Copycat Kudos Bars
These Copycat Kudos Bars are deliciously simple to make, combining crunchy oats, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate for a nostalgic snack everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rice cereal offers that delightful crunch
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats adds a wholesome chewiness
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar provides a rich sweetness
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup or honey for a sticky binding
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt balances the sweetness
Wet Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melting into a golden, creamy delight
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter bringing that nutty essence
For Coating and Topping
- 1.5 cups semisweet chocolate chips perfect for a decadent chocolate finish
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil adds a silky texture to the melted chocolate
- 1 cup Mini M&Ms optional topping for a colorful flair
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by greasing an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and then line it with parchment paper.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the crunchy rice cereal and chewy rolled oats.
Making the Mixture
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the light brown sugar, corn syrup (or honey), unsalted butter, smooth peanut butter, and kosher salt. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a smooth syrup.
- Pour the warm syrup mixture over the cereal and oats, stirring gently until everything is well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly to compact the mixture evenly into the pan.
Setting and Coating
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 2 hours to firm up.
- Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into rectangles.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil together until smooth.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, fully coating one side and allowing excess to drip off.
Decoration
- Drizzle remaining melted chocolate over the dipped bars and sprinkle mini M&Ms on top.
- Return to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set firmly.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry mix. To store, keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze individually wrapped for longer storage. Variations can include dried fruits or protein powder.