Sleepy Butterscotch Bars
Sweet and crunchy butterscotch bars with marshmallows and toasted rice cereal, perfect for a quick treat or snack loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar; stir well.
- Add marshmallows; cook until marshmallows melt, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat; stir in toasted rice cereal and whole wheat flakes cereal.
- Press cereal mixture evenly into the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.
- Let cool for 1 hour before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the marshmallows with vegan marshmallows. To ensure the bars hold together well, press the cereal mixture firmly into the pan. If you want a bit of crunch, you can mix in some chopped nuts or seeds. Adjust sweetness by using less brown sugar if desired.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect as a sweet snack or dessert, and they pair beautifully with a glass of Mint-Lemon Iced Tea. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or as a portable snack for road trips or picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sleepy Butterscotch Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To enjoy them warm, pop individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving, allowing the marshmallows to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sleepy Butterscotch Bars contains roughly 552 calories, with 7g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (207% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (143% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 558mg per serving (24% 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 regular rice cereal instead of oven toasted rice cereal?
Yes, you can use regular rice cereal; however, oven toasted rice cereal adds a bit of extra crunch and flavor. If using regular, consider toasting it lightly in the oven for a few minutes to enhance its taste.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Sleepy Butterscotch Bars, replace whole wheat flakes with gluten-free cereal options. Also, ensure your marshmallows and any additional ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe and delicious treat.
Can I add other ingredients to the bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or coconut flakes for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the quantities to maintain the right consistency of the mixture.
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).