Mallow-Graham Bars

Think Rice Krispie treats, but with chunky graham crackers instead of cereal. These no-bake bars come together on the stovetop in minutes: melted marshmallows and margarine get stirred with coarsely chopped graham crackers, raisins, and roasted peanuts, then pressed into a pan to set.

The graham crackers stay in big, craggy pieces, so every bite has that honeyed crunch mixed with chewy marshmallow, plump raisins, and salty peanut crunch. It’s a trail mix turned into a bar you can eat with one hand.

The whole thing firms up in about an hour at room temperature. No oven needed, no baking skills required. This is the kind of recipe you hand to a kid and let them run with it.

Kitchen Tips

• Melt the marshmallows over low heat, stirring constantly; high heat scorches them and they turn grainy
• Chop the graham crackers coarsely so you get big, crunchy chunks rather than fine crumbs
• Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan with a greased spatula or damp hands
• Cut into bars once fully cooled and firm; cutting too early makes a crumbly mess

Variations

• Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots
• Use cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different nut flavor
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the top before they set for a s’mores-inspired version