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Irresistible cheesecake bars with a Lucky Charms twist blend crunchy cereal with a super smooth cream cheese layer for a dreamy no-bake dessert. The fun marshmallow bits and that pop of green make it playful, giving you childhood vibes with a grown-up flair. Great for St. Paddy’s Day shenanigans or anytime you want something easy that’ll get big grins from both kids and grownups.
I whipped up these bars for my son's birthday right around St. Paddy's, looking for something fun that wouldn't hog my oven while I was handling other party food. They were such a crowd-pleaser that kids and parents all grabbed extras, and a couple parents asked me how I made it before they left. This quick fix is now our go-to every spring, and those bright colors and sweet flavor always make people smile.
Colorful Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Gives the creamy tang that makes the filling so good.
- Heavy whipping cream: Makes it fluffy, kind of like mousse.
- Lemon juice: Adds a little zip to balance all the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the creamy layer just right.
- Unsalted butter: Starts everything off rich and keeps the cereal bars together.
- Mini marshmallows: Melt them down for a gooey binder in the base.
- Lucky Charms cereal: Where you get the magic crunch and those bold colors.
- Green food coloring: For the festive, party-ready look.
- Lucky Charms marshmallows: Sprinkle these on top for extra fun and flavor.
How To Put It Together
- Finishing Touches:
- Top with extra Lucky Charms marshmallows and some sprinkles before you dig in.
- Serving Made Easy:
- Lift the whole thing out of the pan by the parchment edges, slice into bars using a warm knife, and let them hang out for 5 minutes at room temp before handing out.
- Let It Set:
- Cover and pop the pan in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or leave it overnight.
- Add the Good Stuff:
- Smooth the cheesecake layer evenly right over the cooled cereal base.
- Merging the Mix:
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese batch gently, so it keeps its fluffy shape.
- Green Boost:
- Squeeze in some green food coloring to your whipped cream mix, just enough to get the color you want.
- Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese with lemon juice until it’s super smooth. In another bowl, whip the cream and slowly pour in the sugar until it’s stiff.
- Press in the Pan:
- Push the cereal and marshmallow base into a parchment-lined 9x9 pan, flatten it out, and let it cool off.
- Mix It All Up:
- Toss in the cereal with the melted marshmallow mixture, stirring carefully so you don’t crush the pieces.
- Start with the Base:
- Get your butter melting on the stove over low heat, then toss in mini marshmallows and stir until everything melts together and is smooth.
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We love grabbing these straight from the freezer when it's warm out—they’re kind of like an ice cream treat on blazing days. The kids look forward to picking marshmallows to use for topping, so assembly turns into a little group project. They travel well in a cooler—great for picnics because they hold their shape and stay chilly outside.
Bright Presentations
For some charm on the dessert table, serve alongside other rainbow munchies at your St. Patrick’s Day bash. Stack them up on a tiered tray with chocolate gold coins, rainbow fruit kabobs, and maybe some green macarons. Small bowls of extra Lucky Charms marshmallows look like “pots of gold” and add a fun detail.
If you want individual servings, cut them smaller and pop each one in a cupcake liner. Stick a big marshmallow on top and slide in a lollipop stick, so they’re easy and (mostly) mess-free. Or wrap them up in clear bags and tie with some rainbow ribbon for a fun gift.
Tasty Variations
Chocolate fans, mix three tablespoons of cocoa powder into your melted marshmallows for the base and a couple more into the cheesecake filling. Drizzle some melted chocolate on top and finish with marshmallows for a rich, extra-chocolaty spin.
If you want fruity bars, toss in zest from a lemon, lime, or orange into both the base and the creamy part. Swap in Fruity Lucky Charms or mix in Fruity Loops for a bigger fruit kick, perfect for summer fun.
For a cool mint chocolate flavor, stir half a teaspoon of peppermint extract into the cheesecake layer and spread crushed Andes mints over the base before adding your marshmallows. Awesome idea for Christmas or wintertime get-togethers.
How To Store
Keep them airtight in the fridge up to five days if you want them soft and creamy. Stack with parchment so they don’t stick together.
If you’re after more of a frozen bar, stash them in the freezer for up to a month. Let them sit out for a few minutes before eating so they’re the perfect texture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to put these bars together a couple days early?
- You sure can. Keep 'em frozen, then toss on the marshmallow bits before you serve. They'll look their best that way.
- → What’s the best way to keep leftovers fresh?
- Freeze them in a container that seals tight—good for two weeks. Fridge works too, just know they'll get a bit softer and only last a few days.
- → Can I swap out Lucky Charms for something else?
- Go for it! Use Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Cocoa Puffs instead. Just measure out the same amount for the base and you’re set.
- → Do the bars need to warm up before I eat them?
- Let them hang out at room temp for about 10 to 15 minutes once you pull them from the freezer. The cheesecake will soften a bit but still hold its shape.
- → What if I don’t want to use green food dye?
- Matcha powder can make it green naturally, or just leave food coloring out. Feel free to pick any other color to match whatever you’re celebrating.