Sweet Marie Bars
Sweet Marie Bars are rich, crunchy treats with peanut butter, peanuts, and Rice Krispies, topped with smooth chocolate. Perfect for snack attacks, potlucks, or sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a double boiler, melt peanut butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
- Add butter and vanilla to the melted mixture.
- Stir in Rice Krispies and peanuts until well combined.
- Press the mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Melt chocolate chips and spread over the pressed mixture.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using smooth peanut butter instead of chunky. You can substitute honey for corn syrup for a natural sweetness. Be sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure it holds together when cut. If you want to add a twist, try mixing in some mini marshmallows or dried fruits. These bars are perfect for a potluck or as a sweet treat alongside American recipes like Tortilla Ham Pinwheels.
Serving Suggestions
These Sweet Marie Bars are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Consider serving them alongside Lazy Nana Salad for a refreshing contrast. Perfect for parties, they can be cut into smaller squares for bite-sized treats that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sweet Marie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them before serving. To enjoy them warm, microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds before eating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Marie Bars contains roughly 882 calories, with 12g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 nut butter?
Yes, you can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the consistency may vary slightly depending on the nut butter you choose, so adjust the amount of sugar or syrup if needed.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the Rice Krispies you use are labeled gluten-free. Most brands offer a gluten-free version, making it easy to enjoy these bars without gluten.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider mixing in some chocolate chunks along with the chocolate chips on top. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the bars after they have set for an extra indulgent treat.
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).