Rainbow Bars Recipe

Bright & Cheerful Rainbow Bars Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Colorful rainbow bars bring unexpected joy to any dessert table, sparkling with vibrant layers that promise pure delight.

Sweet treats like these capture childhood wonder through playful, eye-catching design.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary sugar cookies into a spectacular visual experience.

Layers of soft, buttery dough get painted with brilliant food coloring, creating edible art that makes people smile.

Each colorful stripe tells a story of creativity and whimsy.

Simple techniques turn basic ingredients into something magical that looks complicated but comes together quickly.

Come explore how easy it is to create these show-stopping rainbow bars that will impress everyone at your next gathering.

Rainbow Bars: Baked for Smiles

  • Unleash Colorful Creativity: Craft vibrant rainbow bars that bring joy and excitement to any gathering with their eye-catching, multicolored appearance.
  • Whip Up Quickly: Prepare these delightful treats in mere minutes with just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills required.
  • Kid-Friendly Delight: Perfect for children's parties, bake sales, or after-school snacks that will make kids smile from ear to ear.
  • No-Bake Wonder: Enjoy a hassle-free dessert that doesn't require an oven, making it ideal for hot days or when you want a simple sweet treat.

What’s in Rainbow Bars

Main Ingredients:
  • Fruit Loops Cereal: A colorful and sweet cereal that provides the rainbow effect and crunchy texture for the bars.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Soft, sweet marshmallows that act as the binding agent to hold the bars together.
  • Margarine: Helps melt and bind the ingredients while adding a rich, smooth base to the recipe.
Binding and Preparation Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents the bars from sticking to the pan.
  • Non-Stick Spray: Provides additional insurance against sticking and helps with smooth bar formation.
Optional Finishing Touches:
  • Greased Parchment Paper: Used to press down the mixture evenly and create a compact bar texture.

Make Rainbow Bars at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper and lightly coat with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the finished bars.

Step 2: Melt Butter Base

Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat, stirring gently until it transforms into a smooth liquid pool.

Step 3: Create Marshmallow Magic

  • Mini marshmallows

Add marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously until they dissolve into a glossy, creamy mixture.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 4: Introduce Colorful Crunch

  • Fruit Loops cereal

Remove pot from heat and fold in Fruit Loops, ensuring every piece gets coated with the marshmallow mixture.

Stir until cereal is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape Colorful Bars

Pour the vibrant mixture into the prepared pan.

Use greased parchment paper to press down firmly, creating an even layer of treats.

Step 6: Set And Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Once set, slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Arrange the rainbow bars on a serving plate and watch faces light up with delight as people admire the burst of colors and sweet crunch.

Rainbow Bars: Baker’s Tips

  • Use parchment paper overhang for easy removal and smooth bar cutting.
  • Lightly grease parchment paper with non-stick spray to ensure bars slide out cleanly.
  • Stir continuously and keep heat medium to avoid burning or scorching marshmallows.
  • Mix Fruit Loops gently to maintain crunch and distribute color evenly.
  • Let bars cool completely at room temperature for clean, firm slices that hold their shape.

Rainbow Bars: Playful New Takes

  • Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace Fruit Loops with gluten-free rice cereal for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the colorful appeal.
  • Vegan Rainbow Treat: Swap margarine with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows to create a plant-based alternative that's equally vibrant.
  • Protein Power Bars: Incorporate protein powder into the marshmallow mixture and add chopped nuts for extra nutritional value and texture.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free marshmallows and a mix of whole grain cereals to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the playful rainbow look.

Rainbow Bars: Plating Ideas

  • Colorful Party Platter: Arrange rainbow bars on a vibrant serving dish surrounded by fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, and orange slices for a playful presentation.
  • Sweet Lunchbox Surprise: Pack these bars in kids' lunchboxes with a small note or stick a cute food pick through each bar for added excitement.
  • Movie Night Treat: Serve these bars alongside popcorn during family movie time, creating a fun and nostalgic dessert experience that everyone will love.
  • After-School Energy Boost: Cut bars into smaller bite-sized pieces for a quick snack that provides a burst of color and sweetness for hungry children returning from school.

Store Rainbow Bars with a Smile

  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with wax paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 weeks for best texture and flavor.
  • Keep bars in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure container is away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Warm bars gently in microwave for 5-10 seconds. Alternatively, let frozen bars thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

  • Are Rainbow Bars kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love these colorful bars because they’re made with Fruit Loops cereal, making them sweet, fun, and visually appealing.

  • Can I use a different type of cereal?

Absolutely! You can substitute Fruit Loops with Rice Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, or any crunchy cereal you prefer.

  • How long do these bars stay fresh?

These Rainbow Bars stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days, maintaining their soft and chewy texture.

  • Are these bars gluten-free?

Not typically, since Fruit Loops and marshmallows usually contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cereal and marshmallows.

Print
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Rainbow Bars Recipe

Rainbow Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Colorful rainbow bars bring sweet nostalgia to dessert tables with layers of buttery graham cracker crust and vibrant marshmallow frosting. Crisp edges and playful colors make these treats perfect for celebrations or casual weekend snacking.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 cups Fruit Loops cereal
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) mini marshmallows

Base Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) margarine

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly coating with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Melt margarine in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until completely liquefied and smooth.
  3. Add mini marshmallows to the melted margarine, continuously stirring until the marshmallows are fully dissolved and create a glossy, uniform mixture.
  4. Remove the pot from heat and quickly fold in Fruit Loops cereal, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
  5. Carefully transfer the colorful mixture into the prepared pan, using a greased piece of parchment paper to press and compact the bars evenly.
  6. Allow the rainbow bars to cool at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes until they are completely set and firm.
  7. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and slice into rectangular portions using a sharp knife.

Notes

  • Spray your hands with non-stick spray when pressing the mixture to prevent sticking and create smooth, even bars.
  • Use room temperature marshmallows for faster and more even melting, ensuring a smoother texture throughout the mixture.
  • Try different colorful cereals like Fruity Pebbles or Trix for varied rainbow effects and unique flavor combinations.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture and vibrant colors.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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