Happy Monday, everyone – I hope you had a nice weekend! The boys and I just returned from a trip to Washington DC to visit Ben’s parent’s for a few days!
It’s always a great mix of fun and R&R whenever we head out east. Over the past few days Lincoln enjoyed catching up on some light reading, we went for several long walks in the sunshine to house-gaze, and even got to have lunch with our friends Kim, Dylan, and their adorable four month old son who also live out there.
No trip to our nation’s capital would be complete without seeing some it’s signature sights, so of course we drove into the city to visit our junior senator’s namesake memorial. He’s a dead ringer, don’t you think?
No matter how many times I see the monuments around DC, they still make my jaw drop. Glad to see the reflecting pool’s been filled up too as it was under construction and empty the last time we were here. (Anyone else thing of Forrest Gump’s epic speech whenever they see this?!)
We were about five days early for peak cherry blossom viewing, but there were a few trees here and there that had bloomed. I’m actually glad we came when we did as it would have been mass chaos if the trees were at their peak. And although the wind was whippy as the family walked around the tidal basin in front of the Jefferson Memorial, the fresh air and clear blue skies were bliss. Spring…I heart you. :)
We visited a few yummy restaurants while out east, which I’ll fill you in on sometime soon, but first I want to share a treat I made for you last week before we left – Strawberry Shortcake Treat Bars, aka the easiest dessert known to man and Ben’s favorite one I’ve ever made. I thought it was quite the dramatic proclamation when he declared it, cheeks stuffed with gooey vanilla-strawberry flavored treat bars, but after swallowing he confirmed. Best. Thing. EVER!
Normally I wait until Fridays to share sweet treats, but these babies are too good to wait. Here’s the deal – 4 ingredients. 10 minutes. Gluten-free. Crispy, chewy-gooey treat bars that taste like Strawberry Shortcake. Need I say more? Make these for your office, your sweetie, or just for you. I won’t tell!
The base is Vanilla Chex which are not only gluten-free but also taste like cake. Freaking. CAKE! Mix in some melted marshmallows and freeze-dried strawberries and you’ve got yourself one heck of a kicked up treat bar. I’ve got about a million variations of these floating around in my head, so be prepared for some similar recipes in the months to come. In the meantime, make these treats TODAY!
As I mentioned, you’ll need just 4 ingredients for these Strawberry Shortcake No Bake Treat Bars. 1 box Vanilla Chex, 1 bag mini marshmallows, 1.2oz bag freeze-dried strawberries, and 4 Tablespoons butter. Easy!
Microwave the butter in a very (very!) large microwave-safe bowl until melted then add the mini marshmallows and stir to coat. Microwave for another 1 – 1-1/2 minutes then stir until the marshmallows are smooth.
Next add the entire box of vanilla chex and bag of freeze-dried strawberries. I got the strawberries from Trader Joe’s but if you don’t have one nearby just get 1 – 1-1/2oz freeze dried strawberries.
NOTE:Â freeze-dried strawberries are different than dried strawberries. I think dried fruit would work in this bar, but just know they are not the same!
Edit:Â Also look in the health food section of your grocery stores to find these under the “Just Tomatoes Etc” brand as “Just Strawberries”!
Mix until the chex are coated in marshmallow then scoop the mixture into a 9×13″ pan that’s been sprayed with nonstick spray. Press into an even layer using the bottom of a glass or measuring dish that’s also been sprayed with nonstick spray.
Let the treat bars sit for 20-25 minutes to cool and firm up then cut into squares – however big or small you like ’em.
Thaz it…!!!
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Strawberry Shortcake No Bake Treat Bars
Description
Strawberry Shortcake No Bake Treat Bars have 4 ingredients, are gluten-free and take just 10 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 10oz bag mini marshmallows
- 13.5oz box Vanilla Chex
- 1.2oz bag freeze-dried strawberries (anywhere from 1 - 1.5 ounces is good if you can't find this particular bag from Trader Joe's)*
Directions
- Spray a 9x13" baking dish with nonstick spray then set aside.
- Add butter to a very large microwave-safe bowl then microwave for 30 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows then stir to coat and microwave for 1 - 1-1/2 minutes. Stir until marshmallows are smooth then immediately add chex and freeze-dried strawberries. Mix until evenly coated then scoop into prepared baking dish and press into an even layer (I sprayed the bottom of  large measuring dish with nonstick spray then used that to press) then let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
Freeze-dried strawberries are not the same as dried strawberries!
