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Chocolate Malt Crispy Bars

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Chocolate Malt Crispy Bars are chewy, crunchy no-bake cereal treats made with marshmallows, malted milk powder, and a rich chocolate topping. Their nostalgic malt flavor and crisp texture make them an easy dessert for parties, lunchboxes, or everyday treats.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups crisp rice cereal
  • 10 ounces mini marshmallows
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup malted milk powder
  • 8 ounces semisweet or milk chocolate, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips, optional
  • 1/2 cup crushed malted milk balls, optional
  • Flaky sea salt, optional

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift out the finished bars.
  2. Measure the crisp rice cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
  3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low to medium-low heat.
  4. Add the mini marshmallows and stir gently until almost completely melted.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the malted milk powder, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the crisp rice cereal. Gently fold until the cereal is evenly coated.
  7. If using chocolate chips, let the mixture cool for about 1 minute before gently folding them in.
  8. Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared pan and gently press it into an even layer using a lightly buttered spatula or parchment paper. Do not pack it too firmly.
  9. Melt the chopped chocolate gently in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
  10. Spread or drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the cereal mixture.
  11. Sprinkle with crushed malted milk balls and flaky sea salt if desired.
  12. Let the bars set for 30 to 45 minutes, then lift them from the pan and cut into 16 squares or rectangles.

Notes

  • Use classic malted milk powder rather than chocolate drink powder for the strongest toasted malt flavor.
  • Melt the marshmallows over gentle heat and avoid firmly compacting the cereal mixture to keep the bars chewy rather than hard.
  • For Double Chocolate Malt Crispy Bars, use chocolate crisp rice cereal and add chocolate chips before topping with melted dark chocolate.
  • For a peanut butter variation, stir creamy peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mixture before adding the cereal.
  • Chopped toasted peanuts, almonds, or pecans can be added for extra crunch.
  • Semisweet or dark chocolate provides a less-sweet contrast to the marshmallows, while milk chocolate creates a sweeter malt-shop flavor.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment or wax paper.
  • For the best texture, enjoy within 2 to 3 days and avoid refrigeration unless the room is warm enough to soften the chocolate.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chocolate-malt-crispy-bars/