Get ready to indulge in the most delightful no-bake treat of the season: Summer Avalanche Bars! These aren’t just any dessert bars; they’re a celebration of texture and flavor, combining the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies with the gooey sweetness of marshmallows, the rich depth of white chocolate and peanut butter, a hint of toasted coconut, and a generous shower of playful sprinkles. Perfect for warm weather, these bars require no oven and come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for any summer gathering or a simple afternoon pick-me-up.

Contents

Summer Avalanche Bars: The Ultimate No-Bake White Chocolate Peanut Butter Treat

Every once in a while, a fun competition sparks joy in our household. Not the kind that involves running marathons, but rather a culinary “throwdown” where the stakes are delicious and the prize is pure enjoyment. Our recent challenge? To create the ultimate no-bake Rice Krispies treat. Inspired by the spirit of friendly competition, much like the Olympics, but with a much sweeter reward, our family divided into two teams, each vying to concoct the most irresistible dessert.

Our household teams were formed: my girls and I proudly represented one side, while my Hubby and Junior formed the opposition. Of course, our trusty lab, always eager for a dropped crumb, was unofficially claimed as a team member for numerical equality, though his primary contribution was diligent floor-cleaning whenever a cereal flake went astray. A true team player, in his own unique way!

The recipe I’m sharing today is the triumphant creation from my girls and me. We poured our hearts, and plenty of sprinkles, into crafting what we believe are the best no-bake bars around – our signature Summer Avalanche Bars. These bars are a delightful adaptation of the classic Avalanche concept, but with a vibrant, summery twist that makes them utterly irresistible.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These No-Bake Dessert Bars

Our Summer Avalanche Bars are a symphony of textures and flavors. They feature a generous blend of creamy white chocolate, rich peanut butter, crunchy Rice Krispies cereal, soft mini marshmallows, and the delightful chewiness of lightly toasted coconut. And, as any seasoned dessert maker with young assistants will attest, no treat made with children is complete without an abundance of sprinkles! For my girls, sprinkles were the undisputed star ingredient they insisted on adding first. The sophisticated notes of white chocolate and toasted coconut, however, were my personal contribution, elevating these bars beyond a simple childhood snack to something truly special.

While the original inspiration might have been a “girls only” treat, celebrating their love for all things bright and sweet, these bars are universally appealing. Their beautiful appearance, combined with their delectable taste, makes them perfect for a wide array of occasions. Imagine them gracing the table at a charming tea party, adding a burst of color to a birthday celebration, or serving as a refreshingly sweet bite at a sunny picnic. They’re also fantastic for summer potlucks, family BBQs, or simply as an easy, satisfying dessert after a long day.

Crafting Your Perfect Batch of Summer Avalanche Bars

The beauty of these Summer Avalanche Bars lies not only in their incredible taste but also in their simplicity. As a no-bake recipe, they minimize kitchen heat, a huge plus during the summer months. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible treats in under an hour, including chill time. The process is straightforward and fun, making it an excellent activity for involving kids in the kitchen, especially when it comes to adding those colorful sprinkles!

The combination of melted white chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich, creamy binder that coats every single Rice Krispie, ensuring a perfectly cohesive and delightfully gooey bar. The toasted coconut adds a subtle nutty flavor and another layer of texture, while the mini marshmallows melt just enough to contribute to that signature chewy, yet light, consistency. And of course, the sprinkles not only add visual appeal but also a hint of extra sweetness and a touch of celebratory fun to every bite.

Tips for the Best Avalanche Bars

Don’t Skip Toasting the Coconut: While optional, toasting the coconut flakes brings out their natural sweetness and nuttiness, adding a depth of flavor that raw coconut simply can’t match. Keep a close eye on it, as coconut can brown quickly!
Gentle Melting: When melting white chocolate, low and slow is the way to go. Microwaving in short 20-second bursts and stirring well in between prevents it from seizing or burning, ensuring a smooth, velvety base for your bars.
Mix Carefully: Once the Rice Krispies and coconut are added to the melted chocolate mixture, fold them in gently to avoid crushing the cereal. The goal is to coat everything evenly without compacting the ingredients too much.
Marshmallow Magic: Add the mini marshmallows last and fold them in quickly. You want them to soften slightly from the warmth of the mixture but not completely melt, preserving their chewy texture.
Pressing Power: When pressing the mixture into your prepared pan, use a piece of parchment paper or a spoon lightly sprayed with cooking oil. This trick prevents sticking and helps you achieve an even, compact layer without getting sticky hands.
Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the refrigeration step! Allowing the bars to chill for at least 30 minutes ensures they set properly, making them easy to cut into clean, perfect squares.

Creative Variations to Explore

While these Summer Avalanche Bars are perfect as is, feel free to unleash your creativity and experiment with different variations:

Chocolate Choices: Not a fan of white chocolate? Swap it for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix of different chocolate chips for a unique flavor profile.
Nut Butter Alternatives: If peanut butter isn’t your preference or if you have allergy concerns, almond butter or cashew butter would also work wonderfully. Just be sure to use a creamy variety.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts like peanuts, almonds, or walnuts for an additional layer of crunch and flavor. Pretzels pieces could also add a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
Fruity Fun: Stir in some dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even mini chocolate-covered raisins for a chewy, fruity twist.
Candy Craze: For an even more indulgent treat, fold in miniature M&M’s, chopped candy bars, or other small confectionery delights.
Sprinkle Swap: Experiment with different types and colors of sprinkles to match any holiday or party theme! From rainbow jimmies to seasonal shapes, the possibilities are endless.

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Bars

Once your Summer Avalanche Bars are perfectly set, simply lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper, slice them into squares or rectangles, and serve! They are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. For optimal freshness, store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain wonderfully gooey and crunchy for up to 3-5 days, though we doubt they’ll last that long once your family and friends get a taste!

These bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience. They bring together the joy of making something sweet with loved ones and the pleasure of savoring a truly delicious treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these Summer Avalanche Bars are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, enlist your helpers (human or canine!), and get ready to create some magical moments in the kitchen.

Summer Avalanche Bars

Author:
Anna

These irresistible Summer Avalanche Bars are a no-bake dream, packed with gooey marshmallows, rich white chocolate, creamy peanut butter, crunchy Rice Krispies, toasted coconut, and colorful sprinkles for a perfect summer treat!

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Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
5 mins

Total Time
15 mins (plus chill time)

Course
Dessert

Cuisine
American

Servings
8 servings

Calories
246 kcal

Ingredients

1 c white chocolate chips
¼ c peanut butter
½ c coconut flakes
1 ¾ c rice krispies cereal
1 c mini marshmallows
sprinkles (for topping)

Instructions

Line an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the paper. Set aside.
To toast the coconut, place it in a dry non-stick pan set over medium heat. Toast until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second increments, stirring well after each interval until smooth and fully melted. Add the peanut butter and stir again until thoroughly combined.
Add the Rice Krispies cereal and the cooled toasted coconut to the chocolate mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until all the cereal and coconut are evenly coated.
Add the mini marshmallows to the mixture and gently fold them in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as the marshmallows should remain mostly intact. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
Top generously with sprinkles. Using a piece of parchment paper or the back of a spoon lightly sprayed with cooking oil (to prevent sticking), gently press down on the sprinkles and the entire mixture to compact it firmly into the pan.
Refrigerate the bars until completely set, which will take at least 30 minutes. Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the dish. Cut into desired bar sizes and serve. Store any remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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