M & M Crunchy Refrigerator Treat

I remember the first time I made these treats. It was for a school bake sale, and I was determined to bring something unique amidst the sea of chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes. I stumbled upon this recipe and thought, “Why not?” The resulting squares were a vibrant, crunchy, and utterly irresistible hit. Watching the kids’ eyes light up as they bit into the combination of chocolate and crispy cornflakes was pure joy, and I knew I had a winner.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Yields: 3 dozen
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Crisco
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 2/3 cups M&M’s
• 3 cups corn flakes

Equipment Needed

• Metal saucepan
• Metal spoon
• Wax paper
• Cookie sheet

Instructions

1. In a metal saucepan, combine Crisco and peanut butter.
2. Place the saucepan over low heat.
3. Melt the Crisco and peanut butter, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add the M&M’s to the melted mixture.
5. Using a metal spoon, gently crush and stir the M&M’s until the chocolate begins to melt. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate; you want it softened, not completely liquid.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
7. Add the corn flakes to the melted M&M mixture.
8. Mix the corn flakes thoroughly, ensuring they are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture. Work quickly but gently to avoid crushing the corn flakes too much.
9. Allow the mixture to stand for a few minutes to cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle.
10. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
11. Drop the mixture by your choice of measuring spoon onto the prepared wax paper. Vary the size of the treats, using a tablespoon for smaller bites, or a larger spoon for bigger servings. Space the treats evenly apart.
12. Chill the cookie sheet in the refrigerator until the treats are firmly set. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the temperature of your refrigerator.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Gentle Melting: Avoid overheating the chocolate by using low heat and stirring frequently. If the mixture gets too hot, remove it from the heat temporarily.
• Cornflake Crunch: For maximum crunch, don’t crush the cornflakes too much during mixing. Gently fold them into the chocolate mixture.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Instead of completely melting the peanut butter, try swirling it into the melted chocolate for a marbled effect.
• Customize Your M&M’s: Use different varieties of M&M’s for fun flavor combinations. Peanut M&M’s, pretzel M&M’s, or even seasonal flavors can add a unique twist.
• Make Ahead Magic: These treats are perfect for making ahead. Prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these M & M Crunchy Refrigerator Treats chilled, directly from the refrigerator. They are a delightful snack, perfect for parties, bake sales, or a sweet treat after dinner.

• Room Temperature: They can be left at room temperature for a short period, but they will soften. It’s best to keep them chilled for optimal texture.
• Refrigerator: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific amounts used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	269 kcal	13%
Total Fat	15 g	23%
Saturated Fat	7 g	35%
Cholesterol	3 mg	1%
Sodium	107 mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	36 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugars	26 g	52%
Protein	1 g	2%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

• Nut-Free Version: Substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free alternative.
• Different Cereals: Experiment with other crunchy cereals like Rice Krispies or Chex for a different texture.
• Dark Chocolate Delight: Use dark chocolate M&M’s and a touch of cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
• White Chocolate Dream: Swap the regular M&M’s for white chocolate M&M’s and add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the melted chocolate for a warm and spicy kick.
• Mix-ins: Consider adding other mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or mini marshmallows for added texture and flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a microwave instead of a saucepan to melt the chocolate?
A: Yes, you can. Melt the Crisco and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Then, proceed with the recipe as directed.

Q: What if my M&M’s are melting too quickly?
A: Remove the saucepan from the heat or reduce the microwave power level to prevent burning. Stir gently and frequently to distribute the heat evenly.

Q: How do I prevent the treats from sticking to the wax paper?
A: Ensure the wax paper is smooth and free of wrinkles. If the treats are still sticking, try lightly greasing the wax paper with cooking spray or butter.

Q: Can I use chocolate chips instead of M&M’s?
A: While you can use chocolate chips, the M&M’s provide a unique texture and color that are characteristic of this treat. Chocolate chips will melt differently and may not create the same effect.

Q: My treats are too soft. What did I do wrong?
A: This could be due to not chilling them long enough, or the ratio of chocolate to cornflakes being off. Ensure you chill them until completely firm and use the correct amount of cornflakes.

Final Thoughts

These M & M Crunchy Refrigerator Treats are more than just a recipe; they’re a delightful memory in the making. Their simplicity and satisfying crunch make them a crowd-pleaser, and the endless possibilities for customization mean you can create a unique version for every occasion. So, gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible treats. Share your creations and variations with me – I can’t wait to see what you come up with!