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
What’s in Rainbow Bars
Main Ingredients:Binding and Preparation Ingredients:Optional Finishing Touches: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
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
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
Rainbow Bars: Playful New Takes
Rainbow Bars: Plating Ideas
Store Rainbow Bars with a Smile
FAQs
Yes! Kids love these colorful bars because they’re made with Fruit Loops cereal, making them sweet, fun, and visually appealing.
Absolutely! You can substitute Fruit Loops with Rice Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, or any crunchy cereal you prefer.
These Rainbow Bars stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days, maintaining their soft and chewy texture.
Not typically, since Fruit Loops and marshmallows usually contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cereal and marshmallows.
Print
Rainbow Bars Recipe
- 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
Main Ingredients:
- 12 cups Fruit Loops cereal
- 16 ounces (454 grams) mini marshmallows
Base Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) margarine
Instructions
- 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.
- Melt margarine in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until completely liquefied and smooth.
- Add mini marshmallows to the melted margarine, continuously stirring until the marshmallows are fully dissolved and create a glossy, uniform mixture.
- Remove the pot from heat and quickly fold in Fruit Loops cereal, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Carefully transfer the colorful mixture into the prepared pan, using a greased piece of parchment paper to press and compact the bars evenly.
- Allow the rainbow bars to cool at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes until they are completely set and firm.
- 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
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.