Name: 5 Minute Fantasy Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips; 11 ounces butterscotch chips; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 10.5 ounces mini marshmallows

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There’s something truly magical about the simplicity of the 5 Minute Fantasy Bars. Imagine a busy afternoon when you suddenly crave a sweet treat but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. These bars come to the rescue with just four ingredients, and they’re ready in a flash! I remember the first time I made them; my kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement, and I loved that I could whip up something delicious without any fuss. The best part? They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a spontaneous get-together or craving a late-night snack.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl

The Charm of This 5 Minute Fantasy Bars

Quick and Easy

What I love most about the 5 Minute Fantasy Bars is their incredible ease of preparation. With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, you can have a delightful dessert ready in no time. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend a long time cooking.

Four Simple Ingredients

The simplicity of the ingredient list makes this recipe stand out. You only need chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, creamy peanut butter, and mini marshmallows. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy texture of the peanut butter to the sweetness of the chocolate and butterscotch. Together, they create a treat that’s sweet, sticky, and utterly satisfying.

Kid-Approved

This recipe is a hit with kids! I’ve made these bars for school events and birthday parties, and they never fail to disappear quickly. The kids love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it involves melting chocolate and mixing in marshmallows. It’s a great way to engage them in cooking and create delicious memories together.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual family gathering, a special celebration, or simply a cozy night in, the 5 Minute Fantasy Bars are versatile enough to fit any occasion. They make for delightful snacks that everyone can enjoy, and their sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen is enough to bring smiles all around.

Great for Leftovers

One of the best aspects of these bars is how well they store. After making a batch, I always keep some in an airtight container. They last for days, allowing you to indulge in a sweet piece whenever the craving strikes. Just be careful; they disappear faster than you can imagine!

What Goes Into 5 Minute Fantasy Bars

The ingredients in the 5 Minute Fantasy Bars are not only simple but also work harmoniously together to create a delicious treat. The chocolate and butterscotch chips provide sweetness, while the peanut butter adds creaminess and a delightful richness. The mini marshmallows introduce chewy textures, making every bite a delightful experience.

12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips: These chocolate chips melt beautifully, creating a rich and creamy base for the bars.
11 ounces butterscotch chips: Their unique flavor combines perfectly with the chocolate, adding an extra layer of sweetness.
1 cup creamy peanut butter: This ingredient brings a smooth, nutty flavor and helps bind everything together.
10.5 ounces mini marshmallows: They add a delightful chewiness and sweetness, making these bars irresistibly scrumptious.

How to Prepare 5 Minute Fantasy Bars

Making the 5 Minute Fantasy Bars is as simple as it is fun! The kids love to help out, especially when it comes to the melting and mixing. Just follow these easy steps to create a delicious dessert that’s sure to impress.

Start by lining a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick foil. This makes removing the bars later on a breeze and keeps them from sticking to the pan.
In a large microwave-safe container, combine the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. I recommend using an 8 cup Pyrex measuring cup for the perfect blend!
Microwave the mixture on high heat in 30-second intervals. Be sure to stir in between to ensure everything melts evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Once melted, stir in the mini marshmallows until they are fully coated in the delicious chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
Pour this delightful mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure every piece is coated nicely.
Refrigerate the dish until set, which usually takes about 2 hours. This step is crucial as it allows the bars to firm up.
Once set, remove the bars from the dish using the edges of the foil for easy lifting. Cut into squares or bars as desired.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’re just as delicious days later!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t rush the melting: Take your time while microwaving the mixture. Melting too quickly can cause the chocolate to burn.
Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate chips, the richer your bars will taste. Opt for semi-sweet for the best flavor.
Let them cool completely: Ensuring the bars are fully set in the refrigerator is essential for the right texture.
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Helpful Notes about 5 Minute Fantasy Bars

These tips will help ensure your 5 Minute Fantasy Bars turn out perfectly every time! Follow these suggestions for the best results.

Storage: Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Just wrap them tightly in foil before freezing. They should last up to three months.
Pairing: Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Serving occasion: These are perfect for birthday parties, picnics, or just a cozy family movie night.
Presentation: Cut the bars into fun shapes for kids’ parties; they’ll love them even more!

How to Serve 5 Minute Fantasy Bars

Parties: These bars are a fantastic treat for any party. Their sweet flavor will be a hit among guests of all ages. You can lay them out on a dessert table or serve them in individual wrappers for a fun touch.
After School Snack: They make for a delightful after-school treat. Pair them with a glass of milk or a smoothie to balance the sweetness.
Seasonal Gatherings: Consider making these bars for holidays or family gatherings, where they can bring a sense of joy and nostalgia.
Lunch Box Treat: Cut them into smaller squares and pack them for lunchboxes. Kids will love finding a sweet surprise during lunch!
Picnics: These bars are easy to transport, making them ideal for picnics or outdoor events. Just cut and pack them in a container!

FAQ

While the 5 Minute Fantasy Bars are best with the specific ingredients listed, you can experiment! If you have allergies or specific preferences, consider using different types of chips, like dark chocolate or white chocolate. Just remember that the flavor and texture will change slightly. The key to this recipe is the balance of sweetness and creaminess, so try to keep that in mind when making substitutions!

If stored properly in an airtight container, the 5 Minute Fantasy Bars can last for about a week in the refrigerator. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well. They should hold up for about three months in the freezer, making them a perfect make-ahead treat!

Absolutely! If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the ingredients in a double boiler on the stovetop. Just set up a pot of simmering water and place a heat-safe bowl on top with your ingredients. Stir consistently until everything is melted and smooth. The double boiler method may take a bit longer, but it works perfectly!

For the best results, I recommend using a sharp knife to cut the 5 Minute Fantasy Bars once they have fully cooled and set. If you want clean edges, you can warm the knife slightly under hot water before cutting. This helps to glide through the bars smoothly without tearing them apart!

Conclusion

The 5 Minute Fantasy Bars are a delightful and quick treat that promises to satisfy any sweet craving. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, they make for a wonderful dessert option for any occasion. I encourage you to give them a try; you won’t be disappointed with how delicious and fun they are to make. Enjoy the process and the sweet rewards!