Lucky Charms Treats

This cereal bars recipe is perfectly on theme for St. Patrick's Day, but is also great for everything from bake sales to potlucks, picnics, lunchboxes, or snacks. Even breakfast! If you love cereal bars, check out these Fruity Pebbles Treats or these Maple Rice Krispie Treats.

Ingredients and Notes

Mini Marshmallows - Marshmallows hold the cereal together in order to form cereal bars. Mini marshmallows melt more smoothly and evenly than larger marshmallows. Stale marshmallows will not melt properly so be sure to use fresh marshmallows.

Butter - Butter will help the marshmallows melt smoothly in these homemade no-bake treats.

Lucky Charms - Lucky Charms are used in this homemade cereal bars recipe to keep with the St. Patrick's Day theme, but are delicious all year round! Plus, Lucky Charms are gluten-free making this three-ingredient recipe perfect for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities.

Substitutions

Bailey's - This homemade cereal bars recipe doesn't call for Bailey's but adding a touch of Bailey's to this Lucky Charms Treats recipe gives a little extra fun to these cereal bars.

Marshmallows - Homemade marshmallows (particularly Homemade Bailey's Marshmallows) would be a delicious substitution in this Lucky Charms Treats recipe. When making homemade marshmallows, you can stir the cereal straight into the marshmallow mixture - no need to let them set!

How to Make this Recipe

Step 1: Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 2: Heat the marshmallows and butter over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until almost melted. Remove from heat and continue stirring until melted and smooth. OPTIONAL: Add 2 tablespoons of Bailey's to the melted marshmallow mixture.

Step 3: Stir the Lucky Charms cereal.

Step 4: Spread the cereal and marshmallow mixture into the lined pan and let set. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Tips & Tricks

Tip #1: If using a microwave to melt the butter and marshmallows combine the two ingredients in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat for 45 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 15 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.

Tip #2: When melting the butter and marshmallows, be sure to remove the mixture from the heat before the marshmallows are fully melted. Continue stirring after they are removed from the heat and they will continue to melt. Stir until fully smooth. Overcooking the marshmallows or melting them at too high of a heat may result in hardened cereal treats.

Tip #3: If using homemade marshmallows, instead of pouring the marshmallow mixture in a pan to set, stir the cereal directly into the bowl after beating the marshmallow, then pour the mixture into the prepared pan to let the Lucky Charms Cereal Bars set.

Tip #4: A silicone spatula works best for spreading the cereal bar mixture into the lined pan, but if it's sticking, a piece of wax paper can be used to help gently press the marshmallow cereal mixture into the pan. Alternatively, the spatula can be lightly sprayed with non-stick spray. Spraying the spatula with non-stick spray will also help if the spatula is sticking while stirring the cereal into the melted marshmallows.

Tip #5: Be sure not to pack the marshmallow and cereal mixture into the baking dish or the Lucky Charms Treats will be hard to bite into! Just lightly press them into the pan.

Tip #6: Let the Lucky Charms Cereal Bars set completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.

Tip #7: For thicker Lucky Charms Treats, you can instead use an 8x8 pan. Alternatively, this simple one-bowl recipe can be made in two 8x8 pans for a similar thickness to the 9x13 pan (as pictured).

Storage Tips

Lucky Charms Treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.