I was looking for a recipe that would be a treat for all ages, but I also wanted one where I could sneak in some whole foods, oats, nuts, dried fruit, etc. I surrounded myself with three different recipes, none of which really met my needs, but all provided inspiration and tips for this delicious recipe that I finally come up with. Yes, it has marshmallows and white chocolate, just don't tell them about the oats, nuts and fruit!
- 2 cups crisp rice puff cereal
- ¾ cup quick oats
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- ½ cup almond flakes
- ½ cup coconut flakes
- 150 g marshmallows
- 60 g butter
- 125 g white choc melts
- ½ cup roughly chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, pistachios or other nuts of choice)
- ¾ cup dried fruit (sultanas, craisins, blueberries, diced apricot, or other dried fruit of choice)
- ⅛ tsp sea salt flakes
- 2 tbsp dark choc chips
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Line a 20cm x 30cm slice pan with baking paper, making sure to leave an overhang, and set aside.
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Combine rice puff cereal, oats, nuts, coconut and sesame seeds in a pan and toast, stirring over medium heat for a few minutes.
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Combine marshmallows, and butter in a large pan, and melt over low heat (it looks wrong and as if it's split, then it blends together nicely.
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Add the white chocolate melts and continue to stir until the chocolate has melted (the mixture will thicken as the chocolate melts).
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Remove from the marshmallow mix from the heat and stir in the toasted cereal mixture, dried fruit, and salt, and stir well to combine.
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Quickly transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread evenly, sprinkle over the dark choc chips and press firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon to level and compact.
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Refrigerate for one hour, or until completely set and firm.
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Cut into rectangle bars.
I like to do a mix of nuts, generally almonds and pistachios.
I also like to do a mix of fruits, favourites are sultanas and dried cranberries.
You could decorate by piping dark or milk chocolate over the top, and sprinkling dried edible flowers add a beautiful splash of colour, while edible gold leaf, adds a little bling!
Gluten Free Option: Use "free from gluten" oats, rice crisps, marshmallows, chocolate, etc - check labels when purchasing the ingredients.