Simple No-Bake Chex Bars Recipe: Sweet Treats in a Flash

Craving a no-bake Chex bars delight that redefines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat?

Sweet and salty cravings meet their perfect match with this irresistible snack.

Crispy cereal pieces mingle with gooey marshmallow and creamy peanut butter, creating a texture that dances between crunchy and smooth.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these simple yet indulgent bars that require zero oven time.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor, making this recipe a go-to for quick desserts or unexpected hunger moments.

Pantry staples come together in a magical blend of sweet, salty, and satisfying goodness.

Why No-Bake Chex Bars Are the Ultimate Snack Fix

• Grab and Go Snacking: Perfect handheld treat that requires zero baking skills, perfect for busy families, school lunches, or quick afternoon energy boosts.
• Irresistible Texture Mix: Combines crunchy pretzels, crispy Chex cereal, and soft marshmallow binding, creating a delightful contrast of textures in every single bite.
• Kid-Friendly Customization: Super easy recipe allowing children to help mix ingredients, add colorful M&M's, and personalize their own sweet snack while making fun memories in the kitchen.
• No-Stress Dessert Option: Takes just 15 minutes of active preparation time, requires minimal cooking skills, and delivers delicious results that look and taste like you spent hours preparing.

What You’ll Need to Make No-Bake Chex Bars

• Pretzels: Crunchy base that adds salt and texture to the no-bake bars.
• Chocolate Chex: Provides chocolatey flavor and additional crunch to the mixture.
• Mini M&Ms: Colorful candy that brings sweetness and fun to the bars.

• Butter, Peanut Butter: Creamy ingredients that help melt and bind the mixture together, choose unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Marshmallow Fluff: Sticky sweet component that acts as the primary adhesive for the bars.

• Non-Stick Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes removal easier from the pan.
• Foil or Parchment Paper: Provides easy lifting and clean removal of the finished bars.
• Wooden Spoon: Useful tool for mixing ingredients smoothly without damaging the components.

How to Whip Up No-Bake Chex Bars in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Line a 9×9-inch pan with foil or parchment paper, then lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Gather Dry Ingredients

• Pretzels
• Chocolate Chex
• Mini M&M's

Step 3: Create Gooey Binding Sauce

• Butter
• Peanut butter

Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow fluff until completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix and Coat

Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a wooden spoon, ensuring every morsel gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Shape the Bars

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use slightly damp hands to press the mixture evenly, preventing the mixture from sticking to your fingers.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until the bars become firm and hold their shape.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Lift the bars out of the pan using the foil or parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into 9 perfect squares.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 1 week.

Handy Tips for Better No-Bake Chex Bars

• Choose the Right Pan: Use a light-colored metal pan for even cooling and easier bar removal, preventing sticking and uneven chilling.
• Control Marshmallow Mixture Temperature: Let the melted butter and peanut butter cool slightly before adding marshmallow fluff to prevent separation and maintain smooth consistency.
• Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly dampen hands with water or spray with non-stick cooking spray when pressing mixture into pan for clean, smooth bar surfaces.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Swap M&M's with chocolate chips, crushed candy bars, or dried fruit to create unique flavor combinations and personalize the bars.
• Chill Completely: Ensure bars are fully set by refrigerating for at least 2 hours, allowing ingredients to bind together and create a firm, sliceable texture.

How to Keep No-Bake Chex Bars Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigeration: Place the Chex bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to one week, maintaining their crisp texture and delicious flavor.
• Room Temperature: Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their chewy consistency. Avoid leaving them out for extended periods to prevent spoiling.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, ensuring they retain their original taste and texture.

Perfect Pairings for No-Bake Chex Bars

• Boost Flavor with Milk Pairing: Creamy cold milk perfectly complements the sweet and salty crunch of these Chex bars, balancing the rich chocolate and peanut butter notes.
• Elevate with Coffee Companion: Rich, bold espresso or a smooth latte cuts through the sweetness, offering a delightful contrast that enhances the bar's complex flavors.
• Refresh with Fruit Smoothie: A bright berry or tropical fruit smoothie provides a light, refreshing counterpoint to the dense, indulgent texture of the no-bake bars.
• Enhance with Vanilla Shake: A classic vanilla milkshake echoes the marshmallow's sweetness while adding a creamy, smooth element that makes each bite more enjoyable.

Delicious No-Bake Chex Bars Variations You Should Try

• Nutty Crunch Edition: Swap mini M&M's with chopped roasted almonds and add a sprinkle of sea salt for extra depth. Replace chocolate Chex with honey-flavored Chex for a more complex flavor profile.
• Tropical Paradise: Use white chocolate chips instead of regular, mix in dried coconut flakes and crushed macadamia nuts. Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a lighter taste.
• Cookies and Cream Blast: Substitute pretzels with crushed Oreo cookies, mix in white chocolate chips, and replace M&M's with crushed cookies. Add a drizzle of dark chocolate on top for extra richness.
• Berry Bliss: Incorporate dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Use graham Chex instead of chocolate, and add a touch of orange zest for brightness. Sprinkle freeze-dried raspberry pieces on top for a tangy finish.

No-Bake Chex Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mexican chocolate Chex bars deliver a spicy-sweet symphony of crunch and indulgence. Creamy chocolate, cinnamon, and a hint of cayenne pepper create irresistible no-bake treats perfect for quick dessert cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups Chocolate Chex
• 3 cups small pretzels
• 1 cup mini M&M’s

Binding Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups marshmallow fluff

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×9-inch (23×23 centimeter) baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and edges extend slightly over the pan sides for easy removal. Lightly coat the liner with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine crunchy pretzels, chocolate-flavored Chex cereal, and colorful miniature M&M’s candies until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Select a medium saucepan and melt unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Once melted, remove from heat source.
4. Add marshmallow fluff to the warm butter and peanut butter mixture, whisking thoroughly until the combination transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid with no visible lumps.
5. Pour the warm marshmallow blend over the cereal and pretzel mixture, using a sturdy wooden spoon or silicone spatula to ensure every morsel becomes evenly coated with the sticky mixture.
6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, using slightly dampened hands to firmly press the contents into a uniform, compact layer without creating air pockets.
7. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, or until the bars become completely firm and set.
8. Lift the chilled mixture from the pan using the extended foil or parchment edges, placing it on a clean cutting surface.
9. Slice the chilled block into 9 equal-sized square bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
10. Store the completed bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for up to 7 days.

Notes

• Gather all ingredients beforehand to streamline the no-bake bar preparation process.
• Wet hands with cold water when pressing mixture into pan to prevent sticky frustration and ensure smooth bar formation.
• Mix marshmallow and peanut butter over low heat to create a silky, even coating that binds ingredients perfectly.
• Customize bars by swapping out M&M’s for favorite chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for personalized crunch.
• Refrigeration helps bars set quickly and maintains their ideal chewy texture for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg