Harvest Marshmallow Bars

I still remember the first time I made these Harvest Marshmallow Bars. The smell of melted butter and toasted marshmallows filled my whole kitchen. It felt like fall wrapped in sweetness.

They’re soft, chewy, and just the right mix of gooey and crunchy. I love how easy they are to make—no fancy tools, just a simple pan and a few cozy ingredients. Every bite reminds me of chilly days and warm treats.

You’ll want to grab one right out of the pan, trust me. The sweet marshmallows mixed with crispy cereal make it hard to stop at one bar. It’s the kind of treat that brings everyone running to the kitchen.

So, let’s get started and make a batch together. You don’t need much time, just a little love and a sweet tooth. Once you taste them, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fall-Inspired Flavors: These bars combine the perfect blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making them feel like a cozy fall treat.
• Chewy and Crunchy: Thanks to the homemade marshmallows and the crunchy pecans and walnuts, each bite is the perfect mix of texture and flavor.
• Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry, and with just a few simple steps, you’ll have an amazing dessert.
• Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to the mix for your own spin on these bars.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields a large batch, making it perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you dive into the recipe, make sure you have these kitchen essentials on hand:

• 8×8 inch square baking pan: This pan will help you shape the bars and give them the perfect thickness.
• Parchment paper: For easy removal of the bars and minimal cleanup.
• Medium saucepan: For melting the butter, honey, and brown sugar together.
• Spoon for stirring: A sturdy spoon to mix the ingredients as they come together.
• Knife for cutting the bars: A sharp knife will make it easy to slice through the marshmallow layers once they’ve set.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious bars:

• 1 batch of homemade marshmallows (Check out my homemade marshmallow recipe for soft, fluffy marshmallows that will melt in your mouth!)
• 1 cup chopped pecans: These bring a nutty, rich flavor and a satisfying crunch to the bars.
• 1 cup chopped walnuts: Walnuts complement the pecans and add another layer of texture and flavor.
• 1/2 cup honey: This provides sweetness and a slight floral flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: The brown sugar adds warmth and depth, enhancing the autumn vibes.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Butter helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a richness that makes these bars decadent.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds depth of flavor and sweetness to complement the spices.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is one of the key spices that gives these bars their cozy, fall-inspired flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg pairs beautifully with cinnamon to create a warm and aromatic base.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Harvest Marshmallow Bars is easy and fun. Here’s how you do it:

1. Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by lining an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it much easier to remove the bars once they’ve set and help prevent them from sticking to the pan.

2. Melt the Butter, Honey, and Brown Sugar

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the honey and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This step is key for making the sticky base of your bars. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it becomes a bit more syrupy.

3. Add the Spices and Vanilla Extract

Once the butter, honey, and brown sugar mixture has thickened slightly, add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to combine, then remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the vanilla extract and mix again. This will help enhance the warm, comforting flavors of the bars.

4. Stir in the Nuts

Add the chopped pecans and walnuts to the saucepan and stir to coat them in the syrupy mixture. These nuts provide the perfect crunch and contrast to the soft marshmallows.

5. Fold in the Marshmallows

Now, it’s time to add the homemade marshmallows. If you’ve already prepared your marshmallows, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold the marshmallows into the nut mixture, being careful not to break them apart too much. The marshmallows will melt slightly as you mix them in, which will create a gooey, delicious texture.

6. Pour the Mixture into the Baking Pan

Once everything is well combined, pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula, ensuring that the nuts and marshmallows are distributed throughout.

7. Let the Bars Set

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. Once they’ve cooled and set, you can refrigerate them for a firmer texture, but they’re perfectly fine to enjoy once they’ve cooled to room temperature.

8. Slice and Serve

Once the bars have set, use a sharp knife to slice them into squares. Serve them up and enjoy!

Variations for Harvest Marshmallow Bars

Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Add Dried Fruit: Chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or dried apples would complement the fall flavors and add a chewy texture.
• Swap the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans or walnuts, you can try using almonds, cashews, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor.
• Make It Chocolatey: For a more indulgent treat, try drizzling melted chocolate on top of the bars before they set, or stir in mini chocolate chips for added sweetness.

How to Serve Harvest Marshmallow Bars

These bars are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• For Fall Gatherings: Bring them to Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or a harvest celebration for a sweet touch.
• As an After-School Snack: Your kids will love these bars as a fun and satisfying snack.
• As a Sweet Treat for Coffee or Tea Time: Serve these bars with a hot beverage for a comforting mid-afternoon snack.
• For Bake Sales or Potlucks: These bars are easy to make in bulk and are sure to be a hit at any bake sale or potluck.

Storing Harvest Marshmallow Bars

To keep these bars fresh:

• Room Temperature Storage: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, but the marshmallows may lose a bit of their fluffiness after a few days.
• Refrigeration: For a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the bars. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Facts	Per Serving (1 bar)
Calories	265 kcal
Total Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	6 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	25 mg
Sodium	150 mg
Total Carbohydrates	39 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Total Sugars	28 g
Protein	3 g
Calcium	35 mg
Iron	0.8 mg
Potassium	95 mg

Conclusion

Harvest Marshmallow Bars are an irresistible combination of gooey homemade marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and warm fall spices. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive occasion or simply as an everyday treat, these bars are sure to become a favorite. With their simplicity and versatility, you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Once you make them, I’m sure they’ll become a go-to dessert in your baking rotation!

Harvest Marshmallow Bars FAQs

Can I use store-bought marshmallows instead of homemade ones?

While homemade marshmallows offer a unique and soft texture, you can absolutely use store-bought marshmallows in this recipe. Just cut them into smaller pieces so they mix in well with the nuts and syrup.

How do I make homemade marshmallows for this recipe?

Making marshmallows at home requires gelatin, sugar, corn syrup, and a bit of patience. The process involves boiling sugar syrup and whipping it with gelatin to create fluffy, pillowy marshmallows. It’s easier than it sounds, and homemade marshmallows add a delightful touch to these bars. If you need a detailed recipe, I’ve got you covered.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you make sure the ingredients (like the vanilla extract and spices) are certified gluten-free. Double-check the labels if you need to be cautious about gluten.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Absolutely! If you or your guests have a nut allergy, simply omit the pecans and walnuts. You can replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or leave them out altogether for a marshmallow-only treat.