Emergency Bars
Sweet and indulgent emergency bars combine marshmallows, chocolate chips, and Rice Krispies with cake mix for a quick, tasty treat suitable for all ages and occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Melt the margarine on a cookie sheet.
- Sprinkle the yellow cake mix evenly over the melted margarine.
- Layer the miniature marshmallows, chocolate chips, and Rice Krispies on top of the cake mix.
- Drizzle condensed milk over the layered ingredients.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter in place of margarine. If you're short on marshmallows, you can substitute with an equal weight of chopped dried fruit or nuts. To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix. Make sure to mix the layers gently to avoid crushing the Rice Krispies. For a fun twist, try adding a layer of peanut butter or chocolate spread.
Serving Suggestions
These Emergency Bars are perfect as a quick snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For an added touch, serve with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving them at parties or gatherings as a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Emergency Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks. To reheat, place bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm and gooey, or bake at a low temperature for a few minutes to revive their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Emergency Bars contains roughly 2094 calories, with 43g protein, 278g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (188% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (111% of the Daily Value), and protein (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1554mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can definitely use a different flavor of cake mix to customize your Emergency Bars. Chocolate or red velvet cake mix can create a delicious variation. Just keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness may change slightly depending on the mix you choose.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make the Emergency Bars vegan, substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Be sure to check that the cake mix you choose is also vegan-friendly, as some mixes contain non-vegan ingredients. This way, you can enjoy a vegan-friendly treat without sacrificing flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The Emergency Bars are done when they are golden brown and bubbly on top, usually after 20-25 minutes of baking. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).