Cornflake Crunch Marshmallow Bars

Directions for Preparation

Creating Cornflake Crunch Marshmallow Bars is simple and rewarding. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

Prepare Your Baking Dish:
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter. This prevents the bars from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Melt the Butter and Marshmallows:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they melt completely, forming a smooth mixture.
Add Honey and Peanut Butter:
- Stir in the honey and optional peanut butter until fully combined. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add Vanilla and Salt:
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, stirring until well incorporated.
Mix in the Cornflakes:
- Gently fold in the cornflakes, ensuring they are evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture. Work quickly to prevent the marshmallow from hardening.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to press the mixture down evenly, ensuring it fills the dish evenly.
Set the Bars:
- Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or place them in the refrigerator for faster setting.
Cut and Serve:
- Once set, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.

Here are some tips to ensure your Cornflake Crunch Marshmallow Bars turn out perfect:

Grease the Spoon or Hands: Use a lightly greased spoon or your hands to press the mixture into the dish. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to spread the mixture evenly.
Work Quickly: Once the marshmallow mixture is ready, work quickly to mix in the cornflakes before it hardens.
Use Fresh Cornflakes: Ensure the cornflakes are fresh for maximum crunchiness. Stale cornflakes can result in less crispy bars.
Add Mix-Ins: Customize your bars by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Airtight Container: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from becoming stale.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the container in the refrigerator. However, note that refrigeration may make the bars firmer.
Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to a month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Cornflake Crunch Marshmallow Bars are versatile, allowing you to customize them to suit your taste. Here are some variations and swaps to consider:

Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the bars for an extra layer of sweetness.
Nutty Delight: Add crushed nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for added sweetness and chewiness.
Cereal Swap: Substitute cornflakes with other cereals like Rice Krispies, Cheerios, or Cocoa Pebbles for a different flavor profile.
Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes on top for a tropical twist.