M&Ms Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

October 13: National M&M Day

More than two decades ago, as newlyweds on our first visit to Highlander’s sister Linda R.’s home northeast of Reno, Nevada, her family welcomed us hungry travelers with a plate of colorful M&M treats. Our niece, Nichole, noticed how we devoured enjoyed snacking on them that she offered to write down the recipe from her mother’s cookbook. At the time, she was just a young grade schooler learning how to write letters (she is now a newlywed herself)!

Whenever we visit the family, they prepare other delicious snacks for us, showing their hospitality and love. M&Ms peanut butter cereal bars remind us of Nichole whose lucky husband Dylan N. is now enjoying her cooking. And everyone can also devour these delicious M&Ms peanut butter cereal bars with this recipe especially on National M&Ms Day.

Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Combine cereal and M&Ms in a bowl. Set aside. In a large pot, melt the butter, peanut butter and salt together.

Stir in the marshmallows and mix until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Fold in the cereal and M&Ms, making sure everything is combined well.

In a greased 10×10 inch square (or 9×13 inch rectangle) pan, gently press the cereal mixture. Let cool for 15 minutes. Cut into 9 thick squares or 12 bars.

Notes

  • We welcomed niece Nichole and her new husband Dylan with this snack and her handwritten recipe when they came to visit us while RVing across America for a belated honeymoon. She was happily surprised that we saved that handwritten recipe after all these years. The cookbook from which she copied the recipe cannot be found and is no longer published. So this handwritten keepsake can be passed on to others, including her future children.
  • Sometimes we change out the colors of M&Ms to red and green and make these peanut butter bars and package them for Christmas treats.
  • Make more M&Ms treats, like peanut butter cookies.
  • Cook the classic Rice Krispies treats (regular or chocolate).