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Sweet, sticky, chewy and with a taste of spring berries – you will devour each and every morsel of these treats. Enjoy!
Danabee 04.16.2014
Yep, making these for the Easter gathering! They look great!
Thanks for sharing the cute pix of your family. Looks like fun trip!
Love your website.
Kale and Wild Rice Bowls with Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette | Iowa Girl Eats 04.16.2014
[…] I was pumped when Ben’s mom pointed out a salad bar spot to hit up for lunch when we were out and about in DC a couple weeks ago called Sweetgreen. With several locations in and around the DC area, Sweetgreen […]
Rhea 04.13.2014
This would make a perfect Easter treat for this week! I tried to make something similar but with Peeps. Nothing gets better than marshmallows in bar form!
http://hotdogfoodblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/peeps-rice-krispie-treats.html
Molly 04.12.2014
These are delicious! Thanks for the fun & easy recipe. Also, the pictures of Lincoln are adorable! Thanks for sharing!!
Val 04.11.2014
Made these for a treat day at work today, came home with an empty pan!! These are so good and super easy to make!!
Brin 04.10.2014
Third time I made these this week. My office loves me. :)
Julie @ Table for Two 04.09.2014
Next time you’re in town – we should grab something to eat! :)
Kristin 04.13.2014
Definitely!! Hope you’re enjoying Taiwan!!
Amber 04.09.2014
I made these last night, and the pan is already 1/2 gone! My husband absolutely loved them, thanks!!
Jacks 04.09.2014
I tried these yesterday, but mine came out too dry. Maybe less cereal next time? I could tell they were going to be tasty, but they just didn’t look like yours! :)
Kristin 04.10.2014
Oh no! Did you check the box size? Maybe yours was a bigger box? I’ve made these three times with no issues!
Jenmarie 04.08.2014
This is such a fun snack! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Katie | The Surly Housewife 04.07.2014
This look AH-mazing!! I love all the varieties of chex they have put out. So yummy!! Pinned and shared :) Oh, and happy anniversary!
lia 04.07.2014
looks delicious! do you think the cereal could be subed with rice krispies?
Kristin 04.08.2014
Sure! It just won’t have the vanilla cake flavor is all.
Karla 04.07.2014
OOH, this recipe looks amazing, Kristin!! I must try this next time I’m craving Rice Krispie Treats.
Happy anniversary to you and Ben! What a cute little person you’ve made! :)
Molly 04.07.2014
I noticed the “Just Try and Ruin My Day” bracelet in the photo of Lincoln and his namesake. What an awesome guy Brian was. Such an inspiration! It’s cool to see his legacy live on. :)
Kristin 04.08.2014
He hasn’t taken it off since the day he got it! :)
Tara @ Rovin' Rambler 04.07.2014
Haha, that picture of Lincoln next to Lincoln is so cute!
These bars look awesome, and so simple! A nice rice krispie treat variation.
chelsea @ chattersize n' pies 04.07.2014
Gosh, these shortcake bars look amazing! I just found out I’m allergic to strawberries so I wonder how it would turn out if I could find another freeze dried berry? I might have to try it out! If not, I will make them for my husband- he’d love ’em!
Kristin 04.08.2014
We made these with freeze-dried raspberries in DC and they were fantastic!
Holli 04.07.2014
So glad for all the GF recipes! You think coconut oil would work instead of butter? We are dairy free.
Kristin 04.08.2014
Sure! Though I’d store them in the fridge. My nephew is also dairy free and my Mom makes him rice krispie treats with Earth Balance and they taste great too.
Jennifer Dennis 04.07.2014
Hey! Wish I knew you were in my area! Would’ve told you some good spots !;)
Shannon 04.07.2014
Strawberry shortcake is my FAVORITE dessert. Will be making these soon, THANKS:)
Donna 04.07.2014
Hi! These look like great easy snacks to make for my husband’s office. Unfortunately, we don’t have a Trader Joe’s within 2 hours of our home. Where else might I find freeze-dried strawberries? I assume these are not frozen strawberries. I’d like to make them this weekend if possible. Any suggestions? Thanks for you help and all of your inspiration!
Kristin 04.07.2014
I would look in the health food section of your grocery store!
Ellen 04.08.2014
Target also has freeze dried strawberries in the section with the trail mixes.