Get ready to indulge in a magical treat that will transport you straight to your childhood! If you're a fan of the iconic cereal Lucky Charms, then you're going to fall head over heels for these Lucky Charms Bars. They're a sweet, crunchy, and colorful twist on the classic Rice Krispie Treats.
PREP: Generously grease a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
MARSHMALLOW MIXTURE: In a large non-stick pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, reduce heat to low and add in 6 cups of marshmallows. Use a sturdy, heat-resistant spatula to stir the mixture until completely melted. This takes a bit of time and you may be tempted to bump up the heat, but don't! (This will create harder bars--See Note 2.)
FINISH MIXTURE: Once melted, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Add in the Lucky Charms cereal and stir gently to incorporate. Finally, add in the remaining marshmallows (approximately 1⅓ cups) and stir until combined. (It's not intended for these marshmallows to completely melt.)
ALLOW BARS TO SET: Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it into the edges. I spray the spatula (or my hands) with cooking spray and gently compress into an even layer. Sprinkle the optional Lucky Charms marshmallows on top of the mixture for a prettier look and extra crunch. Gently press these marshmallows in. Allow the bars to cool completely, about 30 minutes, before using a sharp knife to cut them into squares.
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Notes
Note 1: Marshmallows: Marshmallows can get stale over time, which affects their ability to melt properly. So, make sure to use the freshest possible marshmallows for the best results. When purchasing marshmallows, feel the bags to find the softest ones available.Note 2: Keep the heat low: High heat can cause the marshmallows to harden, which will result in hard and unenjoyable bars. Keep the heat as low as possible and remove the marshmallows from the heat as soon as they're melted. Remember to stir the mixture constantly as the marshmallows melt down.