Lucky Charms Bars are a sweet, crunchy, and colorful twist on Rice Krispie Treats with all the nostalgia in every bite!
author’s note
My Favorite St. Patrick’s Day Tradition!
Growing up, Lucky Charms Bars were always a St. Patrick’s Day treat at my house. My mom would grab a big box of cereal, melt down some marshmallows, and we’d suddenly have a pan of delicious, colorful bars ready to go. I mostly remember hovering around the counter, picking out the rainbow marshmallows and hoping no one noticed.
Now it’s a tradition I make with my own kids. The second that cereal box comes out, they’re digging for the marshmallows and trying to bargain for “just a few more” before the bars are done. I usually toss a handful on top at the end just to keep everyone happy.
What I love most about my Lucky Charms Bars is how easy they are. They’re just as simple as classic Rice Krispie Treats, but way more colorful and fun. A little vanilla and a pinch of salt make them taste extra special, and those extra marshmallows on top give the perfect mix of gooey and crunchy.
Quick Tip
Have leftover Lucky Charms? Put them to use in this St. Patrick’s Day Popcorn or Leprechaun Bait!
Lucky Charms Bars Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tips or Swaps |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Lets you control the salt level. Salted butter works; just skip the added salt. |
| Mini marshmallows | Use fresh, soft marshmallows for the best melt and texture. |
| Vanilla extract | Adds a bakery-style flavor that makes these taste extra special. |
| Salt | Just a pinch balances all the sweetness. |
| Lucky Charms cereal | Stir gently so the cereal doesn’t crush. |
| Lucky Charms marshmallows | Optional, but great for a colorful, crunchy topping. I just grab some straight from the cereal! |
How To Make Lucky Charms Bars Tips
- Keep heat low: If the heat is too high, the marshmallows will get hard. Melt them slowly, stir often, and remove from heat once smooth.
- Grease the pan well: Coat the pan well so the bars don’t stick.
- Use a strong spatula: A sturdy, heat-safe spatula makes mixing and spreading easier.
- Press mixture evenly: Use a spatula or spoon to spread and flatten the mixture.
- Let cool before cutting: This helps the bars set and keeps them from falling apart.
Preventing Sticky Hands
Spray your hands or a spatula with cooking spray before pressing the bars into the pan—no sticking, just smooth, easy shaping!
How Long For Lucky Charms Bars To Harden?
Let the bars cool for 30 minutes before cutting. This helps them firm up, so they’re easier to slice and won’t break apart. Waiting is worth it!
Variations
Looking for a chocolate twist on the classic Lucky Charms bars? Try using Chocolate Lucky Charms instead!
Storage
These Lucky Charms bars are best the day you make them since the marshmallows firm up over time.
Keep them in an airtight container at room temp. Skip the fridge or freezer—moisture makes them soggy.
More Tasty No-Bake Treats:
Desserts
Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Cookies
No Bake Cookies Recipe
Desserts
Oreo Icebox Cake
Desserts
Avalanche Cookies (No Baking!)
Lucky Charms Bars
Video
Equipment
- Large pot nonstick
- Silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1 (10-ounce) package miniature marshmallows divided, see note 1
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups Lucky Charms cereal
- 1/2 cup Lucky Charms Marshmallows optional
Instructions
- Generously grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large nonstick pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, reduce the heat to low and add 6 cups of marshmallows. Stir continuously with a heat-resistant spatula until fully melted. (Avoid turning up the heat—this can make the bars too hard.)
- Once melted, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Add in Lucky Charms cereal and stir gently to incorporate. Add in the remaining marshmallows and stir until ingredients are well and evenly coated in marshmallow mixture. (It’s not intended for these additional marshmallows to completely melt.)
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it into an even layer. (Spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking.) Sprinkle the optional Lucky Charms marshmallows on top and gently press them in.
- Let the bars cool completely, about 30 minutes. Once set, cut into squares with a sharp knife.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
