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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, or until the bars become completely firm and set.
- Lift the chilled mixture from the pan using the extended foil or parchment edges, placing it on a clean cutting surface.
- Slice the chilled block into 9 equal-sized square bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- 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