Special-K Bars

Special-K Bars Recipe - Delicious Snack or Dessert from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 12

Introduction

Special-K Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. These bars are made with a combination of peanut butter, sugar, and Special K cereal, topped with a rich chocolate frosting.

History

Special-K Bars have been a popular dessert for many years, with variations of the recipe popping up in cookbooks and kitchens across the country. The combination of crunchy cereal, creamy peanut butter, and sweet frosting makes these bars a favorite among both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Bars

0.5 cup of light karo syrup
0.5 cup of sugar
0.75 cup of peanut butter
3 cups of Special K cereal

Frosting

3 tbsp of cocoa
0.5 tsp of vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp of milk
2 tbsp of butter
1.5 cups of powdered sugar

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, combine Karo syrup, sugar, and peanut butter.
Heat the mixture until it starts boiling around the edges.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in Special K cereal.
Transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered 9 x 9 inches pan and press it down until it becomes flat. Let it cool.
In a separate bowl, combine all the frosting ingredients and beat until smooth.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled Special K bars.

Variations

Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter for a different twist on the recipe.

Notes

Peanut butter frosting: Substitute 0.25 cup peanut butter instead of cocoa.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a large saucepan when making the bars, as the mixture will expand as it heats up.

- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure that the bars hold together well.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the frosting, as this will help the frosting set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Special-K Bars are perfect for a quick and easy dessert, or as a sweet snack to enjoy throughout the day.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Special-K Bars is to heat the mixture until it starts boiling around the edges, and to press the mixture firmly into the pan before allowing it to cool.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Special K cereal on hand, you can substitute with another crispy rice cereal.

Make Ahead Tips

Special-K Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the bars into squares and serve on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Special-K Bars pair well with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Special-K Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Special-K Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Special-K Bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Special-K Bars contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Special-K Bars contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Special-K Bars are a good source of iron and vitamin E.

Alergens

Special-K Bars contain peanuts and dairy.

Summary

Special-K Bars are a delicious treat that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provide a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Special-K Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a crunchy cereal base, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate frosting, these bars are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Special-K Bars. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I sifted through the yellowed cards, my eyes landed on a faded sheet of paper with the words "Special-K Bars" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive.

I had never heard of Special-K Bars before, but the ingredients listed on the card intrigued me. Chunks of chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crispy Special-K cereal all mixed together to create a delicious and decadent treat. I knew I had to try making them for myself.

I asked my mother about the recipe, but she had no recollection of where it had come from. She simply shrugged and said it was one of those recipes that had been passed down through the generations. So, armed with the mysterious recipe card in hand, I set out to recreate the Special-K Bars on my own.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The recipe was surprisingly simple, with just a few steps to follow. I melted chocolate and peanut butter together on the stove, stirring until smooth and creamy. Then I added in the Special-K cereal, stirring until it was well coated in the chocolate mixture.

I pressed the mixture into a pan and let it cool in the fridge for a few hours. When I finally cut into the bars and took my first bite, I was blown away by how delicious they were. The combination of sweet chocolate, nutty peanut butter, and crunchy cereal was absolutely irresistible.

I shared the Special-K Bars with my family and friends, and they were an instant hit. Everyone raved about how delicious they were, and they quickly became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays, and they never failed to impress.

Over the years, I made slight tweaks to the recipe, adding in extra ingredients like chopped nuts or dried fruit to mix things up. But the basic formula remained the same, and the Special-K Bars continued to be a beloved treat in my household.

As I grew older, I began to wonder about the origins of the recipe. Where had it come from, and who had first thought to combine chocolate, peanut butter, and Special-K cereal in such a delightful way? I searched through old cookbooks and asked around, but no one seemed to have any answers.

Then, one day, I stumbled upon an old cookbook at a flea market that dated back to the early 1900s. As I flipped through the pages, my heart skipped a beat when I came across a recipe for "Crispy Chocolate-Peanut Bars" that bore a striking resemblance to my beloved Special-K Bars.

The recipe was credited to a woman named Mrs. Eleanor Smith, a renowned home cook and baker from a small town in Iowa. Mrs. Smith had won numerous awards for her inventive recipes, and it seemed that my Special-K Bars had been inspired by her original creation.

I was overjoyed to finally uncover the origins of the recipe that had brought me so much joy over the years. I felt a connection to Mrs. Smith, a fellow lover of baking and creating delicious treats for her loved ones. I knew that her legacy would live on through my continued baking of her beloved Special-K Bars.

And so, every time I make a batch of Special-K Bars, I think of Mrs. Smith and the countless hours she must have spent perfecting her recipe. I am grateful for the gift she unknowingly passed down to me, and I will continue to share her delicious creation with my family and friends for years to come.