M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars Recipe

Fluffy M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet dreams come alive with these decadent m&m marshmallow dream bars that blend childhood nostalgia with irresistible chocolatey goodness.

Layers of soft marshmallow melt seamlessly between buttery graham cracker crusts and colorful candy pieces.

Chocolate chips add extra richness to this delightful treat that sparkles with playful m&m colors.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures that dance across your taste buds.

The simple recipe requires minimal ingredients but promises maximum satisfaction for anyone craving a quick dessert.

Chocolate lovers and sweet tooth enthusiasts will absolutely adore this effortless, crowd-pleasing bars that disappear faster than you can slice them.

Reasons to Love M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars

  • Unleash Sweet Satisfaction: Dive into a delightful dessert that combines multiple textures and flavors, creating an irresistible treat that'll make taste buds dance with joy.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, school events, or casual get-togethers, these colorful bars will bring smiles to children and adults alike, making them a guaranteed hit at any celebration.
  • No-Fuss Dessert Magic: Minimal prep time and easy cleanup mean you can enjoy maximum deliciousness with minimal effort, turning a simple recipe into a spectacular sweet experience.

M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars Ingredient Rundown

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Crispy base that provides a delightful foundation for the bars.
  • Butter: Melted goodness that helps bind the crust together.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Mini Marshmallows: Soft and fluffy clouds of sweetness.
  • M&M's Candies: Colorful chocolate pieces that add a playful crunch.
  • Chocolate Chips: Rich morsels of chocolate goodness.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Creamy white chocolate drops for extra indulgence.
  • Crushed Pretzels: Salty crispy bits that provide a delightful contrast.
Binding Ingredient:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sticky sweet liquid that helps hold all the layers together.

Making M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust

In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a solid base.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Toppings

Arrange the ingredients in delightful layers:
  • Mini marshmallows
  • M&M's candies
  • Chocolate chips
  • White chocolate chips
  • Crushed pretzels

Spread each ingredient evenly across the graham cracker crust.

Step 4: Add Creamy Drizzle

Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring a smooth and even coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn golden and marshmallows become melted and slightly toasted.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely inside the baking dish.

Once cooled, cut into individual bars and serve.

Helpful Ideas for M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars

  • Use a rolling pin or food processor to create uniform, fine pretzel crumbs for an even texture and balanced crunch in your bars.
  • Select premium chocolate chips and M&M's for richer flavor and better melting characteristics during baking.
  • Watch bars closely during the last 5 minutes of baking to ensure marshmallows and chocolate melt without scorching, rotating pan if needed for even browning.
  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining delicious taste.
  • Allow bars to cool entirely at room temperature to help them set properly, ensuring clean, neat slices without crumbling.

How to Store and Warm Up M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars

  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months for best quality.
  • Remove bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
  • Warm bars briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their gooey, soft texture and revive the melted marshmallow goodness.

Sides to Enjoy with M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars

  • Match Chocolate Milk's Creamy Comfort: Cold, rich chocolate milk complements the sweet, gooey marshmallow bars perfectly, enhancing the dessert's rich chocolate notes.
  • Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, crunchy texture of the M&M and pretzel layers, creating a delightful sensory experience.
  • Serve Alongside Espresso Shot: A strong espresso cuts through the sweetness, balancing the intense flavors and offering a sophisticated adult twist to this playful dessert.
  • Accompany with Caramel Latte: Smooth caramel latte echoes the sweet condensed milk in the bars, adding depth and warmth to each delectable bite.

Tasty Spins on M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. Use gluten-free pretzels or omit them entirely for a celiac-friendly treat.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream, and choose vegan marshmallows. Select dark chocolate M&M's alternatives or plant-based chocolate candies.
  • Nut-Lover's Remix: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts alongside the existing ingredients. Sprinkle crushed nuts on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sweetened condensed milk quantity, use sugar-free chocolate chips, and select dark chocolate M&M's with lower sugar content. Consider using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for additional sugar reduction.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap out chocolate chips for different varieties like dark, milk, or even caramel chips to customize the flavor profile of your bars.

  • Do I need to crush the pretzels finely?

Aim for a mix of small and medium pretzel pieces. This provides a nice texture contrast and ensures some crunch in every bite without making the crust too sandy.

  • How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and melted, slightly toasted marshmallows. The bars should look set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.

  • Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. Double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars Recipe

M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate-lovers rejoice with these delectable M&M marshmallow dream bars, blending gooey marshmallow and colorful candy crunch. Sweet layers melt together, creating a playground of rich texture that makes dessert lovers swoon and crave more.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (473 ml) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Binding and Sweet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mini marshmallows

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) M&Ms candies
  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (118 ml) crushed pretzels

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking workspace by positioning an oven rack in the center and heating to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring slight overhang for easy removal.
  2. Create the foundational graham cracker crust by mixing crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly and uniformly across the pan’s bottom, creating a compact base.
  3. Artfully distribute mini marshmallows across the entire crust surface, ensuring even coverage.
  4. Strategically scatter M&M’s, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and crushed pretzels over the marshmallow layer, creating a colorful and textured landscape.
  5. Gently cascade sweetened condensed milk across the entire surface, allowing it to seep between the layers and provide a rich, cohesive binding.
  6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and marshmallows that have transformed into a delicately toasted, puffy state.
  7. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the baking dish, permitting the layers to set and solidify.
  8. Once thoroughly cooled, lift the bars from the pan using parchment paper edges and slice into individual servings, revealing the decadent, multi-textured interior.

Notes

  • Enhance crust stability by chilling the graham cracker base for 10 minutes before adding toppings to prevent crumbling.
  • Customize candy mix by replacing M&M’s with seasonal colors or alternative chocolate varieties for unique flavor profiles.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Control marshmallow melting by watching carefully during final baking minutes to achieve perfect golden-toasted texture without burning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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