Did Somebody Say Caramel Corn Bars?

When it comes to recipes, there's a running joke in our family to never get attached to anything that my mother-in-law makes. She is the queen of putting a different spin on every recipe she makes, so you NEVER get the same thing twice from her. What could be yummy this time around might just be ho-hum next time, but the third time it could be stellar. You just never know, and I think there's some fun in that kind of mystery.

I also have a little quirk when it comes to recipes. I believe that variety is the spice of life, and want to try as many new things as possible when it comes to eating. I've since retired my recipe box and have moved on to 3 huge binders to keep my collection in, all with their own little folders for each recipe category. One of those categories is "Most Used" so I can quickly find our favorites. A recipe has to be pretty kick-ass to make it to that folder, otherwise it probably won't see the light of day around here again.

I was recently craving some caramel corn (who doesn't in the fall?) and thought I'd try an idea I heard about from a friend a while back. My family loves Rice Krispies Treats, so we thought we'd try the same concept of putting together some bars, but with a fall flavored treat of caramel corn in place of the rice puff cereal. The end result turned into these scrumptious Caramel Corn Bars!

Made with the traditional gooey marshmallow mixture, it's a great way to create a fall inspired treat. What's fun about this recipe is you can be just like my mother-in-law and change it up with different ingredients each time you make it. Change the peanuts for a different kind of nut, swap out the chocolate chips for M&M's, add in some dried fruit. The possibilities are endless!

When Allison first had these, she asked, "Did you buy these or make them?" When I told her I made them she said, "Dang it! That means we aren't ever going to get them again!" No need to worry, child, this recipe went straight into my favorites folder, so we'll be sure to have them time and time again.

yield: 12 BarsAuthor: Theresa M.print recipe

Caramel Corn Bars

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 cups Caramel Corn (store bought or homemade)
• 1 cup peanuts
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (any- milk, semi sweet, white, dark chocolate)
• 1 package of mini marshamallows (10.5 ounce)
• 1/4 cup butter

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bow, combine caramel corn, peanuts, 1 cup of marshmallows, and chocolate chips.
2. Melt butter in a sauce pan over low heat. Add marshmallows. Cook and stir until mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and pour over caramel corn mixture. Stir to coat.
3. Using greased hands, press mixture into a greased 8x8 inch pan. Allow to cool. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container.

http://www.theresasmixednuts.com/2016/11/did-somebody-say-caramel-corn-bars.html

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This is a favorite recipe among kids and adults, so it's a perfect addition to any dessert table, pot luck, or bake sale you attend this fall!

What mix-ins would you add to this recipe to make it different on your next batch?