4-Ingredient Marshmallow Nougat Bars

• 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows (or regular-sized marshmallows, cut in halves)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter (or use creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture)
• 3 cups rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)

These ingredients come together to form a sweet, chewy, and slightly crunchy treat, with just the right balance of marshmallow and chocolate.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Marshmallow Nougat Bars

Making these Marshmallow Nougat Bars is incredibly simple, and the whole process takes less than 30 minutes. Here’s how to make them step-by-step:

1. Prepare the Marshmallow Mixture

Start by melting the peanut butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once the peanut butter is smooth and melted, add the mini marshmallows to the pan. Continue stirring until the marshmallows have melted completely and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Add the Rice Cereal

Once the marshmallow and peanut butter mixture is fully combined, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately add the rice cereal and stir until everything is evenly coated with the marshmallow-peanut butter mixture. Be gentle to avoid crushing the rice cereal, as you want to keep it crunchy.

3. Shape the Bars

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Transfer the marshmallow-cereal mixture into the pan, pressing it down with a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly distribute it. Make sure the mixture is compact and smooth.

4. Chill the Bars

Allow the marshmallow nougat mixture to cool and set for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to speed up the process.

5. Coat with Chocolate

While the mixture is setting, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler if you prefer.

Once the marshmallow nougat bars have cooled and set, cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate or drizzle it over the top of each bar for a rich, indulgent coating. Let the chocolate harden before serving.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the chocolate coating has set, the bars are ready to enjoy! These sweet, chewy, and chocolaty treats are perfect for any occasion. Serve them at parties, give them as a homemade gift, or just indulge in them as a snack.

Tips and Variations

• Peanut Butter Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter or have allergies, you can substitute it with almond butter, cashew butter, or even Nutella for a different twist. Just make sure the consistency is smooth for mixing with the marshmallows.
• Chocolate Variations: Try using white chocolate chips or dark chocolate for a different flavor. You can also use a combination of different types of chocolate for a layered look.
• Add-Ins: If you want to add extra flavor or texture, consider folding in chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins before pressing the mixture into the pan.
• Make it Festive: These bars are perfect for customizing to different holidays or celebrations. Add colorful sprinkles or drizzle with colored icing to make them more festive.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them to keep them fresh for up to two weeks.

Why These Marshmallow Nougat Bars are Perfect for Any Occasion

These 4-Ingredient Marshmallow Nougat Bars are the ultimate treat for just about any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a bake sale, a holiday, or just because, they’re quick to make and sure to satisfy any sweet craving. The chewy marshmallow and peanut butter, combined with the crunch of the rice cereal, makes for a perfect balance of textures, while the chocolate coating brings it all together in a satisfying and indulgent way.

Not only are these bars delicious, but they’re also a great recipe for involving kids in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, they can help mix the ingredients, press the mixture into the pan, and even add the final chocolate drizzle.

Conclusion

4-Ingredient Marshmallow Nougat Bars are an incredibly simple, yet irresistibly tasty treat. With just four ingredients and minimal preparation time, these chewy, chocolaty bars are the perfect dessert or snack to make whenever you need something quick and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a party or enjoying them as an everyday treat, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the delightful taste of marshmallow nougat bars!