If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy brownies, gooey marshmallows, and irresistible chocolate-peanut butter toppings, these Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert. This classic treat starts with a decadent homemade brownie base that’s baked to perfection, then topped with a layer of soft marshmallows and a crunchy chocolate-peanut butter krispy mixture that takes every bite over the top.
Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying a serious sweet tooth, these bars are always one of the first desserts to disappear. The combination of chewy brownies, fluffy marshmallows, and crispy chocolate topping creates an unforgettable texture and flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a stress-free dessert for any occasion.
My friend Rebecca is bringing us these today and she comes up with the BEST recipes everyone goes crazy for!
Why You’ll Love This Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars Recipe
- Loaded with layers of flavor and texture. These Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars combine rich chocolate brownies, fluffy marshmallows, creamy peanut butter, and crispy rice cereal for the ultimate dessert experience.
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and parties. Whether you’re bringing a dessert to a family gathering, bake sale, picnic, or holiday celebration, these brownie bars are always a crowd favorite.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients. You don’t need any fancy baking skills or hard-to-find ingredients to create these delicious marshmallow brownie bars.
- A classic vintage dessert recipe. Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars have been a beloved homemade treat for generations and continue to be popular because they’re simply irresistible.
- Great for making ahead. These bars store beautifully, making them perfect for preparing in advance for parties, special occasions, or weekly dessert planning.
- Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will be obsessed. The rich chocolate brownie base paired with the crunchy peanut butter topping creates a flavor combination that’s hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars?
Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars are a layered dessert made with a fudgy brownie base, a soft marshmallow layer, and a crunchy chocolate peanut butter rice cereal topping. They’re known for their rich flavor and irresistible combination of textures.
Can I make Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are actually even better after they’ve had a few hours to set. You can make them a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature until ready to serve.
How do I store leftover brownie marshmallow bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Can Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars be frozen?
Absolutely. Once fully cooled and set, cut the bars into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead of homemade brownies?
Yes. If you’re short on time, a boxed brownie mix works perfectly for the brownie layer. Simply prepare according to package directions and continue with the marshmallow and krispy topping layers.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes. Crunchy peanut butter adds even more texture to the topping and works wonderfully in this recipe.
Why are my marshmallows melting completely into the brownies?
The brownies may have been too hot when the marshmallows were added. Allow the brownies to cool slightly before topping with marshmallows to help them soften without completely melting away.
Can I make these brownie bars without peanut butter?
Yes. You can substitute cookie butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or another favorite spread if you need a peanut-free alternative.
What makes Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars so popular?
Their popularity comes from the incredible combination of rich brownies, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy chocolate-peanut butter topping. Every bite delivers multiple textures and flavors that dessert lovers can’t resist.
Are Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars good for bake sales and potlucks?
Definitely. These bars travel well, serve a crowd, and are easy to cut into individual portions, making them one of the best desserts for bake sales, potlucks, parties, and family gatherings.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Allow the brownie layer to cool slightly before adding the marshmallows so they soften without completely melting.
- Use fresh marshmallows for the fluffiest texture and best appearance.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- For bakery-style squares, chill the bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
How to Store Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars
Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing Instructions
Can You Freeze Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars?
Yes! Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting before completely cooled.
- Using stale marshmallows.
- Overheating the chocolate topping.
- Not lining the pan.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor, fluffy marshmallows, and an irresistible crunchy topping, these Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re easy enough for everyday baking yet special enough for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, and bake sales. Every bite is packed with layers of fudgy brownie, creamy marshmallow, and crispy chocolate-peanut butter goodness that make them completely unforgettable.
Whether you’re making them for a crowd or simply treating yourself, this classic dessert recipe is one you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Be prepared though, these bars have a way of disappearing fast!
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Kentucky Krispy Brownie Marshmallow Bars
Ingredients
Bottom Layer
- 1 Box Brownie Mix follow box instruction fully and for cooking times.
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1/4 Vegetable Oil
- 1/4 Water
Middle layer
- 1 Jar 198 g Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Crème
Top Layer
- 2 Cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Cup Peanut Butter
- 3 Cups Rice Krispies
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.
- Bake Brownies as directed on box and let to fully cool.
- Spread Jet-Puffed Mallow Crème.
- Place Chocolate chips and peanut butter in a medium sized microwave bowl and microwave until well blended stopping at 1 minute intervals.
- Once melted stir in Rice Krispies and spread evenly over mallow crème.
- Cover and chill for two hours before cutting into squares
- Yields 24-36 bars depending on how big you like your squares
- ENJOY!
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Comments & Reviews
Gail says
I’m going to make these now. Luckily I have all the ingredients.
molly says
Delicious!!!!!!! Wowzers
Jennifer Shales says
We can’t have peanut butter in our house but I am following this up until the peanut butter part. I am going to put in carmel bits in the peanut butters place 🙂 Can’t wait to try these! They look delicious!!!!
Kadi says
Thank for the suggestion. I volunteer in a peanut free camp in the summer and I was wondering what to use to make them peanut free.
Shari says
I wonder if you could use a Carmel topping instead of Carmel bits.
nicole levesque says
I made it with caramel topping turn out really good,very sweet!
MaryEllenWatson says
Wow, That is a great Idea?, I’m a caramel
Fanatic?
Diane says
I have tweaked all recipes calling for peanut butter with SUNBUTTER (made with sunflower seeds). Its very yummy.
Laureen says
These look so yummy Lisa! everything I love in a bar combined into one!
Mich says
I am a little confused. What are the ingredients listed after the box of brownie mix? Is that what we mix into the the mix, or in addition to whatever ingredients are listed in the box? Probably a dumb question, but I am being sincere in asking it. 🙂
Lisa M. says
its just whats in the box – i wrote them so you would know what you need 🙂
virginia says
i was asking myself the same thing..lol
Anna Retzer says
These sound awesome!
Gene Ras. says
Quite impressive. Easy to make. Very tasty.
Linda says
Looking at replacing the marshmallow with cream cheese mixture.
Kerri-Anne says
Using the creamy icing instead of marshmallow cream? I’m from Canada ont and can’t find the marshmallow cream.
Edna Burns says
Looks good and easy to fix
Wendy says
I had trouble getting the marshmallow creme to spread evenly. Do you have any suggestion on how I can get it to spread better.
Kay Weller says
What is jet marshmallow creme can you get them in Australia
Kathy Eichholz says
Tell me how I pin this receive? Thanks
Diane Preston says
What size brownie mix do you use. I know the recipe says to spread in a 9×13″ pan, but some mixes are specifically for a 9×13″ pan and others are specifically for a 8″ or 9″ square pan.
Lois says
I made these for my sister who just came home from the hospital from having surgery..recipe called for making brownies EXACTLY BY BOX DIRECTIONS my Pillsbury mix called for more oil than recipe so I used the extra oil..turned out fine..I didn’t have chocolate chips so used Hershey kisses and I only had 1 1/2 cups cereal so used that..my these things are awesome..my sister was on her second serving with a big glass of milk when I left..will definitely b making them again!
Lisa says
Can i just leave out the peanut butter? And just use chocolate chips and rice crispies?