Easter Goody Bars are a fun treat packed with all your favorite candy! They bring together crispy cereal, marshmallows, and colorful candies to make a chewy and sweet snack.
These bars are perfect for sharing or just for satisfying your sweet tooth. I love making them with my kids—they enjoy adding their favorite candies and, of course, sneaking a few bites! 🍬
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crispy Rice Cereal: This is the base of the bars, adding crunch. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, make sure to choose rice cereal that’s labeled as such.
Mini Marshmallows: I love using both white and pastel marshmallows for fun color. If you can’t find the pastel ones, just go with regular white marshmallows. You could also try using marshmallow fluff as a variation.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal here as it lets you control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil can be a great substitute.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives sweetness but also a bit of chewiness. For a twist, use honey or maple syrup! Just remember to adjust the consistency if you do.
Corn Syrup: This adds stickiness to keep everything together. If you’re looking to avoid corn syrup, try using agave syrup or a homemade version with sugar and water.
Chocolate Chips: I prefer milk chocolate for its rich, sweet flavor. You can use dark chocolate for a more intense taste, or even white chocolate if that’s your jam!
How Do I Ensure My Bars Are Firm and Not Sticky?
Getting the right texture in these bars is crucial! Here are some tips to prevent stickiness:
- Properly Measure Ingredients: Use packed brown sugar in your measurements. It makes a difference!
- Cook Sugar Mixture Correctly: Boil your butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup for exactly two minutes. This step creates a firmer consistency.
- Press Firmly: After combining the mixture in the pan, press it down firmly. Use a spatula or wax paper to get an even surface.
- Let Them Set: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Refrigerating them for about an hour helps them firm up nicely!
Follow these steps, and you’ll have deliciously chewy, not-sticky bars everyone will love!
How to Make Easter Goody Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (white and pastel colored variety)
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- Additional mini marshmallows (pastel colored) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional hour for cooling. It’s quick to make and so fun to enjoy with family and friends during the Easter celebrations!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help you lift the bars out easily once they are set. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the pan with some butter or cooking spray.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large saucepan, set your stove to medium heat and melt the butter. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
3. Make the Sugar Mixture:
Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and corn syrup to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the mixture starts to boil. Allow it to boil without stirring for 2 minutes. This helps achieve a nice, chewy texture.
4. Add Flavor:
After boiling, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This will give your bars a wonderful flavor.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Quickly add in the mini marshmallows (both white and pastel colored) and the crispy rice cereal. Fold everything together gently with a spatula, making sure all the cereal and marshmallows are coated evenly.
6. Press into the Pan:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or a piece of wax paper to press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan. This ensures your bars will hold together nicely when cut.
7. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the milk chocolate chips. Microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
8. Spread the Chocolate:
Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal marshmallow layer and use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the top. This will give a delicious chocolate layer to your bars!
9. Add the Topping:
While the chocolate is still warm, immediately top with additional pastel mini marshmallows. Gently press them into the chocolate so they stick.
10. Set the Bars:
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, or you can stick them in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until they are fully set and firm.
11. Cut and Serve:
Once the bars are set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your colorful and festive Easter Goody Bars!
Happy Easter! Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Cereal?
Absolutely! While crispy rice cereal is traditional, you can substitute with other cereals like Fruity Pebbles or Cocoa Krispies for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Syrup?
If you’d like to avoid corn syrup, honey or agave syrup can work well as substitutes. Just note that they may alter the flavor slightly and may require slight adjustments in texture, so you might want to reduce the amount a little if it’s thicker.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Freeze the Easter Goody Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
