Almond Joy Rice Krispie Bars

I love rice krispie bars, and I especially love finding ways to "fancy" them up. This recipe mimics a favorite candy bar, mixing in coconut, almonds and chocolate. These make a wonderful after school snack!

Some of the great flavor in these bars comes from toasting the almonds and the coconut - it is surprising how much the flavors of those ingredients intensifies after being toasted! It's so simple, but makes a huge difference, so be sure not to skip it!

I toast almonds and coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat. (In two batches, one for almonds and one for coconut - but no need to wash the pan in between!) Just be sure to stir often so they don't burn.

Now, melt the butter in a Dutch oven (this is my method - only one pan/dish to wash!) over medium low heat, then add the marshmallows.

Stir gently until the marshmallows are melted, then remove from the heat. Add the almond extract and rice krispies, coconut

and almonds.

Press into a greased 9x13 pan, and press down with your fingers. (It helps to grease your hands, too!) Sprinkle with the chocolate chips,

lightly pressing them into the cereal mixture.

Let cool, then cut into squares!

One year ago: Peanut Ice Cream with Chocolate Flakes
Two years ago: Lemon Raspberry Tart with Poppyseed Crust
Three years ago: Chicken BLT Pasta Salad
Four years ago: Bok Choy Chicken Salad
Five years ago: Corn Dip

Find more great stuff at Inspiration Monday, Mix it Up Monday, Totally Talented, Create Link Inspire, Clever Chicks, Try a New Recipe, Share Your Stuff, Tickle my Tastebuds.

Almond Joy Rice Krispie Bars

4 Tbsp. butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
3/4 teaspoon of Almond extract
1 cup milk chocolate chips

In a Dutch oven, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and mix in the almond extract.

Add the rice krispies, toasted almonds and toasted coconut. Stir until well coated.

Press mixture into a greased 13 x 9 pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips, pressing them into the rice krispies. Let cool. Cut into squares.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom