Moon Bars

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Moon Bars are rich, chocolatey treats with a crunchy rice cereal base, nutty pecans, and smooth peanut butter, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter or oleo
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar; beat in eggs and vanilla.
  2. Stir together flour, chopped pecans, cocoa, and baking powder; stir into the egg mixture.
  3. Spread in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. You can substitute chopped walnuts for pecans or use almond flour for a gluten-free version. If you're out of cocoa, try carob powder. To make it easier to cut into bars, chill the baked base for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Moon Bars as a delightful dessert at your next gathering. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Jello Applesauce Salad for a nostalgic, colorful spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Moon Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Moon Bars contains roughly 704 calories, with 11g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

704 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.8g 22% DV
Total Fat 37.8g 48% DV
Carbs 75.3g 27% DV
Fiber 9.5g 34% DV
Sugar 8.3g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 225.8mg 10% DV
Potassium 708.8mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 115.8mg 39% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 194.9mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 14.9mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 1.3mcg 7% DV
Calcium 133.9mg 10% DV
Iron 10.7mg 59% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Peanut Tree nuts

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 chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are traditional, you can use dark chocolate for a richer taste or even white chocolate for a sweeter alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.

How can I make these bars more chocolatey?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder or incorporating chocolate chunks along with the chips. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decorative and indulgent touch.

Are there any vegetarian substitutions for the eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs by using flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water as a binding agent. Typically, one tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia combined with three tablespoons of water will substitute for one egg. This makes the recipe suitable for vegetarian diets.

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).

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