monster Cereal Bars are a mouthwatering blend of crispy cereal, gooey marshmallow, salty pretzels, and sweet M&Ms that come together in perfect harmony. They’re fun, colorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!

Imagine biting into a bar that combines the crunch of Rice Chex, the melt-in-your-mouth texture of marshmallows, and the sweet and salty goodness of pretzels and M&Ms. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a holiday celebration, or just want a treat to make your day a little brighter, these bars are sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

1 stick of butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
1 (10-oz) bag of marshmallows: The gooey goodness that holds everything in place.
⅓ cup of peanut butter: For a subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture.
5 cups of Rice Chex cereal: Provides a crispy and light base.
1 cup of pretzel sticks (broken into smaller pieces): Brings a salty crunch to balance the sweetness.
1 cup of M&Ms: Adds a pop of color and chocolatey delight.

Instructions:

Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the stick of butter. Once the butter is fully melted, add the bag of marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. The smell of melting marshmallows combined with butter will make your mouth water!
Incorporate the Peanut Butter: Once the marshmallows are melted, add the ⅓ cup of peanut butter to the saucepan. Stir well until the peanut butter is fully incorporated into the marshmallow mixture, creating a creamy, rich base for the bars. This step gives the bars a subtle, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly add the 5 cups of Rice Chex cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat the cereal evenly in the marshmallow-peanut butter mixture. Next, fold in the 1 cup of broken pretzel sticks and the 1 cup of M&Ms. Make sure everything is well combined, so each bite has a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Transfer to a Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan to prevent sticking. Pour the cereal mixture into the pan, pressing it down gently to create an even layer. You can use a spatula or even your hands (greased with a bit of butter) to smooth the top. The mixture will be sticky, but that’s part of the fun!
Cool and Set: Let the cereal bars cool completely at room temperature. This step allows the marshmallow mixture to firm up, making it easier to cut into squares. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Cut into Squares and Serve: Once the bars are fully set, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve them on a colorful platter to highlight the vibrant M&Ms and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Tips and Variations:

Mix It Up: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins! You can swap the Rice Chex for another favorite cereal, like Cornflakes or Cheerios. Add some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Peanut Allergy Alternative: If you’re making these for someone with a peanut allergy, simply leave out the peanut butter or substitute it with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’re perfect for lunchbox treats or a quick snack on the go!

Why You’ll Love These Bars:

These Monster Cereal Bars are the ultimate combination of flavors and textures. They’re quick to make, don’t require baking, and are easily customizable. Perfect for busy parents, last-minute party preparations, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these bars are a must-try!

Whip up a batch today and watch as your family and friends devour every last bite. Fun, easy, and delicious—these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!